WHO names SFDA regional nutrition hub as Saudi Arabia introduces new transparency rules

SAUDI ARABIA – The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) as its Regional Centre for Nutrition Collaboration for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which encompasses 22 countries. 

It will significantly contribute to building the capacity of WHO Member States, helping them implement key WHO strategies. 

These include reducing salt and sugar consumption, eliminating partially hydrogenated oils, restricting the marketing of low-nutritional value foods to children, and developing a comprehensive regional database of nutritional components, forming a foundation for evidence-based recommendations.

This appointment highlights the SFDA’s distinguished expertise and proven track record in applying nutrition-related policies and regulations that foster healthier food environments.

It aligns directly with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a core initiative of Saudi Vision 2030.

The WHO has particularly praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s approach to eliminating partially hydrogenated oils from food products, citing it as a best-practice recommendation.

As a result, Saudi Arabia received an official certificate of recognition and now leads an international working group dedicated to replicating this success globally. 

Furthermore, the Kingdom is recognized as among the first countries to effectively reduce salt consumption and implement relevant legislation and regulatory measures.

As part of its new role, the SFDA will receive extensive support from WHO, including scientific guidance, technical tools, and training resources.

It will also coordinate regional efforts through strategic initiatives such as policy workshops, expert task forces, and the development of a shared regional action plan.

SFDA’s new food transparency regulations

Reinforcing its leadership in nutrition governance, the SFDA recently announced a series of ambitious food transparency regulations aimed at helping consumers make more informed dietary decisions, initiatives that reflect the very goals of its WHO designation.

As of July 1, 2025, all food establishments in Saudi Arabia, including restaurants, cafes, and online delivery platforms, are required to display detailed nutritional information on menus. 

The regulations mandate the use of a “saltshaker” icon to flag high-sodium meals, the disclosure of caffeine content in beverages, and a calorie burn-time estimate to visually connect meals with physical activity.

These requirements apply across all menu formats, physical, digital, and mobile, to ensure that transparency is standardized across the dining experience.

Through these initiatives, the SFDA aims to promote healthier food options, encourage a balanced lifestyle, and help consumers track their salt and caffeine intake in relation to approved health recommendations. 

By equipping consumers with the tools to monitor their salt and caffeine intake, these efforts align with the WHO’s global dietary guidelines, which recommend no more than 5 grams of salt and 400 mg of caffeine per day for adults (200 mg for pregnant women).

To facilitate implementation, the SFDA provides an interactive Caffeine Calculator for consumers and businesses via its website.

Through these combined regulatory and regional efforts, Saudi Arabia is advancing its public health objectives while setting a precedent for evidence-based nutrition policy across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

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