Saudi FDA's New Regulations are Coming: Strict Enforcement of Nutrition Claims on August 21st, Millions of Dollar Fines Await You!

On August 21, 2024, Saudi Arabia's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made an important announcement. The circular aims to establish a series of specific requirements for health and nutrition claims for food products. This initiative is to ensure that consumers have accurate and transparent information when purchasing food, so that they can make informed healthy choices. In order to gather comments from the public and stakeholders, the FDA has set a feedback period until September 21, 2024.

The circular details several key elements. First, it clarifies which health and nutrition claims are allowed and specifies the specific requirements for these claims to be used on food labels. Secondly, the circular specifically states that food intended for infants and young children must not make arbitrary nutritional or health claims unless these claims strictly comply with the relevant product regulations. This is to protect the health of infants and young children by ensuring that the food they consume is safe and appropriate.

The notice also stressed that it does not apply to claims on foods that have special nutritional or medical uses, such as "suitable for people with diabetes," "gluten-free," or "for special medical purposes." These foods are often subject to more stringent regulations and standards to ensure they meet the health needs of specific populations.

When a health or nutrition claim is made on a food label, the specific value of the food ingredient in relation to the nutrition claim must be clearly stated on the label. Such regulations help consumers better understand the nutritional value of foods and make healthier choices.

The notice also includes a list of disallowed claims in foods, such as claims that not eating a food may affect health. Such claims often lack scientific basis and may mislead consumers, so they are explicitly prohibited.

Finally, the circular provides a list of permitted health and nutrition claims in food products. If substances or mixtures are added to or used in food, all requirements for each substance or ingredient must be complied with. This helps ensure that claims on food labels are accurate and reliable, while also providing clear guidance to producers.

Through these detailed regulations and requirements, the Saudi Arabian Food and Drug Authority aims to improve the transparency and accuracy of food labeling, protect the rights and interests of consumers, and promote the popularization of a healthy eating culture.