Latest news with #SFDA
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Shuts Illegal Cosmetics Facility, Suspends European Pharmaceutical Factory Over Safety Breaches
In a sweeping enforcement campaign aimed at protecting consumer health, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has taken decisive action on two separate fronts — seizing 1.5 million non-compliant cosmetic products stored illegally in a residential facility and suspending a European pharmaceutical factory after uncovering serious violations of manufacturing standards. In Najran, SFDA inspectors shut down an unauthorised warehouse disguised as a residential facility, where approximately 1.5 million units of cosmetic products with manipulated expiration dates were being stored and distributed. The items, which violated national safety regulations, posed a direct risk to consumer health. The authority has referred the case to the Public Prosecution for further legal action. 'This type of fraud represents a serious threat to public safety and will not be tolerated,' the SFDA said in a statement, adding that it remains committed to combating all forms of non-compliance in the cosmetics sector. Under Article 31 of the Kingdom's Cosmetics Law, offences such as tampering with expiration dates or distributing falsified products can result in up to five years in prison, fines of up to SR5 million or both. In a separate case, the SFDA announced the suspension of a European pharmaceutical manufacturer's registration following an external inspection that revealed serious breaches of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Inspectors identified significant failures in production procedures and internal quality systems — lapses that were deemed to pose a direct risk to the safety of medicines destined for the Saudi market. The inspection was conducted under the SFDA's foreign factory oversight programme, which adheres to international regulatory standards and involves detailed assessments of production, quality control, and distribution protocols. Describing the suspension as a 'precautionary measure,' the authority said it was enacted to prevent the entry of potentially unsafe pharmaceutical products into the Kingdom.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia Pavilion launches 3d Printering Technology For Coral Restoration And Maritime Preservation
The Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will host a special event spotlighting KAUST's latest scientific advancements in 3D bioprinting and marine restoration on July 24th from 16:00 – 18:00 at the Pavilion's dedicated Collaboration Hub. The Saudi Arabia Pavilion is open daily from 09:00–21:00, located in the Connecting Zone (C14-01), inside the West Gate of Expo 2025 Osaka. Osaka, Japan - As part of its commitment to showcasing Saudi innovation in the field of sustainability, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka will host a dedicated event on July 24th to present breakthrough research from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The event, titled '3D Printing Technology for Coral Restoration,' will highlight pioneering work in 3D coral restoration materials designed to support marine biodiversity and accelerate reef recovery. At the center of this event is Dr. Hamed Albalawi, a research scientist at KAUST and Chief Scientific Evaluation Expert at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), and his materials studies, which have been evaluated for use in 3D bioprinting, a critical step toward reef restoration and sustainable marine habitats preservation. Dr Albalawi's work is part of KAUST's broader initiatives, which leverage AI and precision fabrication to restore fragile ecosystems in the Red Sea and beyond. Recognized by MIT Technology Review as one of MENA's Innovators Under 35 in 2023, Dr. Albalawi's efforts reflect the Kingdom's vision for sustainable and innovative climate solutions. This event builds on previous collaborations between the Saudi Arabia Pavilion and KAUST, including the display of 3D-printed coral skeletons made using sustainable technologies and showcased at the Pavilion. These efforts demonstrate how Saudi Arabia is contributing to global environmental goals through innovation, science, and international cooperation. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST): 3D Printing Technology for Coral Restoration, 24/07, 16:00-18:00 at The Saudi Arabia Pavilion Collaboration Hub This session will highlight how state-of-the-art 3D printing technology creates artificial coral structures that provide stable substrates for coral attachment and growth. We will describe its potential to accelerate reef recovery by mimicking natural habitats and improving the success rate of coral restoration efforts in the Red Sea and beyond. Speakers: Dr. Hamed Albalawi - Inventor/KAUST Official
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Excitement Brews: SFDA and SCTA Return with a Bold Showcase of Culinary Innovation and Coffee Craft
Experience three exciting days of culinary artistry, coffee education and global flavours, featuring 449 exhibitors and the thrilling SNCC SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE, July 16, 2025 / / -- Singapore, 16 July 2025: Highly anticipated F&B trade events Speciality Food & Drinks Asia (SFDA) and Speciality Coffee & Tea Asia (SCTA), co-located with the second edition of SIGEP Asia, opened today at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre (Halls A, B and C) in Singapore. Organised by IEG Asia, the three-day events running from 16 to 18 July are co-located with Restaurant Asia. This year's edition is expected to witness over 12,000 trade visitors and buyers, featuring 449 exhibitors and brands from 41 countries, offering a vibrant platform for industry professionals to connect, discover and elevate their businesses. 'SFDA and SCTA, part of SIGEP Asia, are the region's premier platforms for speciality food and beverage professionals to discover innovation, build meaningful partnerships and celebrate the best of the industry. This year's edition showcases the dynamic evolution of the F&B landscape, and IEG Asia, alongside our industry partners, are incredibly proud to present a programme that inspires creativity, fosters collaboration and drives business growth. We're excited to welcome our exhibitors and visitors to an unforgettable three-day experience,' said Ilaria Cicero, Chief Executive Officer of IEG Asia. A stellar lineup of exhibitors and global pavilions SFDA and SCTA 2025 are featuring a diverse mix of exhibitors, from artisanal producers to global brands, showcasing the latest in foodservice, coffee, tea and culinary technology. Visitors can explore international pavilions from Japan, China, India, Italy, and other European countries, each offering country-specific innovations and delicacies that reflect their rich culinary heritage. Complementing this global showcase, the Tea Pavilion will spotlight excellence in speciality tea, featuring exhibitors such as Taiwan Tea Creative Industries Association, Dancing Tea, Kien Yu Company, Cat Nghi Tea Manufacturing (Vietnam) and Revolution