Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority suspends poultry and egg imports from India and 39 other countries, citing global health risk assessments and food safety concerns.

Saudi Arabia has suspended imports of poultry meat and table eggs from India and 39 other countries, tightening its food safety net amid evolving global health concerns. The decision was announced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which said the move followed ongoing epidemiological assessments and risk evaluations.

The blanket ban covers a wide list of nations, while selective restrictions have also been enforced on specific regions within 16 additional countries. According to the regulator, the action is part of precautionary steps designed to prevent the entry of animal diseases and safeguard public health in the Kingdom.

Arabic daily Okaz, citing a recent review, reported that certain countries have faced restrictions since 2004, with others added over time following international alerts—particularly those linked to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza. The SFDA indicated that the list of affected countries will be updated periodically based on global disease trends.

However, authorities clarified that the restrictions do not apply to poultry products that have undergone sufficient heat treatment and meet approved safety standards.

For exporters, especially from India, the decision could temporarily disrupt trade flows and pricing dynamics. Industry observers note that such precautionary bans often ripple through supply chains, prompting producers to seek alternative markets. Importers and traders, meanwhile, are advised to closely monitor regulatory updates to avoid shipment delays or compliance issues.