Saudi Food and Drug Authority Chief Rules Out Ban on Cigarettes and Vapes
Saudi Arabia will not impose a ban on the sale of traditional or electronic cigarettes, SFDA chief confirms.
Dr. Hisham Al-Jadhey, the CEO of Saudi Arabia's Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), has confirmed that the Kingdom has no plans to ban the sale of traditional cigarettes or electronic vaping products.
His comments, made during a segment on Rotana Khalejia's 'Fi Al-Soura' program, came amid growing international discussions on tobacco regulation, with some countries, including Belgium, imposing stricter measures such as vaping bans.
Al-Jadhey noted that e-cigarettes are subject to varying regulations globally and clarified that they do not offer a safer alternative to traditional smoking, countering widespread misconceptions.
He emphasized that the SFDA's focus is on encouraging smokers to quit and ensuring that tobacco companies comply with regulatory standards.
Rather than instituting an outright ban, Al-Jadhey explained that the Kingdom's approach prioritizes providing smokers with alternatives, such as nicotine-based products, to help them quit, which he believes is a more effective strategy for long-term public health goals.
His comments, made during a segment on Rotana Khalejia's 'Fi Al-Soura' program, came amid growing international discussions on tobacco regulation, with some countries, including Belgium, imposing stricter measures such as vaping bans.
Al-Jadhey noted that e-cigarettes are subject to varying regulations globally and clarified that they do not offer a safer alternative to traditional smoking, countering widespread misconceptions.
He emphasized that the SFDA's focus is on encouraging smokers to quit and ensuring that tobacco companies comply with regulatory standards.
Rather than instituting an outright ban, Al-Jadhey explained that the Kingdom's approach prioritizes providing smokers with alternatives, such as nicotine-based products, to help them quit, which he believes is a more effective strategy for long-term public health goals.
