Why Saudi Arabia has banned poultry and egg imports from India and 39 other countries | Explained

A poultry farm worker keeps egg trays to dry in sunlight, at a factory in Jalandhar on March 27, 2023. (Photo by SHAMMI MEHRA / AFP)

Saudi Arabia has banned poultry meat and egg imports from 40 countries, including India, to prevent bird flu and other diseases. Partial restrictions apply to regions in 16 more countries. Processed products are exempt if certified. The move aims to protect public health.

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Saudi Arabia has imposed a blanket ban on the import of poultry meat and table eggs from 40 countries, including India, as part of precautionary measures against bird flu and other animal diseases.

The decision was announced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in its latest update on import regulations.

Apart from India, the ban applies to several other countries such as Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Kingdom.

Partial curbs imposed on 16 other countries

In addition to the full ban, Saudi authorities have imposed partial restrictions on specific regions of 16 other countries.

These include parts of the United States, Australia, France, the Philippines, and Canada.

The SFDA clarified that these restrictions apply only to specific states or cities within those countries and not nationwide.

Aim is to protect public health, says SFDA

According to a report by The Times of India, the SFDA said the move was aimed at safeguarding public health and food safety in the Kingdom.

“The decision aims to protect public health and ensure food safety in the local market,” the authority said, adding that the list of banned countries is reviewed regularly based on global disease developments.

The SFDA noted that while some restrictions have been in place since 2004, others were introduced gradually following updated risk assessments and international reports of outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Processed poultry products exempt

Saudi authorities clarified that the ban does not apply to poultry meat, eggs or related products that have undergone approved heat treatment or other processing methods proven to eliminate viruses.

Such products must comply with all health requirements, carry official certification from the exporting country, and originate from facilities approved by Saudi regulators.

Global bird flu concerns behind tighter rules

Saudi Arabia’s latest restrictions come amid renewed global concerns over bird flu, prompting tighter monitoring of food imports and periodic updates to regulatory frameworks.

The SFDA said these measures are part of ongoing efforts to closely track the global epidemiological situation and maintain high food safety standards in the Kingdom.

Impact on Indian exports

Indian exporters and trade authorities are expected to assess the impact of the ban and review shipments to ensure compliance with the updated Saudi regulations.

The development adds to challenges faced by poultry exporters worldwide as countries tighten biosecurity norms in response to recurring outbreaks of avian influenza.