Saudi Arabia could soon enforce strict safety measures by imposing SR50,000 fines on unlicensed food establishments to significantly boost overall public safety. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has proposed additional penalties for facilities that house cats, dogs, or rodents, and swiftly doubles fines upon repeated violations.
The SFDA published the proposed amendments on the “Istitlaa” platform, inviting public opinion and suggestions before swiftly finalizing comprehensive food safety regulations. Moreover, businesses risk SR5,000 fines if they operate after license expiration or violate their approved scope without obtaining proper authorization.
Strict Progressive Penalties
Retail outlets face SR10,000 fines if they reopen before completing government-mandated closures and adhere to strict regulatory timelines without delay. Furthermore, authorities impose SR5,000 fines for tampering with confiscated materials or violating food disposal regulations in facilities without any exception.
Additionally, unauthorized animal slaughter in unlicensed locations incurs maximum penalties of SR2,000 to ensure strict compliance and protect public health.
Hygiene breaches attract fines ranging from SR200 to SR4,000, and penalties double upon repeated infractions within a 24-month period swiftly.
Regulations employ progressive penalties, doubling fines for repeat offenses within 24 months. Serious breaches quadruple fines within the same period. Importantly, fines apply per branch, ensuring fair application across chains. Therefore, penalties are branch-specific, maintaining consistency and fairness in enforcement.
Enhancing Food Safety and Public Consultation
SFDA inspections in 2023 registered nearly 8,000 violations, prompting immediate closures of 259 establishments for non-compliance to enforce strict regulations. Authorities report rapid improvements in food safety, and recent enforcement actions boost consumer confidence across Saudi Arabia for better outcomes.
Business owners must comply with updated regulations and submit accurate documentation to avoid severe penalties and prolonged operational disruptions immediately. Regulators actively monitor food establishments, and officials use advanced inspection techniques to detect violations and enforce compliance rigorously every day.
Consequently, these amendments aim to boost enforcement and ensure fair penalties, with food safety as the ultimate key goal. Across Saudi food businesses, SFDA ensures transparency through Istitlaa. Furthermore, it encourages public input, which strengthens regulations collaboratively and enhances public trust.
