Latest news with #SFDA
Leaders
15 hours ago
- Health
- Leaders
Health Ministry Unveils 'Biotech Accelerator' to Drive Innovation at BIO 2025
Vice Minister of Health for Planning and Development, Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, announced at the 2025 BIO International Convention in Boston, USA, the launch of the Ministry of Health's new 'Biotech Accelerator' program for biotechnology startups. This initiative, developed in partnership with BioLabs, is designed to stimulate innovation, enhance international collaboration, and empower Saudi biotech companies to elevate healthcare services. This pioneering program—the first of its kind in the Kingdom and the first BioLabs partnership in the Middle East—supports the objectives of both the Health Sector Transformation Program and the National Biotechnology Strategy, key pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. These initiatives seek to cultivate a thriving society and dynamic economy while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in health innovation. Running over seven months, the Biotech Accelerator will provide startups with comprehensive training, structured support tracks, and access to cutting-edge research laboratories. Related Topics : SFDA Boosts Cooperation with European Institute of Innovation and Technology Health Minister Inspects Arafat Field Hospital Ahead of Hajj Rituals Stride into Health: Saudi Launches 'Walk 30' Public Fitness Drive Makkah Municipality Issues Health Certificate Guidelines for Hajj Season 1446 Short link : Post Views: 5 Related Stories
Saudi Gazette
a day ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA suspends medical device imports from erring international firm
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has suspended imports from an international medical device and supplies factory, as part of its ongoing regulatory efforts to verify the safety of products under its supervision circulating in the Saudi market. This import suspension decision followed an SFDA inspection tour that uncovered serious violations, according to a press statement from the authority on Thursday. These issues primarily centered on the factory's quality management system, manufacturing processes, factory work environment and deficiencies that could potentially lead to the contamination of medical devices. Violations related to quality management systems accounted for approximately 10 percent of all recorded violations at medical device factories in 2024. Meanwhile, violations concerning manufacturing processes and the work environment represented a significant 49 percent of the total. According to the statement, this action is one of several measures the SFDA takes when serious violations are found during inspections of facilities exporting medical devices to Saudi Arabia. The import suspension rate reached approximately 30 percent of all factories inspected in 2024. The factory is also registered with several international regulatory authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union, and its products are marketed globally. This demonstrates the efficiency and precision of the SFDA's regulatory system, highlighting its strong capabilities in detecting significant violations and implementing necessary measures based on an inspection methodology that aligns with international best practices. The SFDA is committed to rigorous oversight of the imported medical device sector, ensuring that all products in circulation are safe and effective to protect public health and prevent the distribution of potentially harmful devices. It reaffirmed its dedication to implementing all necessary measures to uphold safety and quality standards in this vital sector.
Leaders
2 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Finance Minister Wraps Up OPEC Fund Engagements
Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan concluded his participation in the OPEC Fund Development Forum and the 46th Meeting of the OPEC Fund Ministerial Council, held in Vienna, Austria, from June 17 to 18, 2025. The events gathered ministers, global leaders, and heads of multilateral development finance institutions to explore strategies for addressing global challenges. The forum's opening session underscored the importance of inclusive, equitable, and sustainable transitions in global development. Discussions focused on the role of strategic finance, innovative policy-making, and enhanced international cooperation—particularly through South-South partnerships—in advancing global progress. In his remarks, Aljadaan stressed that energy security is essential—not a luxury—for achieving development and inclusive growth. Its absence, he noted, undermines key sectors such as healthcare, education, economic productivity, environmental sustainability, water access, and food security. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, market volatility, and growing global energy demand, Aljadaan called for urgent action to diversify energy sources and expand investment in clean and emerging technologies, including Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). He also advocated for innovative financing mechanisms to accelerate energy access and reinforce long-term energy security. Reaffirming Saudi Arabia's commitment to global energy cooperation and climate action, Aljadaan highlighted the Kingdom's goal to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 under the Circular Carbon Economy framework. OPEC At the 46th Ministerial Council Meeting, Aljadaan praised the OPEC Fund's strategic vision and its alignment with global development priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and food security. He also commended the fund's adaptability in navigating market fluctuations, ensuring continued support to countries and communities in need. As the Fund's highest governing body, the Ministerial Council convenes annually to review and approve audited financial statements, annual reports, and other key matters. These sessions are held either at the Fund's headquarters or at a location designated by the Council. Related Topics : OPEC+ Nations Adjust Production Strategy for Market Stability SFDA Reports Record 82% Surge in Licensed Factories, Warehouses in 2024 Is wheat harmful to the intestine? SFDA clarifies the truth SFDA: National Biotechnology Strategy Highlights Saudi Leadership in Medical Innovation Short link : Post Views: 32
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Business
New food rules in Saudi: What you need to know about them
Image credit: Getty Images The Saudi Food and Drug Authority ( Read- Under the new rules, food establishments—both physical and online—must include detailed nutritional information on all menus. Among the key requirements is a new 'saltshaker' label for meals high in sodium, visible caffeine content disclosures for beverages, and an indication of the estimated physical activity time needed to burn off the calories in a dish. These regulations also extend to digital food ordering platforms, a According to the SFDA, the initiative is designed to promote healthier food options, raise awareness of dietary habits, and help consumers manage their salt and caffeine intake in accordance with global health recommendations. World Health Organisation (WHO) advise The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that adults should limit sodium consumption to no more than 5 grams of salt per day—roughly one teaspoon. For caffeine, WHO recommends a maximum of 400 mg per day for adults and 200 mg for pregnant women. To support both compliance and public awareness, the SFDA has made resources available. Consumers and food establishments can access a ' The full technical regulations, covering high-salt meal labeling, caffeine disclosures, and calorie burn indicators, can be downloaded from the SFDA's Holy Mosques authority urges health measures for safe worship The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque is also Worshippers are encouraged to wear face masks, use hand sanitizers, wash hands frequently, avoid sharing personal items, and stay well-hydrated, especially during peak heat hours. Visitors should also avoid overcrowding at entry and exit points and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms. Three emergency health centers operated by the Makkah Health Cluster remain open 24/7 to serve visitors. The authority emphasized that these precautions reflect the Saudi government's ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and comfortable worship experience for all.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
Saudi: SFDA's new food rules to be in force from July 1
RIYADH - The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced the implementation of new technical regulations for food effective from July 1. These regulations are designed to enhance food transparency and provide consumers with comprehensive information when dining out, empowering them to make informed nutritional decisions. SFDA noted that starting July 1, 2025, food establishments will be mandated to display detailed nutritional information on their menus. This includes placing a 'saltshaker' label next to meals high in sodium as a clear guide, disclosing the caffeine content of beverages, and indicating the estimated time required to burn off the calories from a meal. These requirements apply to all menus, whether physical or online, and extend to online food ordering platforms. Through these initiatives, the SFDA aims to promote healthier food options, encourage a balanced lifestyle, and help consumers track their salt and caffeine intake in relation to approved health recommendations. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults to reduce sodium intake to no more than 5 grams of salt per day (equivalent to one teaspoon). For caffeine, the recommendation is not to exceed 400 mg per day for adults and 200 mg for pregnant women. To support compliance and consumer awareness, food establishments, including restaurants and cafes, and consumers can use the "Caffeine Calculator" available on the SFDA website: A copy of the approved technical regulations, which cover high-salt food labeling, caffeine content disclosure, and physical activity labeling, can be obtained from the "Mwasfah" online store: For technical inquiries or additional information, the SFDA can be reached via its unified call number 19999. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
