In line with SFDA’s mandate of ensuring  safety and security of imported  and locally produced food, SFDA  would like to clarify that it has continuously followed up the issue of beef products counterfeit with horse meat, since the beginning of this problem which was detected in Britain. Also, through the follow up conducted by the Rapid Alarm Center of food sector, it was clear that the problem involved most European countries wherein the number of involved companies and affected products is increasing.

However, SFDA adopts strict and defined procedures for licensing meat and meat products importers to the Kingdom whereby only licensed importers by SFDA are authorized to import food. Based on the licensed European food importers to the Kingdom, only three European countries currently export beef  to the Kingdom, viz: Netherland, Ireland and Denmark by 29 licensed companies.According to available information as of this date, these companies are not involved with this issue, except one firm:’ Liffey Meats” which was restricted and its license was cancelled immediately as soon as SFDA was aware of its involvement in beef counterfeit. Generally, although beef counterfeit with horse or other edible meat , even it does not have adverse effect on consumer health, yet, it is considered a commercial counterfeit which is restricted by the applicable laws and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SFDA is following up the latest updates in this connection and the names of involved companies  as soon as they are announced by European governments, to ensure that imported meat is safe and free from counterfeit. At the same time SFDA monitors Kingdom’s imports of these products and continuously conducts necessary tests to ensure safety and quality of these products and that they are free from being counterfeit by horse meat.