Clarification from SFDA about Banning of Indian Meat
2013-12-12
In reference to the issue raised by the media, entitled: “SFDA Bans Indian Meat from entering KSA in the West and allows its entry in the East”.
SFDA would like to clarify that the said news is absolutely not true and would like to confirm that the its procedures would never allow release of any product that is previously rejected by any point of entry. However, The Decision for non clearance of products will not be issued unless laboratory test is performed confirming such food product is not good for human use. Accordingly, such decision will be communicated to customs department together wth the final test result and shipment information.
Also, all SFDA departments & Inspection Centers at all Points of Entry will be informed electronically that a non release decision of the relevant consignment is issued, Also the Consignment’s information ( Original Health Certificate, Halal slaughter Certificate) shall be withdrawn by SFDA’s Inspectors and shall not be returned to the importer. However, Saudi Customs Regulations force importers to re-export all the contents of the un-released consignment to the exporting country of origin.