Key Update

Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) launched sweeping enforcement actions to strengthen food and drug safety across the Kingdom. The authority shut down 54 facilities, suspended 52 production lines, seized expired and counterfeit products, and blocked the import of 40 tons of salmonella-contaminated poultry. These measures highlight SFDA’s commitment to protecting consumers and upholding strict regulatory standards.

Inspections and Penalties

SFDA inspection teams monitored food plants, bakeries, warehouses, cosmetic distributors, and medical device facilities. They identified 1,137 violations, issuing swift penalties that included closures, suspensions, and product testing. Authorities also acted against businesses operating without licenses or maintaining unhygienic conditions. The SFDA announced that intensified inspections will continue and urged citizens to report violations via the unified helpline 19999. The agency stressed that public health and safety remain top priorities, and violators will face strict legal action.

Role and Mandate of SFDA

Established in 2003 under a Council of Ministers’ resolution, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority functions as an independent regulator reporting directly to the President of the Council of Ministers. Its mandate is to safeguard public health by ensuring the safety and quality of food, medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, and chemical and biological substances.

Core Responsibilities

• Food Safety: Monitoring food quality, safety, and nutrition.
• Pharmaceutical Oversight: Approving new drugs and tracking existing ones.
• Medical Device Regulation: Enforcing safety and performance standards.
• Consumer Awareness: Educating the public on safe food and drug practices.

Safety Standards

To maintain consumer trust, the SFDA enforces rigorous food safety protocols, which include:

• Routine inspections of production facilities.
• Implementation of hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP).
• Setting permissible limits for contaminants and additives.

Through these measures, the SFDA reinforces its mission of protecting both human and animal health across the Kingdom.

Source: The Times of India