Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has issued a warning against consumption of Arrowhead brand roast beef due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, posing a potential health risk to consumers, the SFDA said in a statement. The affected product originates from the United Arab Emirates and is packaged in 2-3 kg packages bearing the following information: production date 02/12/2024, expiry date 01/04/2025, and batch number B09M24NW.

The SFDA advises consumers to immediately avoid consuming this product and to dispose of any remaining quantities. The authority has taken necessary actions, including product withdrawal from the market and regulatory actions against the importing company.

The SFDA emphasizes its commitment to protecting public health and stresses that violations of the Food Law and its Executive Regulation can result in fines of up to SR10 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.

The SFDA stated that it will not tolerate any violations that may affect the health of citizens and residents and will continue its efforts to ensure product safety and take necessary measures against violators.

The authority called on the public to report food-related violations through contacting its unified call center at 19999.