Starting July 1, 2025, food establishments across Saudi Arabia will be required to comply with new food labeling regulations introduced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). The updated rules aim to improve transparency and enable consumers to make more informed dietary decisions when eating out or ordering online.
The regulations apply to restaurants, cafes, and food delivery platforms, whether they offer physical or digital menus. Businesses must clearly display key nutritional information alongside each item. This includes a “saltshaker” icon next to meals that are high in sodium, details on the caffeine content of beverages, and an estimate of the time it would take to burn off the calories in a dish through physical activity.
Encouraging Healthier Eating Habits
The SFDA stated that these measures are part of a broader initiative to encourage healthier eating habits and support public awareness of nutrition. By helping consumers monitor their intake of salt and caffeine, the authority hopes to contribute to the reduction of diet-related health issues.
According to guidelines from the World Health Organization, adults should limit their salt intake to no more than 5 grams per day – the equivalent of one teaspoon. For caffeine, the recommended daily limit is 400 milligrams for adults and 200 milligrams for pregnant women.
To help both businesses and the public adjust to the new requirements, the SFDA has made support tools available. This includes an online “Caffeine Calculator,” which allows users to estimate their daily caffeine intake, accessible through the SFDA’s website.
The complete set of technical regulations, including specifications for sodium labeling, caffeine disclosure, and calorie burn estimates, is available on the SFDA’s “Mwasfah” online portal. Food service providers and consumers seeking further information or clarification can contact the SFDA through its dedicated hotline at 19999.
The new policy marks a step forward in Saudi Arabia’s national efforts to promote a balanced lifestyle and reduce the long-term burden of chronic health conditions linked to diet.
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