Muscat: Dhofar Municipality, through the Health Control Section of the Department of Health Affairs, has intensified its inspection campaigns on food establishments across the governorate.
Aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring compliance with hygiene regulations, the inspections have led to the closure of five food establishments due to their clear violation of health requirements.
18 food-related activities were found to be in violation owing to poor food handling and inadequate hygiene at preparation and storage sites. These violations were uncovered during routine inspections conducted across both morning and evening shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
The municipality confirmed that all incoming reports are actively monitored, and legal measures are taken against non-compliant businesses.
As part of its early preparations for the Dhofar Khareef Season 2025, the Health Control Department has launched rehabilitation and maintenance works on the popular coconut kiosks, a seasonal highlight for visitors.
The upgrades include structural modifications of kiosks to comply with public safety requirements, enhancing appearance of booths in line with the season’s aesthetic identity, replacement of worn-out cutting tools with health-approved alternatives, prohibiting the use of plastic water bottles for bottling coconut water, and strict enforcement of selling only locally sourced products.
Closure measures have also been taken against a number of businesses that did not comply with previous warnings and notices.
The Health Control Department reiterates its commitment to continue implementing inspection activities as part of a comprehensive plan to ensure safe and high-quality food services for both residents and visitors throughout the Khareef tourism season.
