The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) prevented the entry of more than 301 tons of non-compliant food products into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the second quarter of 2026, following laboratory testing that confirmed microbial contamination posing food poisoning risks to consumers.
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.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) recorded significant growth in the number of licensed factories and warehouses during 2025, achieving a 18% increase compared to 2024. This growth reflects the ongoing development of the regulatory environment, the empowerment of the industrial sector, and the expansion of investment support within the SFDA’s scope of work.
According to official statistics, the total number of licensed facilities reached 9,155 in 2025, up from 7,750 in 2024.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) organized two specialized workshops on its Digital Health Platform as part of its participation in the Global Health Exhibition 2025, held in Riyadh under the theme “Invest in Health.” The workshops aimed to highlight leading regulatory practices in clinical trials for medical devices and in digital and emerging health technologies.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has approved an innovative biotechnology-based in vitro diagnostic test designed to aid in early detection of Alzheimer's disease by measuring a specific biomarker in blood plasma. This test represents a groundbreaking advancement in medical laboratory diagnostics, significantly enhancing the early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
Introducing a Faster and More Accurate Diagnostic Solution
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the two organizations in the field of medical devices, focusing on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology for diagnosis and treatment.
