The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) emphasizes that voluntary recalls, proactively initiated by food establishments to remove products from the market upon discovering or suspecting defects, are crucial for protecting consumer health and maintaining the quality and safety of food products.

The SFDA highlights that voluntary recalls are a globally recognized practice implemented by food businesses under regulatory oversight to ensure consumer safety. This action does not absolve establishments of legal responsibility for any damages arising from the product, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

This procedure demonstrates an establishment's commitment to food safety standards and regulations, as well as its dedication to its reputation and customer well-being. Food establishments initiate voluntary recalls in various situations, including product contamination, quality deficiencies or non-compliance with approved standards, errors in nutritional labeling or product information, and packaging or manufacturing defects that pose health risks or compromise product safety.

The SFDA oversees the recall process after receiving notification from the establishment regarding its intent to conduct a voluntary recall. This notification must include the reasons for the recall, data on the quantity of products affected, the scope of distribution, and the procedures to be followed. The SFDA monitors the process to ensure compliance with approved standards and to verify the removal of affected products from the market.

The SFDA also states that if an official warning is necessary, it will acknowledge the establishment's initiative to conduct the voluntary recall and outline the measures taken to remove the product from the market. Establishments can contact the SFDA immediately through the unified call number (19999) or via email at alert.food@sfda.gov.sa.