MAKKAH, March 8 (Bernama-SPA) -- The Municipality of the Holy City of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, has heightened its preparedness ahead of Ramadan by intensifying the inspection of food samples displayed and prepared in markets, restaurants, and stalls around the Masjid al-Haram area.

The municipality stated that three mobile laboratories have been deployed starting Thursday, in addition to a central laboratory, to analyse food and water samples that will be sold or provided to visitors around the Masjid al-Haram throughout Ramadan.

"This is crucial for preserving public health and as a first line of defence to prevent any diseases and health risks associated with food safety," said the municipality as quoted by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Besides accelerating the food sample inspection procedures, the mobile laboratories aim to swiftly address food poisoning cases.

"The test results take between one to 18 hours, and each laboratory can analyse about 500 samples per day," the municipality said.

The mobile laboratories will also be a key driver in strengthening the food safety system in the Holy City during the Haj and Umrah seasons.

-- BERNAMA-SPA