Saudi FDA Issues Comprehensive Food Transportation Guidelines

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued a comprehensive circular (FS-CIR-004-V1/250515) dated June 2, 2025, establishing strict guidelines for food products transportation. This regulatory update introduces mandatory requirements that will significantly impact food logistics operations throughout Saudi Arabia.

Key Requirements Overview

The circular establishes four critical compliance areas that all food transportation operations must adhere to:

1. Vehicle Licensing Requirements

All transport vehicles used for food products must be licensed by the competent authority. This requirement ensures that vehicles meet specific standards for food transportation and are properly registered for commercial food logistics operations.

• Mandatory licensing from authorized regulatory bodies
• Regular renewal and compliance verification
• Documentation must be readily available during transportation
• Penalties for operating unlicensed vehicles in food transport

2. Facilities Licensing Standards

Food products must be transported, received, and accepted only from licensed food establishments. This requirement creates a comprehensive chain of licensed facilities from origin to destination.

• Licensed warehouses and storage facilities
• Certified retail outlets and distribution centers
• Approved restaurants and food service establishments
• Registered farms and production facilities

3. Vehicle Identification Requirements

Transport vehicles must clearly display "Designated for Food Transport" or the trademark/name of the establishment or transporting company. This visible identification helps regulatory authorities and consumers identify authorized food transport vehicles.

• Clear and prominent display requirements
• Standardized signage specifications
• Company branding and identification protocols
• Visibility standards for regulatory inspection

4. Transportation Temperature Controls

The circular establishes specific temperature requirements for different categories of food products during transportation:

• Chilled Products: Not exceeding 4°C throughout transport
• Frozen Products: Not exceeding -18°C during entire journey
• Non-chilled and Non-frozen Products: Not exceeding 25°C in fully covered transport vehicles