Riyadh: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, in cooperation with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), has launched an updated Food System Violations Table aimed at enhancing food safety, strengthening regulatory compliance among food establishments, and contributing to an integrated effort to protect public health and develop the national food control system.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the updated classifications take into account the size of establishments and the nature of their economic activity, ensuring fairness in the application of penalties and encouraging small and medium enterprises to comply with regulations without discrimination.

The revised system also covers new aspects of the food supply chain, including the role of delivery personnel, food tracking, handling food poisoning cases, and maintaining food records. Emphasis is placed on documentation and transparency as key measures to protect both consumers and establishments.

To promote consumer awareness, stricter requirements have been introduced for menus, particularly regarding salt, caffeine, and physical activity content, to support healthy lifestyles and empower individuals to make informed food choices.

The ministry and the SFDA stressed that the updated classifications represent an integrated oversight approach focused on prevention rather than punishment. They reiterated that food safety is a fundamental commitment and that penalties serve as a systematic tool to protect society from negligence in public health practices.

Food establishments are urged to strictly adhere to food safety standards in accordance with approved regulations and legislation. The updated Food System Violations Table is available on the ministry’s website.