JFDA proposes stricter penalties against health violators

AMMAN — The Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) has presented a proposal to Parliament that entails imposing stricter penalties against violators of food and drug regulations, JFDA Director General Hayel Obeidat said Saturday. 

During a meeting with Political and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Khaled Kalaldeh and secretaries general of several political parties, Obeidat said the JFDA does not allow the entry of meat, chicken and fish into Jordan whose shelf life is less than six months, stressing the importance of proper storage conditions and transport procedures. 

Referring to obstacles hindering the administration’s work, Obeidat cited conflict of interests, lack of human resources and shortcomings in the law, including inadequate penalties against violators.  

This year, the JFDA destroyed 4,465 tonnes of foodstuff that had either expired or was unfit for human consumption, he said.

Party leaders commended the administration’s efforts in safeguarding public health, calling for stiffening penalties against violators of health standards and granting the JFDA full authority to perform its duties.

They also called for amending the law to allow for publishing the names of violators in media outlets.