New bakery requirements in Saudi Arabia: Standardized storefronts and safety standards
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing in Saudi Arabia announced the adoption of new comprehensive technical and municipal requirements for the bakery and confectionery sector. This step aims to bring about a qualitative leap in the quality of services provided, raise food safety standards, and improve the urban landscape in various cities across the Kingdom. The Ministry has granted existing establishments an 18-month grace period from the date of the decision's publication to adjust their operations to comply with the new regulations.
Context of development and improvement of the urban landscape
This step comes as part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Quality of Life Program, which aims to improve services provided to citizens and residents. The Ministry is working diligently to address visual pollution, with the new regulations focusing heavily on standardizing building facades and preventing haphazard external infrastructure, thus reflecting a more modern image for Saudi cities and creating a competitive and attractive business environment.
Precise spatial and engineering standards
The new regulations included detailed specifications regarding space and location. Semi-automated bakeries were required to have a minimum area of 150 square meters (or as licensed), while kiosks in shopping malls were limited to a minimum of 24 square meters. To improve the overall appearance, the regulations mandated that shops install 12mm thick tempered glass facades and strictly prohibited the installation of electrical wiring or external air conditioning units on the building's front facade.
Health requirements to ensure food safety
Regarding public health, the ministry stressed the need for strict control of the indoor work environment, requiring that the temperature not exceed 25 degrees Celsius and that humidity and temperature monitoring devices be provided. The regulations also prohibited the use of wooden utensils for cutting meat and poultry to prevent bacterial growth, and mandated that food preparation areas be completely separated from restrooms, with the provision of automated, hands-free sinks to ensure the highest levels of hygiene.
Transparency and consumer rights
To enhance consumer awareness, the regulations mandate that calorie counts be clearly displayed for all products and that the 14 internationally recognized allergens be disclosed. They also emphasize the prohibition of refreezing or reheating thawed food, and require that hot food be consumed within two hours. To ensure compliance, the ministry requires bakeries to provide electronic payment options, display a QR code for accessing licensing information, and install security cameras.
