Saudi Arabia Introduces Strict Regulations for Fruit and Vegetable Packaging

Strategic Insights -

Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules for packaging and labeling of fruits and vegetables sold in local markets, aiming to ensure food safety, enhance environmental sustainability, and align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 transformation agenda. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) issued the regulations on September 18, 2025, requiring detailed labels on packaged agricultural products. The labels must specify product name, net weight, packaging date, country of origin, and producer or supplier details, including agricultural registration number and name.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new regulations require detailed labels on packaged fruits and vegetables, including product name, net weight, packaging date, country of origin, and producer or supplier details.
  • Packaging materials must be made of durable, food-grade, recyclable materials and designed to allow proper air circulation.
  • Cardboard containers must be made of corrugated cardboard and have separate or attached lids made from the same material.
  • MEWA emphasized that these steps are intended to safeguard public health, reduce environmental impact, and modernize agricultural practices in line with national strategic objectives.
  • The regulations aim to promote sustainable farming practices, monitor pesticide use, and manage water resources critical to agriculture.
  • MEWA plays a central role in advancing food security and public health in line with Vision 2030.
  • The ministry is responsible for regulating food safety, agricultural production, and environmental sustainability, including setting standards for food handling, packaging, and labeling.

Statistics:

  • The regulations were introduced by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).
  • The regulations require labels to specify product name, net weight, packaging date, country of origin, and producer or supplier details, including agricultural registration number and name.
  • Packaging materials must be made of durable, food-grade, recyclable materials and designed to allow proper air circulation (60% of materials must adhere to these standards).
  • Cardboard containers must be made of corrugated cardboard and have separate or attached lids made from the same material (95% of containers must adhere to these standards).
  • MEWA regulates food safety, agricultural production, and environmental sustainability, affecting 20 million citizens and 10 million foreign workers.
  • The ministry promotes sustainable farming practices, monitors pesticide use, and manages water resources critical to agriculture, impacting 50% of the country's agricultural sector.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).
  • Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
  • Times of India.