Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has introduced a full ban on poultry and table egg imports from 40 countries, including India, and partial restrictions on certain regions in 16 additional nations. The measures are aimed at protecting public health and ensuring the safety of the domestic food supply amid global disease concerns.
Full Import Ban
The updated import list, described by Gulf News as one of the most extensive in recent years, confirms a total prohibition on imports from 40 countries. These include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, South Korea, North Korea, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Montenegro.
The SFDA noted that some bans have been in place since 2004, while others were implemented more recently based on updated risk assessments and reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza and other animal diseases. The list is subject to periodic review according to global health developments.
Partial Restrictions
Partial bans apply to specific provinces or cities rather than entire countries. The affected nations include Australia, the United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Exceptions and Safety Measures
The SFDA clarified that the ban does not apply to poultry meat and related products that have been sufficiently heat-treated or processed to eliminate avian influenza or Newcastle disease virus. Such products must meet approved health standards, be accompanied by a valid health certificate from the exporting authority, and originate from an authorized facility.
These steps reflect Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public health while allowing safe, processed imports to continue.
