The Saudi Food and Drug Authority reported that it prevented the entry of more than 301 tons of contaminated food materials into the Kingdom during the second quarter of this year, after they were proven to be contaminated with microbes that could lead to food poisoning.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority is the main regulatory body in the Kingdom responsible for the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices, and it oversees imported and local products.

Riyadh, Safar 09, 1448 AH corresponding to July 23, 2026, SPA - The Saudi Food and Drug Authority confirmed that it prevented the entry of more than (301) tons of violative food products into the Kingdom during the second quarter of this year, after they were proven to be contaminated with microbes that could lead to food poisoning. The SFDA explained that this measure is part of its regulatory efforts aimed at protecting consumer health and enhancing compliance with approved regulations and requirements, thereby confirming the effectiveness of its regulatory system in verifying the safety of food products and contributing to public health protection and food safety enhancement. In the same context, the Authority conducted (17,096) inspection visits to facilities under its supervision during the same period, resulting in the detection of (1,960) violative facilities and (1,016) violative products, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise compliance levels, verify the commitment of facilities under its supervision to approved regulations and technical standards, and enhance the safety of products circulating in markets. The SFDA drew attention to the necessity of adhering to official regulations and legislation, while at the same time affirming the continuation of its regulatory efforts on products and facilities under its supervision, and taking statutory actions against violators, which may include suspension of activity, imprisonment, or financial fines of up to (10) million Saudi Riyals. It also called on everyone to report observed violations via the unified number (19999). // End // 14:46 T M 0101

These efforts come within the Authority's strategy to enhance food security and protect public health. The intensive inspection visits indicate a higher level of oversight to ensure facilities' compliance with technical regulations. Fines of up to 10 million riyals represent a deterrent punishment for violators, along with the possibility of suspension of activity or imprisonment. Consumers can report violations via the unified number 19999, which enhances community participation in oversight.