Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has launched an initiative for restaurants to display calorie counts of each dish on the menu provided by them. The new initiative is a cooperation along with the Ministry of Municipal and rural Affairs and the Consumer Protection Association, reports say.

When will this be done?

According to Al Arabiya, there will be two stages to this initiative. The first stage will be completed this year, wherein listing calorie count on the menus will be optional. In 2018, the second stage is set to take place, wherein it would be a MUST for restaurants to inform diners about the calories of what they choose to order. Also in this stage, the calories on menu cards will be mandatory, and the SFDA will even pick the criteria for the food and drinks that should show the calorie count on the menu.

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Why is this being done?

Because they want people to be more aware of what they’re eating (its nutritional value) and to ‘safeguard’ the people’s health. Restaurants and cafes who comply with this initiative will be especially listed on a page of SFDA’s website to encourage and inspire them, according to Abdulrahman Bin Sultan Al-Sultan, Executive Director for Awareness and Information.