Allergen Labeling Requirements | Saudi Food Registration

Avoid SFDA penalties with correct allergen labeling in Saudi Arabia. Learn formatting, Arabic rules, and compliance tips with Saudi Food Registration.

4/14/20252 min read

Food Allergen Labeling Requirements in Saudi Arabia: SFDA Compliance Guide

Accurate allergen labeling isn’t just a best practice—in Saudi Arabia, it’s a legal requirement under SFDA regulations.

For food businesses looking to register or distribute products in the Kingdom, non-compliance can result in product recalls, import rejections, or legal penalties.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of SFDA's allergen labeling rules, how to comply, and what global manufacturers need to know before placing food products on the Saudi market.

Why Allergen Labeling Matters

Food allergies are a growing public health concern in Saudi Arabia. Undeclared allergens are one of the leading causes of food product recalls globally.

The SFDA mandates that all allergens be clearly declared on product packaging to:

Protect allergic consumers
Ensure transparency and trust in the food supply
Align with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards

SFDA-Mandated Major Allergens

SFDA follows the GCC GSO 9/2013 standard, requiring the declaration of the following allergens when present:

Cereals containing gluten (e.g., wheat, barley, rye)
Crustaceans and crustacean products
Eggs and egg products
Fish and fish products
Peanuts and peanut products
Soybeans and soy products
Milk and dairy products (including lactose)
Tree nuts and nut products
Sulphite in concentrations ≥ 10 mg/kg

Where and How Allergens Must Be Declared

Allergen labeling must be printed in Arabic, clearly and legibly.
Must appear in the ingredient list, with the allergen name highlighted (bolded, underlined, or capitalized).
In cases where the name doesn’t clearly indicate the allergen, a "Contains" statement must be added (e.g., Contains: Milk, Soy).
Allergen statements must be located near the ingredients section, not hidden or separated.

Additional Labeling Rules from SFDA

Multi-language packaging must still ensure Arabic is the primary and most prominent.
Cross-contamination warnings such as "May contain traces of nuts" are required when allergen risk exists due to shared facilities.
Hijri and Gregorian expiry dates must not interfere with allergen visibility.
Imported products must translate allergen declarations into Arabic and ensure correct formatting.

Best Practices to Ensure Compliance

Conduct a complete allergen risk assessment of raw materials and processing environment.
Use allergen-safe supply chains and train facility staff on contamination risks.
Validate packaging designs and printing layouts with a regulatory consultant.
Perform periodic internal audits to ensure real-world label matching.
Partner with SFDA-registered label validation experts before finalizing artwork.

Common Compliance Pitfalls

Using generic ingredient names like "flavoring" without disclosing allergen content

Missing Arabic translation for imported products
Allergen listed only on back-of-pack with tiny font
Label revisions made without updating SFDA registration

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violations of SFDA allergen labeling requirements can result in:

Seizure or rejection of imported products
Mandatory product recalls
Suspension of import licenses
Legal fines and reputational damage

How Saudi Food Registration Can Help

Our expert regulatory team supports food businesses by:

Reviewing and validating Arabic allergen labels
Advising on SFDA-compliant layout and hierarchy
Coordinating with label printing teams for precision

Assisting in label re-registration and change management

Getting allergen labeling right isn’t just a technicality—it’s a core requirement for operating legally and ethically in Saudi Arabia.

With detailed SFDA guidelines and a zero-tolerance approach to undeclared allergens, accurate labeling protects your brand and your customers.

Have questions or need label review support?
Contact Saudi Food Registration or use the chatbot in the bottom-right corner to speak to an expert.

Continue Reading:

Food Labeling & Compliance in Saudi Arabia – Learn broader SFDA labeling requirements beyond allergens.
Label and Formula Validation Services – Ensure your product formulation aligns with declared allergens and label accuracy.
SFDA Import Registration Guide – Understand how allergen labeling affects customs clearance and product approvals.
If you're registering health or dietary products, read our full guide on food supplement registration with SFDA in Saudi Arabia.