Saudi Arabia is preparing to roll out a series of new food regulations aimed at enhancing transparency and promoting healthier eating habits across the Kingdom’s food and beverage sector.
Effective July 1, 2025, restaurants and cafés will be required to comply with updated technical regulations issued by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). These new rules are designed to provide diners with clearer, more comprehensive nutritional information, allowing them to make better-informed dietary choices.
Key requirements include:
A “saltshaker” icon must be placed next to menu items high in sodium.
Caffeine content must be disclosed for all beverages.
Menus must indicate the estimated amount of physical activity needed to burn off the calories of each meal.
These rules apply to all menus, whether printed, digital, or hosted on food delivery platforms.
The initiative aligns with the SFDA’s broader goal of encouraging healthier food choices, reducing excessive salt and caffeine consumption, and supporting public health through informed consumer behavior.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):
Adults should limit salt intake to 5 grams per day (around one teaspoon).
Daily caffeine intake should not exceed 400 mg for adults and 200 mg for pregnant women.
To assist in compliance and raise public awareness, the SFDA has provided a “Caffeine Calculator” on its official website. Restaurants and cafés can also access the full list of approved technical guidelines, covering high-salt warnings, caffeine disclosures, and physical activity labeling, through the “Mwasfah” digital platform.
Source: Arabian Business
