Saudi Arabia Suddenly Bans Poultry and Egg Imports from 40 Countries, Including Indonesia

Jakarta — Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has implemented a complete ban on poultry and egg imports from 40 countries, including Indonesia, as well as partial restrictions affecting certain regions in 16 other countries. The policy has been adopted as a preventative measure to protect public health and strengthen food safety standards in Saudi Arabia’s domestic market. The SFDA has confirmed that the list of affected countries will be continuously evaluated and updated in line with global health developments.

According to recent updates, some bans have been in effect since 2004, whilst others have been added gradually based on risk assessments and international reports concerning animal diseases. The primary focus of the policy is preventing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian flu, reflecting Saudi authorities’ ongoing efforts to monitor global epidemiological trends.

The 40 countries subject to complete import bans include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bangladesh, South Africa, China, Vietnam, Egypt, the United Kingdom, India, Japan, Nigeria, Serbia and Montenegro, amongst others. Partial restrictions have been imposed on certain regions in 16 countries, including Australia, the United States, Italy, France, Canada, Malaysia, the Philippines and Austria.

The SFDA has noted that temporary exemptions apply to poultry meat and its derivatives that have undergone heat treatment or other processing methods deemed sufficient to eliminate Newcastle disease virus. However, such products must comply with all applicable health requirements and standards. Additionally, exempted products must be accompanied by health certificates from official authorities in the country of origin, confirming that processing procedures have been adequate to eliminate the virus. The SFDA has confirmed that exemptions apply only to products from approved production facilities.