Bahrain health authorities have launched a tough new crackdown on food and smoking violations.

Consumers are being urged to immediately report their complaints on a hotline 39427743.

'Violations including sale of contaminated or expired food products should be reported for action to be taken,' Health Ministry assistant under-secretary for primary healthcare and public health Dr Mariam Al Jalahma said.

She announced a tougher crackdown on tobacco use, calling on people not to smoke in shopping malls and work places.

Dr Al Jalahma also warned them against lighting up in non-smoking areas. She called on parents to restrict their children from areas were cigarettes are sold to the underage.

'Billboards are being put up across Bahrain featuring the hotline and urging consumers to report violations,' she said.

The clampdown aims to protect the community and enhance health standards.

The health authorities are also seeking to combat teenage smoking and protect the young from passive smoking.

'Passive smoking can cause asthma, recurrent lung and ear inflammations which may lead to deafness,' she said.

Health Ministry inspectors are authorised to crack down on food and tobacco violations and refer those breaching the law to the Public Prosecution to face charges.

'Consumers should not turn a blind eye to such violations and help us enforce the zero-tolerance approach,' Dr Al Jalahma said.-TradeArabia News Service