By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Saudi Arabia has rolled out a series of new penalties targeting food outlets, workers, and delivery services as part of its broader effort to enforce health and safety standards. The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing announced that fines will now range from SR500 to SR5,000, depending on the nature of the violation. These measures are designed to safeguard public health, enhance consumer trust, and bring greater transparency across the food supply chain.
Smoking in Food Outlets to Attract Heavy Fines
The ministry has placed a strong emphasis on curbing smoking in and around food establishments. A fine of SR5,000 will be imposed on individuals caught smoking in unauthorized areas within food outlets. Lesser fines, starting from SR500, will also be levied for other related offenses. This move underscores the government’s intent to maintain a cleaner, safer environment for both workers and customers.
New Rules for Food Workers
Food outlet staff are now under strict guidelines to maintain hygiene and present themselves professionally. Workers who fail to wear face masks or neglect to cover their heads in food preparation areas will be fined SR1,000 each. The rule aims to eliminate practices that may compromise food safety.
Additionally, the government has emphasized that any unhygienic behavior such as touching the face, improper handling of food, or spitting while at work could lead to fines of up to SR2,000. These measures reflect the seriousness of maintaining cleanliness in environments where food is being handled and served.
Regulations for Delivery Workers
The penalties also extend to delivery personnel. Any delivery worker found not wearing their official company uniform while on duty will face a fine of SR500. The aim is not only to enforce professionalism but also to ensure accountability and trust between businesses and customers. A clear identification of delivery workers reduces the chances of deceptive practices and promotes a stronger customer experience.
Ban on Misleading Sales Practices
One of the highlighted violations is serving frozen juices as freshly prepared, which has been classified as a deceptive sales practice. Offenders will face a penalty of SR1,000. The ministry stated that such violations directly mislead consumers and undermine trust in the food sector.
By imposing financial consequences, authorities hope to discourage businesses from engaging in practices that may appear minor but carry significant implications for consumer protection.
Broader Public Health Goals
The newly announced penalties are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to improve public health standards and align its food sector with international best practices. By cracking down on poor hygiene, misrepresentation of food products, and unprofessional behavior, the government is reinforcing its commitment to protecting consumers.
Officials stressed that the enforcement of these rules is not only about issuing fines but also about instilling a culture of compliance across the food sector. Businesses and workers have been urged to cooperate fully to avoid penalties and contribute to a safer food environment.
Strengthening Consumer Trust and Transparency
At the core of these measures lies the intention to strengthen consumer confidence in food services. By introducing strict fines, the ministry is sending a clear message to food outlets, delivery services, and individual workers that violations will not be tolerated.
The focus on hygiene, safety, and transparency also supports the kingdom’s long-term vision of modernizing its food industry and ensuring it operates at the highest global standards.