Saudi Arabia sets SR5,000 fine for smoking in food outlets as part of new penalties against food safety violators

Fresh juice fraud, hygiene lapses and delivery uniform violations also targeted

Last updated: September 01, 2025 | 05:11

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

1 MIN READ

Saudi Arabia tightens food safety rules with sweeping new penalties. Illustrative image.

AFP

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has announced new penalties aimed at tightening health and safety standards in the food sector, including a fine of SR5,000 for smoking in undesignated areas of food outlets.

The stringent measures, targeting unhygienic practices, deceptive sales, and non-compliance with food safety rules, are designed to enhance hygiene and consumer protection.

Also Read: Saudi burger chain Hamburgini files for bankruptcy after food poisoning scandal

Workers in food preparation areas face fines of SR1,000 for not wearing face masks and another SR1,000 for failing to cover their heads. Smoking in unauthorised areas will incur the highest penalty of SR5,000.

Food delivery workers who fail to wear the official company uniform will be fined SR500.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia shuts 84 businesses in Riyadh over food safety violations

Businesses that serve customers frozen fruit juices while claiming they are freshly prepared will also face a penalty of SR1,000.

Workers in food establishments, who caught touching nose and mouth or spitting, will face a fine of up to SR2,000.

Also Read: Watch: Inspections kick off Ramadan 2024 food safety drive in Dubai

The ministry stressed that the measures aim to protect public health, safeguard consumers, and ensure transparency in the food supply chain. It called on food establishments and delivery companies to comply fully with the regulations to avoid penalties.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.