Certified Food Safety Specialist Now Mandatory for Central Kitchens in Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing enforces new requirements to improve food safety standards.
Riyadh — The Saudi Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has reinforced regulatory frameworks for central kitchens across the Kingdom, mandating the presence of a certified food safety specialist within these facilities.
The revised guidelines underscore the installation of surveillance cameras throughout operational areas, alongside the adoption of electronic payment systems to streamline financial transactions.
Furthermore, enhanced worker amenities, including toilets, restrooms, and dress changing rooms, are now stipulated, coupled with stringent waste management protocols that demand precise professional mechanisms.The updated requirements also necessitate advanced technical controls such as ventilation, cooling, and water drainage systems conforming to specific standards.
Interior designs should accommodate efficient worker movement while preventing cross-contamination, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to hygiene and food safety—particularly concerning high-risk foods.
Regular inspections of preparation, storage, and serving areas are prescribed to maintain optimal operational conditions.These regulatory enhancements form part of the Ministry's broader strategy aimed at refining the framework for food activities, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring superior food safety standards, and fostering an investment-friendly environment that supports economic development.
Notably, these new requirements embody a significant evolution in managing and operating central kitchens, delineating clear criteria including licensing conditions, site selection within designated usage areas, adherence to Saudi Building Code specifications, and provision of adequate parking spaces.The Ministry has urged investors and proprietors of food establishments to scrutinize the detailed guidelines outlined on its official platforms, ensuring full compliance with these requirements.
For access to the comprehensive guide outlining central kitchen demands, readers can visit: [https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-04/ashtratat-almtabkh-almrkzyt.pdf](https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-04/ashtratat-almtabkh-almrkzyt.pdf).
The revised guidelines underscore the installation of surveillance cameras throughout operational areas, alongside the adoption of electronic payment systems to streamline financial transactions.
Furthermore, enhanced worker amenities, including toilets, restrooms, and dress changing rooms, are now stipulated, coupled with stringent waste management protocols that demand precise professional mechanisms.The updated requirements also necessitate advanced technical controls such as ventilation, cooling, and water drainage systems conforming to specific standards.
Interior designs should accommodate efficient worker movement while preventing cross-contamination, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to hygiene and food safety—particularly concerning high-risk foods.
Regular inspections of preparation, storage, and serving areas are prescribed to maintain optimal operational conditions.These regulatory enhancements form part of the Ministry's broader strategy aimed at refining the framework for food activities, enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring superior food safety standards, and fostering an investment-friendly environment that supports economic development.
Notably, these new requirements embody a significant evolution in managing and operating central kitchens, delineating clear criteria including licensing conditions, site selection within designated usage areas, adherence to Saudi Building Code specifications, and provision of adequate parking spaces.The Ministry has urged investors and proprietors of food establishments to scrutinize the detailed guidelines outlined on its official platforms, ensuring full compliance with these requirements.
For access to the comprehensive guide outlining central kitchen demands, readers can visit: [https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-04/ashtratat-almtabkh-almrkzyt.pdf](https://momah.gov.sa/sites/default/files/2025-04/ashtratat-almtabkh-almrkzyt.pdf).
