SFDA Imposes 500,000 SAR Fine on Qassim Facility for Data Manipulation of Banned Fish Shipment

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has levied a fine of 500,000 SAR on a facility in the Qassim region for manipulating data related to a type of fish that is banned from importation into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This action was taken following a request to inspect a shipment containing eight fish species stored in a warehouse after being imported from outside the Kingdom. During the inspection, the SFDA inspectors noticed discrepancies between the label information and the customs declaration concerning the appearance of one of the fish species. Suspecting foul play, they collected samples and sorted through the shipment, confirming that one species—river tilapia—was misidentified, despite its import prohibition.

The shipment, weighing approximately 2 tons, was subsequently rejected, and the facility has been referred to the relevant authorities for further legal action and penalties in accordance with the Food Law and its implementing regulations.

The SFDA urges consumers to report any violations by establishments under its supervision by calling the unified number 19999 or using the "Tameni" application.