Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in partnership with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, has released a revised version of the Food System Violations Table to enhance public health and ensure compliance within the food industry.
The new regulations apply to five categories of food businesses, as reported by Gulf Business. These include restaurants that offer both dine-in and delivery services, cafés that serve drinks and snacks, cloud kitchens that handle online orders without on-site dining, and food kiosks in shopping malls and marketplaces.
The updated framework takes into account the size of food establishments and their specific economic activities.
The revisions introduce new considerations related to the food supply chain, including the responsibilities of delivery personnel, mechanisms for food tracking, management of food poisoning incidents and the upkeep of food records.
All establishments must adhere to the Saudi Building Code, which specifies requirements for electrical systems, ventilation, air conditioning and sanitation.
Establishments are required to implement non-slip flooring, use fire and moisture-resistant ceiling materials, and maintain effective drainage systems.
Operational guidelines stipulate that food workers must wear professional uniforms, carry identification, maintain personal hygiene and not reside on the premises. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.
The updates are part of a broader initiative to standardise procedures, improve regulatory oversight and enhance service quality across the food sector in the kingdom.
The reforms are intended to move Saudi Arabia towards a more integrated national food control system, aligned with global public health and safety standards.
A significant addition to the regulations is the requirement for food establishments to provide clear menu information regarding salt and caffeine levels, as well as physical activity equivalents, to assist consumers in making informed dietary choices, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.
