In a significant turn of events, a company operating in Riyadh has been slapped with a hefty fine exceeding 1 million riyals by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). The penalty was imposed due to the company's egregious act of tampering with the expiration dates of food products, specifically mentioning feta cheese. Such actions not only contravene the established regulations of the food industry but also violate the executive laws governing it.
The SFDA's Swift Action:
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority wasted no time in addressing this severe breach of food safety standards. The authority not only levied a substantial fine but also took immediate action by confiscating and subsequently destroying approximately 1.4 tons of non-compliant products at the company's expense.
Multiple Violations Uncovered:
The company came under the scrutiny of the SFDA for multiple violations, including the release of food products plagued by mold and impurities, excessively moist items, and a failure to promptly report and rectify issues. This enforcement agency emphasizes the importance of promptly returning food items that do not meet the established requirements, as stated in the regulations.
Legal Framework:
The SFDA referred to Article 16 of the Food System, which clearly stipulates that food items detrimental to health, non-compliant with technical specifications, or tampered with through deceptive methods cannot be traded. These regulations aim to safeguard the interests of consumers and ensure their well-being.
Expiry Date Alteration:
The company's actions were also found to be in violation of Article 44 of the Executive Regulations of the Food System. In particular, changing the expiration date of food products without prior written permission from the Authority was considered a grave violation, classifying the food as tampered with.
Labeling Standards:
The importance of accurate and permanent labeling on food products was stressed by referring to Saudi Gulf Technical Regulation No. SFDA.FD GSO 9, known as "Packaged food labels." This regulation, specifically clause 3.7.5, mandates that all food labels must bear stamped, embossed, printed, or ink-marked dates that cannot be altered. These labels should be directly affixed by the manufacturer in a clear and easily readable location, ensuring that vital information is not concealed.
No Tolerance for Multiple Dates:
Additionally, the SFDA clarified that extra labels featuring production and expiration dates are strictly prohibited. Each food package should display a single production date and a single expiration date, with neither date subject to alteration or tampering. This approach aligns with Article 20 of the Food Law, which necessitates food establishments to promptly inform the authority if they suspect or confirm that their products do not meet the prescribed requirements.
