SFDA Implements New Regulations To Enhance Community Nutrition And Public Health

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has introduced three new technical regulations to enhance public health and promote healthier eating habits. These measures are part of Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to increase life expectancy and lower chronic disease rates. The regulations require restaurants and cafes to disclose caffeine content, label high salt content, and indicate calorie burn from physical activity on their menus.

The "Caffeine Content Disclosure" regulation mandates that restaurants and cafes clearly display caffeine levels in beverages on both paper and electronic menus. This information should be provided in milligrams per 100ml or per cup. Additionally, a statement will inform consumers that the recommended maximum daily caffeine intake for adults is 400mg. To assist consumers further, SFDA has launched an online caffeine calculator available at https://www.sfda.gov.sa/en/body-calculators/caffeine-calculator.

Another regulation focuses on high salt content labeling. Restaurants and cafes must now identify menu items containing more than 5 grams of salt (equivalent to 2,000mg sodium) by placing a "Salt" icon on all menus, including those used for online food orders. This initiative aims to raise awareness about high-sodium foods and reduce excessive salt consumption, which can lead to various health issues.

The "Physical Activity Calorie Burn Labeling" regulation requires eateries to show the time needed to burn off calories from menu items. This will be done using icons that illustrate the necessary physical activity along with the duration required, either in minutes or hours. These measures aim to empower consumers with information to make healthier dietary choices.

These new regulations build upon the healthy food strategy initiated in 2018 by SFDA. The strategy's goal is to improve public health by providing healthier food options and enabling consumers to make informed decisions about their diets. SFDA plans to work closely with the restaurant and cafe industry to ensure these regulations are effectively implemented.

Collaboration and Resources

SFDA encourages specialists and interested parties to review these approved technical regulations through the "Mwasfah" online store at https://mwasfah.sfda.gov.sa/Home. For any technical inquiries related to these new measures, individuals can contact SFDA via their unified number 19999.

The introduction of these regulations marks a significant step towards promoting healthier lifestyles in Saudi Arabia. By providing clear information on caffeine, salt content, and calorie burn, SFDA aims to support consumers in making better dietary choices while aligning with broader national health objectives.

With inputs from SPA