Tea (USA), inviting visitors to discover unique brews and traditions from across the world. Singapore National Coffee Championship (SNCC) returns to the spotlight Staged by the Singapore Coffee Association, the flagship competition kicks off today with around 70 top baristas competing in four exciting categories – marking one of the most anticipated highlights of SCTA 2025. These competitions highlight the diverse skills in the coffee world, from hand-brewed filtered coffee and intricate latte art to sensory precision and mixology. Winners will represent Singapore globally at the World Coffee Championships 2026. The categories include: ● Singapore National Barista Championship (SNBC): Participants are challenged to showcase their expertise in preparing innovative espresso-based drinks across espresso, milk and signature beverage courses. ● Singapore National Latte Art Championship (SLAC): This category showcases artistic expression in coffee preparation, where participants use milk-pouring techniques to produce detailed latte art designs. Judging focuses on symmetry, contrast, creativity and visual impact. ● Singapore National Brewers Cup (SNBRC): This category highlights the craft of brewing filtered coffee by hand, and promotes manual coffee-brewing and service excellence. ● Singapore Cup Tasters Competition (SCTC): Designed to assess sensory skills, this category requires participants to quickly and accurately distinguish subtle taste differences among several cups of speciality coffee. 'I'm excited and proud to see the return of the Singapore National Coffee Championship. This competition is a true celebration of our vibrant coffee community. It's inspiring to witness our local baristas push boundaries, refine their craft, and compete to represent Singapore with passion and excellence on the world stage. I'm also excited to see a mix of local and global brands at the event, creating fantastic opportunities for knowledge exchange and industry growth,' said Victor Mah, President of the Singapore Coffee Association. Brewing knowledge with coffee education & tasting experiences SCTA 2025 offers a rich programme of coffee education and sensory experiences including: ● ASEAN Coffee Institute's ACAP Training: The first batch of trainees are undergoing the ASEAN Coffee Federation Coffee Appreciation Protocol (ACAP) training, led by Dave Lim and Justin Metcalf, marking a milestone in regional coffee education. ● Introduction to Cupping Workshop (16 July, 2.30pm): A hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop by the Speciality Coffee Association and Bettr Academy, covering foundational cupping techniques, sensory analysis and professional evaluation methods. [Note: Cupping is a professional method used to evaluate coffee aroma, flavour and quality] ● Singapore Roasters Showcase x Public Cupping: A guided tasting experience featuring Singapore's top coffee roasters, highlighting the diversity and quality of local speciality coffee. ● Coffee-Brewing Demos: Boncafé is conducting live demos, sharing insights on optimal water for brewing using their Best Water Technology. ● Coffee Industry Ambassador Luncheon: Hosted by the Singapore Coffee Association, this luncheon is set to bring together representatives from the ASEAN Coffee Federation, ASEAN Coffee Institute, coffee-producing country ambassadors and industry leaders to discuss ACAP and regional developments. Other culinary artistry and innovation highlights ● Janice Wong's 9-metre Edible Chocolate Wall: A stunning chocolate edible art installation – one of the largest in Singapore – by award-winning pastry chef and SIGEP World Brand Ambassador Janice Wong, in collaboration with Valrhona, offers a rare glimpse into the fusion of food and art. ● Panettone World Cup – Asian Selections (18 July, 3pm): For the first time in Southeast Asia, regional pastry talents – including six from Singapore – will be competing for a spot at the Panettone World Cup 2026 in Milan. The competition, led by master baker Giuseppe Piffaretti, celebrates the panettone as a globally recognised artisanal masterpiece. With a comprehensive programme of masterclasses, demos, tastings and networking opportunities, SFDA and SCTA 2025 promise an unforgettable experience for F&B professionals, coffee enthusiasts and industry newcomers alike. If all of these excite you, register here to visit SFDA, SCTA and SIGEP Asia 2025. Glenn Tan Blue Totem [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Saudi Gazette
6 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA refers illegal cosmetics facility to prosecution over expiry date tampering
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has referred a violator to the Public Prosecution after uncovering a residential facility used to store and distribute cosmetic products with manipulated expiration dates. SFDA inspectors seized approximately 1.5 million units of non-compliant cosmetic products at the unauthorized site, prompting the immediate closure of the facility and escalation to legal authorities. The violation represents a direct threat to consumer health and safety. According to Article 31 of the Cosmetics Law, offenses such as fraud, tampering, or distribution of expired or falsified products can lead to up to five years' imprisonment, fines up to SR5 million, or both. The Authority emphasized its continued commitment to enforcing regulations, raising product quality and safety standards, and cracking down on all forms of fraud and non-compliance in the cosmetics sector.
Gulf Insider
7 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
SFDA Suspends European Pharmaceutical Factory Over Critical GMP Violations
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has suspended the registration of a European pharmaceutical factory following the discovery of serious violations of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) during an external inspection. The decision came after SFDA inspectors identified fundamental lapses in the factory's manufacturing procedures and internal quality systems, posing a direct risk to the safety of pharmaceutical products intended for export to Saudi Arabia. The suspension was enacted as a precautionary measure to prevent the distribution of potentially unsafe medicines in the Kingdom. The inspection, conducted under the SFDA's foreign factory oversight program, aligns with international regulatory standards and involved a comprehensive review of the facility's manufacturing operations, quality controls, and distribution protocols. Several European regulatory agencies have since reached out to the SFDA to examine its technical findings and take further actions, reflecting growing international recognition of the SFDA's regulatory rigor and global role in pharmaceutical safety. The Authority stressed that the monitoring of overseas manufacturing sites is a key pillar of its regulatory framework and is carried out independently using scientific and technical data. It reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety and pledged to continue taking decisive action against any manufacturer found to be in violation of safety protocols.
