Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has approved new regulatory requirements for juice shops, aiming to raise compliance levels, strengthen food safety, and ensure proper preparation, storage, and serving practices across the sector.

The ministry said the new rules define planning criteria for the locations of juice shops and kiosks, requiring them to operate within approved commercial zones or existing commercial centers.

Kiosks are prohibited near entrances or crowded areas unless a minimum distance of six meters is maintained. Installing kiosks in mall parking areas will be allowed only with municipal approval.

The regulations also require shops to provide separate functional areas for preparation, serving, and storage to ensure operational separation, improve cleanliness, and prevent contamination during beverage preparation.

According to the ministry, the rules introduce several preventive measures, including the need for a clear list of products, ingredients, and potential allergens, and a ban on serving any beverage without accurate information on preparation time and components.

Shops must also adhere to recommended refrigeration conditions and are prohibited from displaying or selling any products that do not meet Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) specifications.

The ministry stressed the importance of providing informational signage that includes the unified Saudi Business Center QR code and a clear price list, along with ensuring constant availability of electronic payment options.

Juice shops must also display health-awareness materials and provide sealed, clean waste containers, with a separate waste collection area away from preparation zones to maintain a safe operating environment.

The ministry confirmed that it will continue updating municipal requirements across commercial and service activities as part of its efforts to improve public health and enhance the quality of services in Saudi cities.