Saudi Food & Drug Authority Bans Poultry Imports From 40 Countries

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has imposed a ban on the import of poultry and table eggs from 40 countries, alongside partial restrictions on specific regions in 16 other countries, citing precautionary measures to protect public health and ensure food safety in the domestic market.

The authority said the list will be reviewed regularly in line with global health developments and epidemiological updates.

According to the latest revision, some prohibitions have been in place since 2004, while others were introduced gradually based on risk assessments and international reports on animal diseases, particularly outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The measures distinguish between full countrywide bans and regionalised restrictions depending on disease reporting and control measures in exporting markets.

Countries subject to a full ban include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Germany; Indonesia, Iran and Bosnia and Herzegovina; as well as Bulgaria, Bangladesh and Taiwan. The list also covers Djibouti and South Africa; China and Iraq; Ghana and Palestine; Vietnam, Cambodia and Kazakhstan; and Cameroon.

Further countries under full prohibition include South Korea and North Korea; Laos, Libya and Myanmar; the United Kingdom and Egypt; Mexico and Mongolia; Nepal, Niger and Nigeria; India, Hong Kong and Japan; as well as Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Côte d’Ivoire and Montenegro.

Partial restrictions apply to specific states or cities in Australia and the United States; Italy and Belgium; Bhutan and Poland; Togo and Denmark; as well as Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The authority clarified that the temporary ban does not apply to heat-treated poultry meat and related products. Such products must be accompanied by official certification confirming processing that eliminates avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses.