Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has taken punitive measures against erring food establishments in various regions of Saudi Arabia. It affirmed zero tolerance for any violations affecting food safety.

Inspection teams from SFDA, in coordination with relevant government agencies, detected a number of violations related to food safety and quality as part of their ongoing inspections of food establishments. This inspection aims to enhance proactive oversight and limit any practices that lead to contamination or food poisoning.

The inspections resulted in the seizure of more than two tons of food of unknown origin, in addition to the destruction of approximately 200 kg of spoiled products unfit for human consumption. Large quantities of food stored in conditions that do not comply with health requirements and standards were also detected at a residential site run by expatriate workers. The workers were arrested and legal action was taken against them.

In a related development, the SFDA halted production lines at a food factory after seizing approximately 150 kg of products of unknown origin. The inspection tours revealed several violations affecting product safety, including the possession of unknown raw materials and a clear decline in hygiene standards, which led to spreading of insects inside the raw materials warehouse, along with rust in food preparation equipment, the use of ineffective insect traps, and the presence of expired materials in the production hall. The emergency door was also found as a direct passage for workers to the production area, in violation of safe entry standards for food establishments.

These measures are part of the precautionary oversight process aimed at protecting consumers and highlight the effectiveness of coordination and integration between relevant authorities in ensuring establishments' compliance with safety and quality standards.

The authority reiterated that it has taken all necessary legal measures against violators, noting that violating the Food Law and its executive regulations is punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding ten years or a fine of up to SR10 million, or both. The authority stressed its continued efforts to monitor food establishments' compliance with regulatory requirements, calling for reporting any violations via the unified number 19999.