Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing has set the dates for implementing regulations and requirements by groceries (baqala) and food supply stores (tamweenat).

The implementation of the new regulations is divided into two phases, with the first beginning on Feb. 10 and the second on June 29.

As part of the first phase regulations, all supply stores need to have valid licenses, must display price tag on all products and install surveillance cameras.

The regulations, which will be implemented in the second phase, include making available of electronic system for issuing invoices; fulfilling specifications regarding the new name boards and having a fully transparent façade.

The ministry clarified in a statement that the regulations of the second phase also include cleanliness of floors, ceilings, walls, shelves, storage places, as well as cooling and freezing units and their surroundings, and adherence to the minimum distance between shelves, in addition to keeping cleaning equipment and tools away from foodstuffs, besides having movable fire extinguishing cylinders and hanging first aid box.