The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bans the import of poultry from 40 countries/representative image
Saudi authorities have tightened controls on imports of poultry and table eggs in one of the most comprehensive updates in recent years. The revised import list, seen by Okaz newspaper, confirms that imports from 40 countries are completely banned, with additional regional restrictions imposed on 16 other countries amid ongoing global disease fears.
Precautionary measures and continuous monitoring
This decision by the Food and Drug Authority comes within the framework of precautionary measures aimed at protecting public health and enhancing food safety in the local market.The authority stressed that the list of restricted countries is subject to periodic review in line with global health developments. She stressed that some ban decisions have been in effect since 2004, while other countries have been added gradually over the years based on updated risk assessments and international reports related to animal diseases.Among the main concerns mentioned was the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza. This approach reflects continuous monitoring of the global epidemiological situation and regulatory adjustments based on evolving disease patterns.
40 countries are under complete ban
The complete ban on imports of poultry and table eggs applies to the following 40 countries:Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, South Korea, North Korea, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Sahel Ivory, Montenegro.
The import of poultry and table eggs from these countries is completely prohibited under the current decision.
The partial ban includes specific areas in 16 countries
In addition to the complete ban, a partial ban was imposed targeting specific provinces and cities in 16 countries. These include:Australia, United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Restrictions in these countries only apply to designated states and cities rather than nationwide bans.
Exemptions for heat-treated products
The Authority explained that poultry meat and its products that have undergone heat treatment or other processing methods sufficient to eliminate the avian influenza virus or the Newcastle disease virus may be exempt from the temporary ban.But the exemption is conditional. These products must be:
- Full compliance with health requirements, controls and approved standard specifications
- It must be accompanied by a health certificate
- The certificate must be issued by the competent official authorities in the issuing country
- Ensure that the heat treatment or treatment applied is sufficient to eliminate the avian influenza or Newcastle disease virus
- Originating from an approved facility
All conditions must be met to apply the exemption, without prejudice to the condition that the product is from an approved facility.
