SFDA New Rules for Saudi Restaurants & Delivery Apps: A Guide for Compliance

TLDR:

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has introduced new regulations that require restaurants, food delivery apps, and cloud kitchens to display calorie information, allergens, and other nutritional details on their menus. The regulations will be implemented in two phases: starting November 30, 2024, and July 1, 2025. Non-compliance will lead to penalties. NutriCal offers a cost-effective solution to help businesses meet these requirements with accurate nutrient calculations and clear labeling.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has recently introduced new regulations aimed at enhancing consumer transparency and safety across the Kingdom’s food industry. These regulations will apply to restaurants, cloud kitchens, food delivery apps, catering services, and food brands that serve or deliver food to consumers.

These measures align with Saudi Vision 2030 and are designed to encourage healthier food choices by providing clearer nutritional information. The regulations will be implemented in two phases:

The Two Phases of SFDA Regulations:

Phase 1: Starting November 30, 2024

• Display of Calorie Information: All restaurants and food establishments must display calorie information on their menus (SFDA.FD 2604).
• Disclosure of Allergens: Menus must include allergen information, ensuring customers are informed about potential allergens in their food (SFDA.FD 2605).

Phase 2: Starting July 1, 2025

• Caffeine Content Disclosure: All beverages must list their caffeine content (SFDA.FD 5023).
• Physical Activity Labels: Restaurants will be required to include physical activity labels on their menus (SFDA.FD 5029).
• High-Sodium Meal Labeling: High-sodium meals must be clearly labeled on menus (SFDA.FD 5026).

Who Does This Apply To?

These regulations apply to a wide range of food-related businesses, including:

• Restaurants
• Cloud Kitchens
• Cafes and Coffee Shops
• Food Delivery Apps
• Catering Services
• Food Brands and Manufacturers

If your business falls under any of these categories, compliance is mandatory. It’s crucial to make adjustments to your processes now to meet the SFDA requirements and avoid penalties.

Why These Regulations Matter:

The goal of these regulations is to provide consumers with clearer and more transparent information, encouraging healthier eating habits. This will help combat rising obesity rates in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. By reducing sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in food products, the SFDA aims to improve public health in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Non-Compliance Penalties:

Non-compliance with SFDA regulations will result in financial penalties for food businesses. Therefore, it’s important for all food establishments to update their menus and operational processes in order to align with these new rules.

The Importance of Nutritional Labeling in Saudi Arabia:

These regulations build on the 2018 initiative that required food establishments to display calorie content on their menus. Research has shown that while 88% of products are heading in the right direction, 38% are still not fully compliant with SFDA guidelines, especially regarding the disclosure of fat, sugar, and sodium content.

Accurate nutritional labeling is essential for consumers to make informed choices about their health. The SFDA’s updated regulations require clear labeling of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and total sugars.

Compliance Options for Food Businesses:

There are several ways food businesses can ensure they meet the SFDA’s new requirements:

1. Laboratories: Food labs can test products to determine nutritional content. This method is precise but can be time-consuming and expensive.
2. Certified Nutritionists or Companies: Nutrition experts can help calculate calories and other nutrients using nutrition programs and databases.
3. Nutritional Analysis Software (e.g., NutriCal ): NutriCal provides a modern, cost-effective solution, leveraging comprehensive databases to ensure accurate labeling for calories, allergens, and other nutritional details.

Why Choose NutriCal for SFDA Compliance?

NutriCal offers several key benefits for businesses aiming to comply with SFDA regulations:

• Accurate Nutrient Calculations: NutriCal uses advanced algorithms and an extensive food database to ensure precise nutrient calculations, minimizing compliance risks.
• Updated Database: The NutriCal database includes over 40,000 ingredients, incorporating data from global sources, including the USDA, GCC, and other regions.
• User-Friendly Interface: NutriCal is easy to use, allowing businesses to create recipes, manage menus, and generate QR codes for their customers.
• Customization: NutriCal can accommodate unique product formulations and nutrition claims, making it ideal for diverse food businesses.

By using NutriCal, food businesses can confidently navigate the regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance with SFDA rules while providing clear, transparent information to their consumers.

Conclusion:

The new SFDA regulations are an important step towards improving the health and wellness of the Saudi population. With penalties for non-compliance, food businesses, including restaurants, cloud kitchens, and food delivery apps, must adapt quickly. NutriCal provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for ensuring compliance with these new requirements while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s health goals.

Click www.nutrical.co to book a free demo with NutriCal and start your journey towards full compliance with SFDA labeling regulations.

Refrences:

• Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), "Regulations for Food Establishments in Saudi Arabia," published November 2024.
• Research on food labeling compliance in Saudi Arabia, 2024.

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