The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) launched its “Healthy Food Strategy” at a ceremony on Sept. 12, held under the patronage of Minister of Health and SFDA Chairman Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah.
A number of leading global food and beverage manufacturers and importers also signed a voluntary pledge with the SFDA that includes reducing sugar, salt and fat content in their products, and placing clear nutritional labels on them.
The Healthy Food Strategy is in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to reduce sugar, salt, saturated and trans fats in products, entice the country’s food manufacturers and importers to support that goal, list calories on menus in restaurants and cafes, and identify calorie-intake recommendations for individuals through a national survey that assesses the country’s nutritional status.
The companies signing the voluntary pledge include Nestlé Middle East, Mars Saudi Arabia, Mondelez Arabia, Ferrero, Kellogg’s Arabia, PepsiCo. International, Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Freeze Land.
“We are honored to partner with the SFDA and support its Healthy Food Strategy,” said Rocco Rinaldi, secretary general of the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA). “All IFBA members operating in the GCC are committed to doing our part and this is reflected in our voluntary pledge on product reformulation, nutrition labeling, responsible marketing, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle within communities.”