The Director General of the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), Nizar Muhaidat, confirmed Wednesday the safety of shawarma meals in restaurants in the Ain Al-Basha and Al-Baqa'a regions, denying the validity of rumors which were circulated about suspected cases of food poisoning and food spoilage there.

In a press release issued by JFDA, Muhaidat explained that JFDA teams, in cooperation with the Balqa Health Directorate, carried out a joint inspection visits to an accused restaurant June 10, 2021, and took extensive samples of the food and meals prepared at the restaurant.

Laboratory test results confirmed their safety and suitability for human consumption.

Muhaidat indicated that the inspection teams carried out a comprehensive field survey of all shawarma restaurants and their kitchens in the Ain Al-Basha and Al-Baqa’a regions, and withdrew a total of 40 samples of ready-made meals and their foodstuff components, including chicken and garlic for testing.

The results also indicated their suitability for human consumption.

Muhaidat emphasized the JFDA's continuous follow-up of shawarma restaurants in the areas through periodic inspection tours, pointing out that 16 inspection visits were carried out to these restaurants during the past three months, which resulted in warning 15 restaurants and the closure of five.

The JFDA calls for individuals to contact them for inquiries or tips on the toll-free complaint line 117114, or via e-mail at [email protected], or through WhatsApp on the number 0795632000.