Saudi Arabia has announced new penalties aimed at enforcing stricter health and safety standards across the food sector.

The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has set fines ranging from SR500 to SR5,000 for violations, including smoking in food outlets.

The highest fine of SR5,000 will be applied to individuals caught smoking in unauthorized areas of these establishments.

The ministry indicated that these regulations are designed to combat unhygienic practices, deceptive sales, and violations of food safety standards to better protect consumers.

Food workers who fail to wear face masks or properly cover their heads in preparation areas will face fines of SR1,000 each. Additionally, delivery workers who do not wear their official company uniforms will incur a SR500 penalty.

Other violations include serving frozen juices as freshly prepared, which carries a SR1,000 fine, and unhygienic behaviors such as touching the face or spitting, punishable by fines of up to SR2,000.

The ministry emphasised that these measures are part of a broader initiative to safeguard public health, enhance consumer trust, and ensure transparency within the food supply chain. Food outlets and delivery services are urged to fully comply to avoid penalties.