Najaf orders food venues to install kitchen cameras with live feeds for customers

NAJAF — The governor of Najaf has ordered all cafés, restaurants and coffee shops in the governorate to install surveillance cameras in their kitchens and storage areas, with live footage displayed on screens for customers.

In an official directive, Gov. Youssef Meki Kanawi said the decision aims “to protect the safety and health of citizens and provide the best services to the residents of the city.

“All cafés, coffee shops and restaurants must install surveillance cameras in their kitchens and storage areas and display the live broadcast on screens in the customer halls to build trust,” the order stated.

Establishments have 15 days from the date of the directive to comply; those failing to meet the deadline face legal action. The order was circulated to the Najaf Police Command, the General Directorate of Security, the Directorate of Organized Crime, and the Directorate of Tourism Security to ensure enforcement.

Najaf’s move follows rumors on social media alleging that Syrian restaurant workers planned to poison thousands of Iraqis—claims the Baghdad Operations Command dismissed as baseless. “This news is unfounded and has no basis in reality,” the command said, urging the public and media to rely on official sources and refrain from sharing unverified reports.

The move by Najaf’s governor to increase surveillance in food establishments comes as Baghdad Operations Command dismissed social media rumors claiming Syrian restaurant workers were plotting to poison thousands of Iraqis. “This news is baseless and has no foundation in reality,” the command said, urging media and the public to rely on official sources and avoid spreading unverified claims.

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