Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested an illegal worker running a seafood trading company for falsifying expiry dates on packaging. The owner violated anti-commercial fraud regulations by altering expiry dates on imported fish and shrimp products and promoting them as locally produced to deceive consumers.
In addition to the owner’s arrest, 13 company employees were referred to the Public Prosecution for suspected involvement in commercial fraud and concealment. The seized items, totalling 264 tonnes of seafood including fish, shrimp, crab sticks, and crabs, along with over 800,000 packages, were confiscated, destroyed, and prevented from reaching sales outlets.
The Ministry of Commerce, in collaboration with Riyadh Region Police, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, and Riyadh Region Municipality, shut down the company’s headquarters and warehouse located in central and east Riyadh, respectively. This crackdown underscores the government’s commitment to combating fraudulent practices in the seafood trade.
The incident highlights the importance of stringent enforcement measures to safeguard consumers from deceptive practices and ensure the integrity of the food supply chain. Authorities remain vigilant in monitoring and regulating businesses to maintain public trust and safety.