RIYADH (Kashmir English): Saudi Arabia has unveiled a series of new penalties to enforce stricter health and safety standards across the food sector.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has decided to impose fines ranging from SR500 to SR5,000 for smoking in the Kingdom’s food outlets.
According to details, individuals caught smoking in unauthorised areas of food outlets would face the toughest penalty—SR5,000.
The rules are aimed at curbing unhygienic practices, deceptive sales, and violations of food safety regulations to better safeguard consumers, according to the ministry.
Food workers failing to wear face masks or to properly cover their heads in preparation areas will now face fines of SR1,000 each.
Delivery workers who neglect to wear their official company uniforms will be fined SR500.
Other violations include serving frozen juices as freshly prepared, which carries a SR1,000 penalty, and unhygienic practices such as touching the face or spitting, punishable by fines of up to SR2,000.
Transparency in food supply chain
The ministry said that the measures are part of a broader effort to protect public health, strengthen consumer trust, and ensure transparency in the food supply chain.
The ministry has also directed food outlets and delivery services to comply fully to avoid penalties.
