Requirements for the Safe Manufacture and Handling of Low-Acid and Acidified Canned Foods

 Circular 

Date of publishing: 02/06/2025                    Affected Region: KSA 


The SFDA circular outlines the requirements for the manufacturing and handling of low-acid and acidified canned foods. These products are considered high-risk due to their susceptibility to contamination by dangerous microorganisms, especially Clostridium botulinum. 


The SFDA mandates that such foods must undergo validated and documented thermal processing to eliminate harmful bacteria and ensure product safety throughout its shelf life. All manufacturing processes must be supervised by qualified experts, and critical safety parameters—such as pH level, water activity, salt concentration, and sterilization efficiency—must be regularly tested. 


Containers must be inspected before and after filling to ensure they are defect-free. Food establishments are also required to maintain complete documentation proving the safety and effectiveness of their processing methods and provide it upon request.


Enforcement Date: 02/06/2025

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Date of publishing1:
Country: UAE
Category: Dairy products and analogues, Fats and oils, and fat emulsions, Edible ices, including sherbet and sorbet, Fruits and Vegetables, Confectionery, Cereals and cereal products, Bakery Wares, Meat and meat products, Fish and fish products, Eggs and egg products, Sweeteners, including honey, Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products, Foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses, Beverages, excluding dairy products, Ready-to-eat savouries, Prepared foods, Novel foods
Date of publishing1:
Country: Saudi Arabia
Category: Dairy products and analogues, Fats and oils, and fat emulsions, Edible ices, including sherbet and sorbet, Fruits and Vegetables, Confectionery, Cereals and cereal products, Bakery Wares, Meat and meat products, Fish and fish products, Eggs and egg products, Sweeteners, including honey, Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads and protein products, Foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses, Beverages, excluding dairy products, Ready-to-eat savouries, Prepared foods, Novel foods, Skin care products, Oral Hygiene products, Baby products, Hair and Scalp products, Professional use products, B2B products, Hotels amenities products