SFDA Takes Action Against Websites and Online Accounts Marketing Unregistered Peptides

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has identified several unregistered peptide products being marketed and offered for sale through websites and online accounts without the required authorization. This action is part of the SFDA’s ongoing monitoring and oversight of online sales channels to monitor product compliance, registration status, and safe distribution to protect public health.

According to the SFDA, the flagged products are unregistered and of unknown origin and have not met applicable pharmaceutical supply chain standards or mandatory requirements for safe transport and storage. As a result, their safety and quality, as well as the conditions under which they were stored and handled, could not be verified. The Authority further noted that the platforms used misleading marketing claims, falsely portraying the products as tested, high-quality, and officially approved, which could give consumers a false impression of their safety and regulatory status.

The SFDA stated that enforcement action was taken after discovering that the websites and online accounts were operating in violation of regulatory requirements governing the registration and lawful distribution, and were promoting the products through unauthorized online channels. The Authority emphasized that such violations warrant legal action.

Such activities constitute violations of Article 34, Paragraph 2, of the Law of Pharmaceutical and Herbal Establishments and Preparations, which prohibits the sale, dispensing, or possession with the intent to trade of unregistered pharmaceutical products. Violations of the law may be subject to penalties of up to SAR 5 million, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.

The Authority emphasized that the circulation of unregistered products or products of unknown origin may pose risks to consumer health and safety, as their quality, safety, and compliance with applicable standards and requirements cannot be assured. The use of such products without appropriate medical supervision may also expose consumers to potential adverse health effects.

Legal action has been initiated against the owners of the violating online stores, with the cases being prepared for referral to the Public Prosecution.

The SFDA affirmed that it will continue monitoring online platforms to promote regulatory compliance, protect public health, and ensure product safety. The Authority urges consumers to verify that products are registered before purchasing and to purchase pharmaceutical products only from authorized and reliable sources.