SFDA Recall Plan Requirements 2025 | Saudi Food Registration

How to Prepare SFDA Recall Plans for Food Products in Saudi Arabia (2025 Guide)

What is a Food Recall Under SFDA Regulations?

A food recall is the removal of products from the market when a safety, labeling, or quality issue is identified after distribution.

SFDA uses recalls to prevent consumer harm, protect public health, and maintain regulatory control over the food supply chain in Saudi Arabia.

Why Does SFDA Require Every Company to Have a Recall Plan?

Recalls serve as a rapid response tool to:

• Prevent foodborne illnesses from contamination

• Avoid allergen exposure due to undeclared ingredients

• Correct labeling mistakes that may mislead consumers

• Control counterfeit or unauthorized products

By requiring a written recall plan, SFDA ensures companies are fully prepared to respond quickly if a problem is discovered.

Is Having an SFDA Recall Plan Mandatory for Product Registration?

Yes. Even though the recall plan may not be submitted during initial registration, SFDA expects every registered product to be supported by an up-to-date internal recall plan that can be activated immediately if needed.

When Can SFDA Trigger a Recall?

• Microbiological contamination (e.g., Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli)

• Undeclared allergens (nuts, dairy, gluten, soy, etc.)

• Labeling violations (missing Arabic translation, misprinted dates)

• Incorrect shelf life claims or expired products

• Foreign object contamination (plastic, glass, metal)

• International alerts from trading partners or authorities

• Consumer complaints triggering SFDA investigations

What Are the Main Components of a Compliant SFDA Recall Plan?

1️⃣ How Should Internal Traceability Work?

• Assign batch numbers, lot codes, and manufacturing dates

• Record supplier information and ingredient sources

• Maintain full distribution records for every shipment

2️⃣ Who Should Be on the Recall Team?

• Regulatory compliance manager

• QA/QC personnel

• Communications officer for public notices

• Legal counsel

• Contact points for SFDA communication

3️⃣ How Are Consumers Notified in Saudi Arabia?

• SFDA press releases

• Social media announcements

• Company website alerts

• Retailer notifications

4️⃣ How Should SFDA Be Informed?

• Immediate notification upon discovery of a risk

• Details of affected lots, quantities, and distribution channels

• Daily updates on recall progress

• Final report after recall closure

5️⃣ How Should Products Be Collected and Destroyed?

• Quarantine of returned products

• Secure transportation to approved destruction facilities

• SFDA-approved documentation of full disposal

What Happens If a Company Fails to Conduct a Proper Recall?

Failure to manage recalls according to SFDA protocols may result in:

• Suspension or cancellation of SFDA registration

• Import bans and shipment seizures

• Fines and financial penalties

• Mandatory third-party audits

• Long-term damage to company reputation

How Often Should Recall Plans Be Reviewed and Updated?

• At least once per year

• After any product reformulation or new supplier approval

• Following any actual recall event or regulatory audit

• Upon changes to SFDA regulations or global food safety standards

Frequently Asked Questions About SFDA Recall Plans

Can I submit my recall plan during SFDA product registration?
While not typically required at submission, SFDA may request to see your recall plan during facility audits or inspections.

Do I need to conduct recall drills?
Although not mandatory, recall simulations are highly recommended to test your readiness and improve your response speed.

Who monitors the recall process?
SFDA requires periodic status updates throughout the recall period and conducts inspections to verify that recovery and disposal procedures are properly followed.

Can imported products be recalled in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Both locally manufactured and imported products are subject to SFDA recall requirements.

Related Topics You Might Find Helpful

• Learn how crisis management helps control product recalls

• Discover how post-market surveillance identifies safety issues

• See how facility registration improves product traceability

• Facing unexpected registration delays? This guide explains how to avoid SFDA approval slowdowns in 2025.

• Concerned your product name might already exist in the Saudi market? Don’t miss our latest guide on handling trademark conflicts during SFDA registration

Don’t Wait for a Crisis — Be Ready in Advance

Having an SFDA-compliant recall plan isn’t just regulatory paperwork — it’s a core business protection strategy.

Companies that build recall readiness into their compliance systems protect consumers, avoid severe penalties, and secure long-term success in Saudi Arabia.

Need help preparing or reviewing your SFDA recall plan?
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