A new regulatory step for the slaughterhouse sector in the Kingdom
In a significant regulatory step aimed at improving quality of life and enhancing public health standards, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced a comprehensive update to the municipal regulations governing the operation of private slaughterhouses. This step is part of the Ministry's efforts to increase operational efficiency, improve the quality of services provided to citizens and residents, and enhance municipal compliance, thereby ensuring a safe and organized urban environment. To safeguard the interests of existing investors, the Ministry has granted existing facilities a 12-month grace period to adjust their operations to the new regulations.
General context and objectives of Vision 2030
This update is part of the major transformations the Kingdom is undergoing under Vision 2030, which prioritizes improving the quality of government services and public health. Historically, the slaughterhouse sector has faced regulatory and environmental challenges, most notably the phenomenon of unregulated slaughter outside approved facilities, especially during holidays and Hajj seasons, which posed a risk to public health and polluted the environment. The new regulations adopted by His Excellency Minister Majid Al-Hogail aim to address these issues comprehensively and provide a regulatory environment conducive to investment by controlling development processes and improving the urban landscape across the Kingdom. These updated regulations replace all previous guidelines and regulations, establishing a new phase of precise organization for this vital sector.
Key features of the new requirements and their expected impact
The updated regulations include a set of precise conditions that ensure the highest levels of safety and efficiency, most notably:
- Licensing requirements: The ministry stipulated obtaining approvals from key entities such as the Civil Defense and the National Center for Environmental Compliance Control, in addition to a valid commercial registration, to ensure the integration of regulatory roles.
- Spatial organization: The regulations allowed the establishment of slaughterhouses inside or outside the urban area, with adherence to strict regulatory requirements that ensure easy access and avoid negative impact on the surrounding environment and traffic, while obligating the facilities to provide 4 parking spaces for every 100 square meters of building area.
- Building and Quality Standards: The requirements mandated the full application of the “Saudi Building Code” standards to ensure the safety of buildings and the quality of construction, electrical and mechanical equipment.
- Universal Accessibility and Technology: To promote inclusivity, the ministry mandated the provision of ramps and pathways for people with disabilities. It also required establishments to install security cameras, offer electronic payment options, and display a QR code on the facade to access licensing information, thus enhancing transparency and reliability.
These reforms are expected to have a wide-ranging positive impact. Domestically, they will reduce meat-borne illnesses, improve the urban landscape, and create promising investment opportunities in a regulated sector. Regionally and internationally, raising food safety standards will enhance the Kingdom’s reputation as a safe destination for millions of pilgrims and visitors, and underscore its commitment to implementing global best practices in public health and food safety.
