The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing and the Ministry of Commerce, is intensifying oversight and inspection visits in the Mecca and Al Madinah Provinces.

This concerted effort is part of comprehensive inspection activities conducted throughout the month of Ramadan. It builds on ongoing initiatives aimed at upholding the highest standards of safety and quality, thereby protecting consumers, pilgrims, and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques.

To ensure the health and safety of pilgrims, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is intensifying its preparations for the Hajj season by implementing training initiatives and engaging in collaborative scenario exercises that enhance rapid response capabilities to health incidents. Notably, during the holy month of Ramadan, the SFDA played an active role at the National Crises and Disasters Control Center at Mina Hospital, strengthening coordination among relevant government bodies and supporting preventative measures.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) affirms that cumin, scientifically known as Cuminum cyminum, offers health benefits and high nutritional value, including aiding digestion and relieving gas. However, it emphasizes that cumin should not replace professional medical advice.

The SFDA stresses adherence to the recommended daily intake of 1.5 to 3 grams of cumin. Cumin may interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications, potentially mimicking their effects and causing complications.

In a major step toward advancing Saudi-European trade and regulatory collaboration, H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), held high-level meetings today with H.E. Luigi Di Maio, European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Gulf Region, and Dr. Sabine Weyand, Director General of the EU Directorate-General for Trade. Saudi Ambassador to the EU, Ms. Haifa Al Jedaie, was also present, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to deepening economic and regulatory ties with the EU.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, today launched the "Traveler's Permit for Controlled Drugs" service at the LEAP 2025 conference. The new service was unveiled at the SFDA pavilion. This initiative aims to enhance the travel experience for individuals requiring controlled medications while ensuring appropriate oversight.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has approved the first gene therapy for Hemophilia (B) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has announced the registration of Hemgenix (etranacogene dezaparvovec) for use in patients with moderate to severe Hemophilia (B), a life-threatening genetic disorder. This condition is caused by a defect in the gene responsible for producing clotting factor IX, a protein essential for effective blood clotting and stopping bleeding.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, contributed his insights to a prominent panel discussion on “Regulatory Pathways: Balancing Innovation and Safety” at the Global Healthspan Summit 2025 in Riyadh on Tuesday. The session centered on the pivotal role of regulatory frameworks in fostering innovation while ensuring public safety, particularly in efforts to extend healthy lifespans.