SFDA shuts down several food plants over food safety violations
Inspectors uncovered unsafe operating practices, contaminated equipment, expired products, and unlicensed staff across several Saudi food facilities
SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has shut down and suspended multiple operations in food processing facilities after uncovering serious food safety violations that pose public health risks.
In one facility producing pickles and ready meals, inspectors found poor hygiene, unsafe operating practices, and ineffective safety supervision.
These conditions are conducive to the growth of harmful pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli, and Salmonella spp., all of which are recognized for causing acute food poisoning and, in vulnerable populations, potentially life-threatening illness.
The facility failed to comply within the required timeframe given to correct the violations under Article 12 of the Food Law (Royal Decree No. M/38, dated 28/4/1440H). This led to the complete suspension of its production lines and the initiation of legal proceedings.
In a separate case, violations were detected at another facility producing ready-to-eat poultry products. These included employing unlicensed workers, lacking a valid HACCP food safety certification, storing expired food without clear separation, and using corroded, unsafe food-contact equipment.
The SFDA imposed fines under Article 20 of the Food Law’s executive regulations and partially suspended the facility’s operations until corrective measures are taken.
Additionally, the authority suspended 11 production lines across several dairy and frozen pastry plants after lab tests confirmed contamination with Clostridium perfringens, a common but potentially serious foodborne pathogen.
All facilities were instructed to implement corrective action plans within 30 days, including upgrading quality systems, retraining staff, and replacing non-compliant equipment. Follow-up inspections will ensure compliance.
The enforcement actions followed inspection campaigns carried out in June as part of SFDA’s proactive monitoring program to ensure compliance with national food safety standards and prevent potential foodborne illnesses.
The authority emphasized that these actions reflect its commitment to preventive public health protection and are supported by legal provisions allowing stringent measures, including suspension, imprisonment, or hefty fines.
The authority urged consumers to report any suspected food violations via the unified hotline (19999), affirming that food safety is a shared responsibility from production to the dining table.
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