المملكة: Including banning animals…new requirements in the retail sector "Ice cream"

Food establishments in Saudi Arabia

This integrated system aims to establish a modern framework that guarantees the complete protection of consumers’ health, in parallel with stimulating the investment environment and developing the quality of services provided throughout the Kingdom.

The Ministry explained that these regulations constitute a clear road map for investors, as it linked obtaining licenses The municipality is required to strictly adhere to the regulations, and to obtain prior approval from the Civil Defense, to ensure full compliance with safety standards.

With regard to food safety, the Ministry has developed detailed standards in cooperation with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

Inspection of all food materials

These standards included the necessity of examining all food materials upon receipt. And ensuring that they are kept at ideal temperatures, specifying a temperature not exceeding “-18” degrees Celsius for freezers and “4” degrees Celsius for coolers, with the obligation to immediately dispose of any product exposed to unsafe temperatures.

The requirements did not ignore the quality of the final product, as they were based on the Gulf Standard “GSO”. 457:2021” which specifies the standard ratios of milk fats and solids to ensure optimal texture and flavour. It also allowed the use of modern technologies, such as liquid nitrogen, in preparing “saj ice cream,” provided that it is food safe, with training of workers and provision of all safety measures.

In a remarkable step to support the flexibility and growth of businesses, the new requirements allowed Shop owners can practice additional approved activities, provided that their area does not exceed half of the total area of the shop, which allows investors to diversify their sources of income and provide innovative services.

Applying the Saudi Building Code

The Ministry also focused on the quality of infrastructure, and required that all designs and equipment be approved by specialized engineering offices, with the application of the Saudi Building Code in all its branches. To ensure the sustainability and safety of buildings. The regulations also included obligating establishments to provide special ramps and facilities for people with disabilities to achieve comprehensive accessibility standards.

To enhance transparency with the public, the Ministry obligated stores to place a unified electronic code “QR” on their facades that allows consumers to easily view licenses and regulatory documents, and imposed disclosure. The Ministry stressed that practicing the activity without a license, adding unapproved activities, or exploiting public sidewalks are clear violations that require immediate closure, stressing that this system aims primarily to create a vital and organized sector, in which the investor has fair opportunities for growth, and in which the citizen obtains a safe product. Reliable and enhances his quality of life.