Latest news with #SaudiFoodandDrugAuthority
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Health
- Gulf Insider
Riyadh Warehouse Fined SR112,000 For Counterfeit And Mishandled Drugs
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed a fine of SR112,000 on a pharmaceutical warehouse in Riyadh and referred the case to the Public Prosecution, after uncovering serious breaches of pharmaceutical regulations. In a statement, the authority explained that the warehouse was found in possession of pharmaceutical products sourced from an unlicensed entity, in clear violation of the rules governing the circulation and distribution of medical products in the Kingdom. Further investigations revealed that the facility transported pharmaceutical items using unapproved methods, failing to meet required standards for handling sensitive medical goods. The SFDA warned that such practices can expose medications to harmful conditions, compromising their efficacy, stability, or safety. The warehouse was also found trading counterfeit pharmaceutical products, which led to the case being referred to the Public Prosecution. These actions fall under violations listed in Paragraph (2) of Article 34 of the Pharmaceutical and Herbal Products Facilities Law. The law stipulates that individuals who sell, dispense, or possess counterfeit, spoiled, expired, or unregistered pharmaceutical or herbal products with intent to trade may face up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to SR10 million, or both. The SFDA reiterated its commitment to strict enforcement of national health standards and urged all pharmaceutical entities to adhere to licensed sourcing channels and approved transportation methods to ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical products distributed across the Kingdom.
Arab News
6 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Food and drug checks intensify ahead of Hajj
RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority is continuing its proactive inspection campaigns as part of preparations for the Hajj season. The authority has conducted more than 1,329 field visits to food, medicine and medical device warehouses in Makkah and Madinah so far. These ongoing inspections and awareness efforts have led to a notable increase in compliance among facilities storing food and medicine for pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported. During the visits, inspection teams identified several warehouses that breached approved technical requirements and took the necessary legal actions. As a result, 44 warehouses were closed, and 349 violations were recorded, according to the SPA. To raise awareness, the authority launched a multilingual campaign that includes brochures outlining key product-handling requirements. It aims to improve safety and compliance at all facilities serving pilgrims. The authority intensifies efforts each Hajj season to ensure food, medicine, and medical products meet safety standards, helping minimize health risks and protect pilgrims' well-being.
Arab News
20-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi authorities launch campaign on safe use of home medical devices
RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has launched a digital awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe and proper use of medical devices and supplies intended for home use. The authority aims to reach diverse community segments, providing essential awareness messages and practical guidance to enhance health safety in the home, the Saudi Press Agency reported. It highlighted the importance of purchasing home medical devices from licensed suppliers that offer warranties and after-sales services, including necessary maintenance. The authority also urged the need to verify that the device has the required licenses and a valid marketing authorization certificate. Given the wide range of available options and specifications, the authority advised consulting a qualified healthcare professional to select the most appropriate device for an individual's condition. It also highlighted the importance of reviewing usage and care instructions, and obtaining any necessary training before purchase. General safety guidelines include ensuring instructions are available in both Arabic and English, retaining the purchase receipt, keeping devices out of reach of children and pets to prevent tampering, and following recommended calibration and maintenance schedules. The authority called on the public to report any issues or incidents related to home medical devices or supplies through the National Center for Medical Devices Reporting at or by calling the unified number 19999.
Saudi Gazette
20-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA launches awareness campaign for safe use of home medical devices
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has launched a digital awareness campaign to educate the public on the safe and proper use of medical devices and supplies intended for home use. This campaign aligns with its ongoing commitment to public health and is a key component of its fourth strategic plan. By leveraging digital and social media platforms, the SFDA aims to effectively reach diverse segments of the community, providing essential awareness messages and practical guidance to enhance health safety in the home environment. In a press statement, the SFDA emphasized the importance of purchasing home medical devices from a licensed supplying facility that offers warranty and after-sales services, including necessary maintenance. It also highlighted the need to verify that the specific medical device has the required licenses and a valid marketing authorization certificate. Given the wide range of available options and specifications, the SFDA advised consulting a qualified healthcare specialist to select the most appropriate device type for the individual's medical condition. It also underscored the need to review the instructions for proper use and care, and to obtain any necessary training before purchase. The authority also highlighted that the general safe use guidelines include ensuring that instructions for use are available in both Arabic and English, retaining the purchase receipt; keeping devices out of children's and pets' reach to prevent tampering that could affect settings or electrical wiring, and adhering to recommended calibration schedules and periodic maintenance. The SFDA urged the public to report any issues or incidents related to home medical devices or supplies through the National Center for Medical Devices Reporting at or by calling the unified call number 19999.
Saudi Gazette
15-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA starts field inspections in preparation for Hajj Season 2025
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — As part of its preparations for the Hajj Season 2025, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has commenced a series of field inspection tours across critical locations and facilities to evaluate the preparedness of inspection teams and oversee the implementation of approved operational plans. Demonstrating the authority's focus on pilgrim welfare, SFDA leadership conducted on-site meetings with inspection teams in both Madinah and Jeddah. These engagements emphasized the significance of each inspector's role, reviewed operational strategies, and proactively addressed potential challenges. The aim is to ensure that teams are well-equipped, responsive, and empowered to execute their duties professionally and diligently. The field visits also included comprehensive inspections of food factories and facilities to verify adherence to health and technical regulations.
