Penalties for food fraud in Saudi Arabia: Fines up to half a million riyals
New legislation to enhance food safety in the Kingdom
In a significant regulatory step aimed at protecting public health and enhancing food safety in Saudi markets, the Board of Directors of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approved a comprehensive amendment to the schedule of violations and penalties stipulated in the Food Law and its implementing regulations. These updates aim to establish a rigorous regulatory framework that ensures all food establishments adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety, from the initial stages of production and manufacturing, through storage and transportation, to the final handling and distribution to the end consumer.
General context: Ongoing efforts within Vision 2030
These measures are part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, which prioritizes the quality of life and safety of citizens and residents. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals by updating and developing regulations and bylaws in line with global best practices. This amendment reflects the SFDA's commitment to keeping pace with developments in the food industry and closing any loopholes that could be exploited for commercial fraud or negligence that might endanger consumer health.
The importance and expected impact of the decision
These amendments are expected to have a wide-ranging positive impact. Domestically, the deterrent penalties will raise compliance levels in food establishments and incentivize them to implement effective internal control systems, thus reducing incidents of food contamination and fraud. Regionally and internationally, the stricter standards will enhance the reputation of Saudi food products and increase their competitiveness in global markets, while also ensuring that imported products adhere to the same standards of quality and safety, providing comprehensive consumer protection.
Strict penalties for food fraud and obstructing inspections
The new regulations impose severe penalties for serious violations that directly affect food safety. Fines can reach 100,000 riyals for large establishments that trade in adulterated or harmful food. The penalty increases significantly in more serious cases, reaching 500,000 riyals per product when food containing prohibited derivatives or toxic substances is traded. The regulations also prioritize ensuring the smooth operation of inspection processes, imposing fines of up to 30,000 riyals for preventing an inspector from entering the establishment or obstructing their work, and 100,000 riyals for operating after a closure order has been issued.
Strict controls on licensing and transparency of information
The amendments did not overlook essential regulatory aspects, imposing fines of up to 30,000 riyals on large establishments operating without a license. They also mandated that establishments register their food products with the authority, imposing a fine of up to 5,000 riyals for each unregistered product, with a maximum fine of 50,000 riyals. To protect consumers from misleading information, a fine of 5,000 riyals was set for each product lacking a nutritional label or containing misleading information, with a focus on the mandatory disclosure of allergens on menus and labels.
A fair classification of penalties that takes into account the size of the establishments
Based on Article (36) of the Food Law, the Authority ensured the application of the principle of fairness and proportionality in imposing penalties. Food establishments were classified into four categories according to their size (large, medium, small, and micro), in addition to being divided into regulatory categories (A, B, C, and D). This classification ensures that the fine is proportionate to the size of the establishment and the nature of the violation, thus achieving the desired deterrence without harming small and medium-sized enterprises, which constitute a vital part of the national economy.
Strict monitoring of the supply chain and storage
The amendments encompassed all stages of the food supply chain, imposing fines of up to 20,000 riyals for mixing food with chemicals such as pesticides and detergents during storage or transport. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of adhering to transport and storage requirements, particularly regarding temperature and cold chains, with penalties of up to 10,000 riyals for non-compliance with these vital food safety requirements.
