Saudi Arabia considers mandatory waste food policy for retail firms

Saudi Arabia is considering obliging operators of retail food establishments to develop a policy for processing wasted food, Al Eqtisadiah newspaper reported, citing informed sources.

This policy includes setting up a mechanism to reduce food wastage by either returning excess food to the original supplier or recycling and processing it, according to official arrangements.

The government agencies encourage food recycling, on condition that it does not pose a threat to the safety.

Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper previously reported that Saudi Arabia is studying, along with several private sector companies, a draft project to develop building and operating standards in the retail sector as a first phase, according to data available on Argaam.

The project includes developing building and operating standards for the catering sector and supermarkets, including six classifications, paired with an assessment of the level of compliance with standards according to the star system.