A strategic step to enhance food safety in the Kingdom
In a decisive step aimed at strengthening the food safety system and protecting consumer health, 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. This decision aims to enhance deterrence against harmful practices and ensure that all food establishments adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety, from the initial stages of production to the final consumer.
General context: Within the objectives of Vision 2030
These amendments fall within the framework of ongoing national efforts to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes quality of life and public health. Since its establishment, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has served as a key regulatory and legislative body to ensure the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices. These new regulations align with global developments in food safety and underscore the Kingdom's commitment to implementing international best practices to protect its citizens and residents, while solidifying its position as a safe and reliable investment environment in the food sector.
The importance of the decision and its expected impact
This decision is of paramount importance on several levels. Domestically, the stricter penalties are expected to lead to a significant decrease in cases of food fraud and food poisoning, thereby boosting consumer confidence in products available in the market. Regionally and internationally, this step raises the standards of the Saudi market, compelling suppliers and exporters to adhere to the highest specifications, which will contribute to improving the quality of imported food products and enhance the reputation of Saudi exports.
Details of the new penalties: deterrence for violators and protection for the consumer
The amendments were based on Article (36) of the Food Law, taking into account the classification of establishments according to their size (large, medium, small, and micro) to ensure fairness and proportionality of penalties. The most prominent violations and fines included the following:
1. Licensing violations and commercial fraud
- Food adulteration or trading in food harmful to health: The fine reaches 100,000 riyals for large establishments, with the possibility of doubling it to reach 500,000 riyals in serious cases.
- Practicing the activity without a license: a fine of up to 30,000 riyals for large establishments, with no warning principle applied for this violation.
- Trading in unregistered products: A fine of 5,000 riyals for each unregistered product, up to a maximum of 50,000 riyals.
2. Obstructing oversight and inspection
To ensure that inspectors can perform their duties, strict penalties were imposed on any attempt to obstruct them:
- Preventing the inspector from entering the facility: a fine of up to 30,000 riyals.
- Obstructing the work of the inspector: a fine of up to 20,000 riyals.
- Disposing of reserved food without the authority's approval: a fine of up to 50,000 riyals.
3. Violations related to product withdrawals and recalls
Emphasis was placed on the responsibility of establishments to deal immediately with non-compliant products in order to protect public health:
- Failure to report a non-conforming product: a fine of up to 25,000 riyals.
- Failure to withdraw products from the markets: a fine of up to 30,000 riyals.
- Failure to execute withdrawal orders issued by the authority: a fine of up to 40,000 riyals.
4. Data security and consumer protection
The amendments paid particular attention to the honesty and transparency of information provided to the consumer:
- Lack of a nutritional label or misleading information: a fixed fine of 5,000 riyals per product.
- Failure to display allergen warnings: a violation that warrants an immediate fine to ensure consumer safety.
- Using misleading health or nutritional claims: a fine ranging between 3,000 and 5,000 riyals.
These strict measures confirm that food safety is not an option, but a red line that cannot be crossed, and that the General Authority for Food and Drug is continuing to strengthen its regulatory role to protect society and ensure a safe and healthy food environment for all.
