As part of the efforts of the state to ensure the public safety and health of every citizen and resident on its land, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, along with HRH the Crown Prince - may Allah protect them - followed with great attention the food poisoning incident that occurred in a restaurant in Riyadh.
The relevant authorities, including ministries, agencies, and committees, received royal directives to investigate the incident. Detailed reports were issued around the clock regarding the circumstances, causes, and perpetrators of the poisoning, including the results of laboratory tests on samples taken from several establishments, as well as reports on the medical care provided to those suspected of food poisoning.
During the initial hours of the epidemiological investigation, it was confirmed that the poisoning was limited to a restaurant in Riyadh. Efforts were made to determine the type and cause of the poisoning through precise laboratory tests conducted in local research labs, in cooperation with international labs specialized in food poisoning.
It was unequivocally established through the results of these labs that the source of the poisoning was in a specific food additive; this source was immediately identified and completely removed from the markets and food establishments in all regions of the kingdom.
Reassuring every citizen and resident that the incident has been contained and overcome, the Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority confirms that accountability measures will be taken against anyone found to be negligent in ensuring public safety and health, or who engages in actions aimed at obstructing the investigation and concealing facts related to the causes of the poisoning.
Initial investigations by Nazaha indicated attempts to hide or destroy evidence, and possible collusion by a few unscrupulous individuals among food establishment inspectors who sought personal gain at the expense of public safety and health.
Royal directives were issued to hold every official accountable, regardless of their position, who failed or delayed in fulfilling their responsibilities in a way that contributed to the poisoning or delayed response to its consequences. Therefore, A high committee has been formed to verify and monitor the implementation of these measures.