RIYADH: Riyadh experienced a wave of food poisoning cases caused by Clostridium botulinum on Thursday.
The outbreak was linked to the consumption of food from the local Hamburgini fast-food restaurant chain, leading to several hospitalizations.
Ministry of Health spokesperson Dr. Mohammed Al-Abd Al-Aly provided an update on his X account on Saturday, detailing the impact of the outbreak and the steps being taken to manage it.
He said: “Six cases have fully recovered after receiving appropriate health care, and two have been safely discharged. However, 35 individuals remain hospitalized, with 28 of them in intensive care.”
Clostridium botulinum contamination in food can cause botulism, a serious illness resulting from the neurotoxin the bacteria produces. Botulism can cause severe complications, paralysis and death, if not treated promptly. CB is commonly associated with improperly processed canned goods, home-canned vegetables, and cured meats.
The symptoms of this type of food poisoning can range from mild gastrointestinal issues to more severe signs like double vision, difficulty breathing, and paralysis.
The outbreak was first brought to light on Thursday when Riyadh Municipality received a report of food poisoning cases linked to the Hamburgini restaurant chain.
In response, health oversight teams promptly initiated an investigation and began monitoring the situation. By 10 p.m. Thursday all locations, branches, and the main catering factory of the restaurant chain in Riyadh were ordered to close.
Strict health protocols were implemented to contain the outbreak and prevent additional cases of food poisoning.
Delivery services through the facility or via applications were suspended, and coordination efforts were initiated with key bodies, including the Ministry of Health, the Food and Drug Authority, and the Public Health Authority.
On Friday, Nawaf Al-Fozan, the founder and CEO of Hamburgini, uploaded an official video response to the restaurant’s Instagram page, confirming the chain is involved in the outbreak.
Even though the municipality ordered the closing of all restaurants and related facilities due to food poisoning, Al-Fozan said: “We took the initiative to close directly and cancel all orders from all sales outlets and delivery applications. However, the reason, of course, has not been disclosed by the authorities.”
He stated that Hamburgini operates according to global quality standards in food hygiene and safety. “We strive to provide an ideal experience for our customers with high quality and standard specifications. We wish health and safety to everyone who has suffered harm.”
Al-Fozan added: “We are working with all concerned authorities to take all necessary measures and precautions, and we will keep you updated.”
The Health Ministry emphasized the importance of obtaining information from official sources to ensure accurate and reliable guidance. It also expressed gratitude for the authorities’ efforts in reducing the risk of infection and treating those affected.
Saudi health officials investigate food poisoning outbreak at Riyadh restaurant chain
https://arab.news/g6ycq
Saudi health officials investigate food poisoning outbreak at Riyadh restaurant chain
- The outbreak was linked to the consumption of food from the local Hamburgini fast-food restaurant chain
- Clostridium botulinum contamination in food can cause botulism, a serious illness resulting from the neurotoxin the bacteria produces
First group of Ivorian pilgrims benefiting from Makkah Route Initiative arrive in holy city
- The 200 pilgrims were received on arrival by Ithraa Al-Khair Company
- The Makkah Route Initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries
RIYADH: The first group of Ivorian pilgrims benefiting from the Makkah Route Initiative arrived in Makkah on Saturday for this year’s Hajj.
The 200 pilgrims were received on arrival by Ithraa Al-Khair Company, a company offering Hajj services to around 200,000 pilgrims from 48 non-Arab African countries.
The Makkah Route Initiative aims to provide high-quality services to Hajj pilgrims from beneficiary countries.
As part of the initiative, biometric data is collected in the pilgrim’s home country and the necessary procedures are carried out there. An electronic Hajj visa is also issued in the pilgrim’s country.
The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Passports ensure that health requirements are met before pilgrims enter the country, and baggage is coded and sorted according to transportation and accommodation arrangements.
Pilgrims are transported to their residences in Makkah and Madinah by bus and partner agencies transport their luggage separately.
Saudi crown prince congratulates new crown prince of Kuwait
Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, congratulated Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah on his appointment as Crown Prince of Kuwait.
“On the occasion of your appointment as Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations and best fraternal wishes for your success," the Saudi crown prince said.
"I look forward to further cooperation, building on the strong historical relations between our two brotherly countries and peoples. Wishing Your Highness good health and happiness, and the brotherly people of Kuwait continued progress and prosperity,” he added.
‘Transformative’ yoga and meditation event held in Jeddah
- Showcase provided perfect balance for all levels of practitioners
JEDDAH: Clothing company Lululemon organized an event prior to International Yoga Day — which takes place later this month — led by Lana Nazer, founder and CEO of Karama Yoga, at Shangri-La Hotel in Jeddah.
