As part of its Fourth Strategic Plan (2023–2027), the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is building a comprehensive regulatory ecosystem to advance food innovation and biotechnology in Saudi Arabia. The Authority focuses on developing legislation and control systems for emerging biotech products, supporting research and innovation, and promoting national initiatives that position the Kingdom at the forefront of the global transition towards modern and sustainable food production systems.

SFDA is implementing a series of initiatives to build an integrated framework for novel foods. These include establishing a robust regulatory system, strengthening scientific evaluation and risk assessment guidelines, and fostering collaboration with academic institutions and the private sector to ensure that Saudi innovations progress efficiently from laboratory to market.

Saudi Arabia’s leadership in international standard-setting bodies, such as the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO), highlights its active contribution to shaping global dialogues on new food sources. SFDA has also established clear regulatory pathways for novel foods, including the Technical Regulation for General Requirements of Novel Foods (SFDA.FD 5013), a dedicated approval guideline, and the SFDA Platform (Investor Journey), which streamlines the market entry process for innovative products.