The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has closed the production lines of five factories producing meat and poultry products after detecting non-compliance cases, as their products exceeded the microbial limits for Salmonella and E. coli according to the approved standard regulation (SFDA.FD/GSO 1016). These violations are considered severe due to their significant harm to consumers and the direct threat they pose to public safety, being among the main causes of food poisoning. This constitutes a clear breach of food-related laws and regulations.
This measure comes as part of the authority’s procedures to monitor products under its supervision, in order to enhance food safety and protect consumers from health risks before they occur—reflecting the SFDA’s firm commitment to applying the highest standards of quality and safety and safeguarding products circulated in Saudi markets.
The authority confirmed that it has taken all legal measures against the violators, noting that violations of the Food Law and its executive regulations can result in penalties of up to ten years in prison, fines of up to ten million riyals, or both.
It emphasized its strictness regarding all food-related violations and asserted it will not hesitate to impose full penalties on anyone who exposes food to risks. The SFDA also called on consumers to cooperate by reporting any violations or infringements affecting products under its supervision via the unified hotline (19999).
