The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced a major update to national food regulations, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The newly implemented rules are designed to increase transparency across the food and beverage industry and empower consumers to make more informed nutritional decisions—whether dining out or ordering online.

Under these new technical regulations, all food establishments—including restaurants, cafes, and online food delivery platforms—will be required to display comprehensive nutritional information on their menus

Key features include

• A saltshaker icon to clearly identify high-sodium meals

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• Caffeine content labels for beverages

• An indication of the estimated time needed to burn off the calories in each meal

These measures apply to both physical and digital menus, ensuring consistency across dine-in, takeout, and delivery services

The SFDA stated that the initiative aims to foster a healthier food environment and encourage balanced dietary habitsamong the public. It also helps individuals track their sodium and caffeine intake in line with recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), which advises no more than:

• 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoon)

• 400 mg of caffeine daily for adults, and

• 200 mg for pregnant women

To support both businesses and consumers in adapting to the changes, the SFDA has launched several tools and resources:

• The Caffeine Calculator, available on the SFDA website, helps individuals assess their daily intake

• The full set of approved technical regulations can be accessed via the Mwasfah online store

For further details or assistance, the SFDA can be contacted through its unified call center at 19999.

These reforms represent a significant step in advancing public health through policy, aligning with broader efforts to encourage nutritional awareness and responsible consumption across the Kingdom.