In March, the General Authority for Food and Drug Administration carried out an extensive series of inspections, completing a total of 6,531 audits across 4,254 establishments throughout various regions of the Kingdom. These rigorous inspections resulted in the identification of 1,621 non-compliant facilities and the seizure of 1,645 different types of products. This initiative is part of the authority’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of products under its supervision and to verify compliance with established standards and regulations.
Notably, one establishment faced a significant fine of 335,000 Saudi riyals for the illegal importation of unregistered and prohibited products via personal shipments. During these inspections, the authorities seized approximately 1,115 tons of products, comprising 207,130 individual packages. Furthermore, a food storage facility was closed down, leading to the confiscation of 71,710 cartons of food items due to its operation without the required authorization from the regulatory body. The facility was also found to be in violation of proper storage protocols, leading to a dangerous accumulation of products within the warehouse.
In addition to these actions, the inspections resulted in the closure of 41 establishments for failing to obtain the necessary permits. Three additional facilities were shut down due to violations that posed a risk to product safety. Furthermore, 16 production lines were halted as part of the enforcement measures.
In another significant development, inspectors discovered a storage office engaged in the unauthorized storage of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products within a commercial building. Approximately 11,000 medical and cosmetic items were confiscated from this location, and relevant criminal violations were referred to the appropriate legal authorities for further action.
The General Authority stressed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all products under its jurisdiction. It is dedicated to verifying compliance with health standards and regulations, playing an essential role in protecting public health. The authority is particularly keen on encouraging collaboration from the community, urging individuals to report any violations through its dedicated hotline at 19999. The role of consumers in supporting the regulatory framework is crucial, as it contributes to reducing health risks and minimizing cases of poisoning resulting from the circulation of substandard products.
The proactive measures taken by the General Authority reflect a robust approach to consumer safety, prioritizing the public’s health by maintaining high standards in product quality and compliance. This commitment is essential in fostering trust in the regulatory processes and ensuring that the products available in the market meet the established health and safety criteria.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the authority remains vigilant, continuously adapting its strategies to address emerging challenges in product safety. By maintaining an active presence through inspections and community engagement, the General Authority for Food and Drug Administration aims to create a safer environment for consumers and enhance the integrity of the marketplace.
