The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has achieved a significant scientific and regulatory milestone by securing ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation for its Dammam Reference Laboratory. With this achievement, it becomes the first national reference laboratory in the Middle East to develop and certify an advanced analytical method for monitoring Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in food products.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has revealed the results of its pre-Hajj campaign for the 1447 AH Hajj season, which targeted establishments under its supervision across the Makkah and Madinah regions. The campaign demonstrated advanced levels of regulatory readiness and operational efficiency, reflecting high compliance among facilities and significantly enhancing the safety of food, drugs, and medical products provided to pilgrims.

H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), conducted a field inspection tour of several SFDA facilities and operational sites in the Makkah and Eastern Regions as part of the intensive preparations for this year’s Hajj season. The tour aimed to enhance the efficiency of regulatory procedures and ensure the safety of incoming products, contributing to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.

H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Athourity (SFDA) represented the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the 10th meeting of the the Food Safety Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held virtually on Wednesday the 6th of May 2026. The meeting was chaired by the Bahraini Kingdom Minister of Health Dr. Jalila bint Al-Sayed Jawad Hassan, current chair of the Ministerial Committee for Food Safety, with the participation of Their Excellencies officials responsible for food safety in the GCC countries.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has finalized its comprehensive, integrated operational plan for the Hajj season 1447 AH (2026). This readiness aligns with the directives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s wise leadership to prioritize the health and well-being of pilgrims, leveraging all available resources to ensure a safe and seamless Hajj journey. These efforts underscore the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to the service and care of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors.

As part of a program organized by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, conducted a field visit to several meat production and inspection facilities in New Zealand.

During the visit, Dr. Aljadhey was briefed on Halal slaughter procedures, modern production technologies, and methods for verifying compliance with international standards.

The CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, headed the Authority’s delegation at the 7th Annual Meeting of the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum (IHFAF), held in Auckland, New Zealand. The meeting brought together heads of global food regulatory authorities and senior representatives from the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has reinforced the strict prohibition of manufacturing or storing food products without obtaining the necessary licenses to conduct food-related activities during the Hajj season, warning that violators may face penalties of up to SAR 10 million.