The Lululemon ambassador — speaking about “Yoga Flow with Live Music” — said: “With over 1,000 signups for our sessions on this day, I am honored to share something I am passionate about with my community. My aim is for every individual in Saudi Arabia to try yoga at least once to discover a more mindful approach to living.”
Nazer’s signature class showcased a perfect balance for all levels of practitioners, incorporating yoga breathwork, meditation, and dynamic movements to demonstrate that yoga can be both fun and accessible.
She emphasized the importance of making yoga less intimidating for newcomers, while integrating modern living into her teachings.
Nazer expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of Sports for its dedication to promoting yoga and wellness in Saudi Arabia, and noted an increased interest in the country.
She said: “I am confident that Saudi Arabia is poised to become a hub for yoga in the future.
“As awareness grows and more individuals embrace this lifestyle, there is ample opportunity for education and introduction to holistic well-being.”
She added that people in the Kingdom were eager to adopt healthier practices, seek balance in their lives, and reduce stress, whether they are working mothers, men, women, or community leaders.
She added: “While we have made significant progress, there is still a considerable journey ahead of us but I’m extremely optimistic.”
Reflecting on the significance of the International Day of Yoga, which takes place on June 21, she said: “It’s a day to celebrate community, mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
“It’s a day to celebrate being happy, healthy, and doing something mindful with people you love. It’s also a celebration of how yoga has changed lives and made a positive impact within communities.”
Khaled Nahfawi, a renowned yoga and meditation instructor, led a guided meditation yoga journey with the use of sound bowls, crystal balls and Tibetan voice.
He said: “The aim is to take people on a journey of relaxation, combining yoga with meditation and the therapeutic effects of sound bowls.
“During my workshop we focused on sound, starting with a brief yoga flow to prepare the body and mind for meditation. Yoga has changed my life, and I’m happy to introduce it to others to potentially change theirs.”
Nahfawi stressed the importance of raising awareness through yoga and meditation, especially among youngsters.
He emphasized the transformative power of mindfulness practices in promoting overall well-being and mental clarity, adding: “As yoga teachers, healers, and meditation instructors, it is essential to elevate awareness, especially among the youth.”
Sarah Hamed attended Nazer’s yoga session and called it “truly transformative,” adding: “Her approach to yoga made it accessible and enjoyable for beginners like me. I left feeling rejuvenated and inspired to incorporate mindfulness into my daily routine.”
Saudi Arabia, UNEP to host World Environment Day on June 5
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the UN Environment Programme will mark World Environment Day on June 5, to be held this year under the theme “Our Land, Our Future.”
The ceremony will be at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, and will be attended by dignitaries, officials, as well as experts and specialists from various countries.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, by hosting World Environment Day the Kingdom confirms its commitment to protect the environment and promote sustainable development, in line with the Vision 2030 goals.
Focus will be on land restoration, combating desertification, and ensuring drought resilience. The event will emphasize the need for global investment in nature conservation, land rehabilitation and sustainable practices.
The event highlights the importance of national and international collaboration and aims to promote efforts to rehabilitate worldwide ecosystems to achieve sustainable development goals.
The ministry also said that World Environment Day activities will help bolster the Kingdom’s efforts in land restoration and rehabilitation, and display Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in this respect at national, regional and international levels, which focus on vegetation development, combating desertification, protecting natural habitats and reducing carbon emissions.
The event will also reinforce the G20 Global Land Initiative, launched during the Kingdom’s presidency of the G20 Summit in 2020. It will call for effective global participation in the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, scheduled to convene in Riyadh this December.
World Environment Day is one of the largest global platforms for environmental outreach, supporting vital ecosystem restoration work worldwide.
Countries worldwide have committed to restoring 1 billion hectares of land, protecting 30 percent of land and sea for nature and restoring 30 percent of the planet’s degraded ecosystems.
Supporting the 2030 agenda for a sustainable, resilient world, World Environment Day 2024 will boost climate action efforts by gathering support for ecosystem restoration.
Earlier, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli said Saudi Arabia takes a holistic approach to the environment, focusing on protecting the natural environment and preserving biodiversity.
He said that the country has implemented a suite of national legislation, strategies and plans dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability, such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives.
Al-Fadhli said Saudi Arabia had a central role in initiating the Reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats Initiative, a show of its ongoing commitment to global involvement.
Saudi project clears 1,406 Houthi mines in Yemen
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam cleared 1,406 mines in Yemen — which had been planted by the Houthi militia — between May 25 to 31, according to a recent report.
Overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, the project’s specialist teams destroyed 1,326 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 68 anti-tank mines, 10 anti-personnel mines, and two improvised explosive devices.
The explosives, which were planted indiscriminately by the Houthis across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.
The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.
A total of 444,858 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.
The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.
About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines, according to the Project Masam website.
Masam teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
