Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has shut down production lines at five meat and poultry processing plants after detecting violations related to microbiological contamination. The products were found to exceed the permissible limits for Salmonella and E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria, as stipulated in the approved standard (SFDA.FD/GSO 1016).

These violations are considered as serious due to their significant potential harm to consumers and the direct threat they pose to public health, as these bacteria are major causes of food poisoning. This constitutes a clear violation of food safety regulations.

This move is part of the SFDA's ongoing efforts to monitor products under its jurisdiction, thereby enhancing food safety and protecting consumers from health risks before they occur. This demonstrates the authority's unwavering commitment to implementing the highest quality and safety standards and protecting food products available in the Saudi market.

The SFDA affirmed that it had taken all necessary legal actions against the violators. "Those violating the Food Law and its executive regulations would face penalty of up to ten years of imprisonment, a fine of up to SR10 million or both," it said.

The authority emphasized its firm stance against all food-related violations and stated that it will not hesitate to impose all applicable penalties on those who compromise food safety. The authority urged consumers to cooperate with it by reporting any violations or irregularities concerning products under its supervision by calling the unified hotline number 19999.