Saudi eateries to install kitchen screens

Saudi authorities have told restaurants across the oil-rich Gulf Kingdom to install large screens inside their kitchens so customers will see the place all the time.

Municipal authorities said this would ensure safety and force all restaurants to comply with hygienic rules following reports of massive violations.

“All restaurants must install screens and abide by the other rules for safety. Those which are found to be violating the new rules will be shut down permanently,” ‘Arar’ newspaper said, quoting a statement by the ministry of municipal affairs.

Arar said the new order complements rules announced by the ministry in late 2014 for eateries to let customers see the kitchen all the time.

The rules mean that restaurants across the largest Arab economy must ensure that the wall separating the eating hall from the kitchen must not be higher than one metre and that the remaining barrier must be only glass.

“This means the customers can see the kitchen all the time and know how the food is prepared.

“Restaurants found to be violating these rules after the end of the deadline given to them will be shut down immediately,” the ministry said.

The report did not specify the deadline for the enforcement of the decision, which follows news of massive health violations by restaurants in the Gulf kingdom of around 30 million people, including nearly 10 million expatriates.

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