Saudi Arabia has imposed a sweeping ban on poultry meat and table egg imports from 40 countries, including India, citing escalating global concerns over highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.
The decision, announced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), is described as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting public health and ensuring food safety within the Kingdom. Saudi officials said the affected countries were identified based on international disease surveillance data and risk assessments tracking the spread of avian influenza.
“The decision aims to protect public health and ensure food safety in the local market,” authorities said, underscoring that biosecurity remains a top priority for the Kingdom.
The ban applies specifically to raw poultry meat and table eggs from the listed nations. However, it does not amount to a complete shutdown of all poultry-related imports.
The SFDA clarified that heat-treated and fully processed poultry products may still be allowed, provided they meet stringent health protocols. Such consignments must be accompanied by certified veterinary documentation and originate from facilities approved by Saudi regulators. Authorities added that the heat treatment applied must be sufficient to eliminate avian influenza and other potential disease risks.
All shipments will undergo rigorous inspection upon arrival to verify compliance with Saudi food safety standards.
For India, the move could temporarily disrupt exports to the Gulf region, a key destination for poultry and egg shipments. Industry stakeholders are assessing the potential financial impact and reviewing compliance measures to align with the revised Saudi guidelines.
India has previously dealt with export restrictions during regional avian influenza outbreaks, but a broad-based ban by a major trading partner such as Saudi Arabia is expected to create short-term supply chain challenges.
In addition to the blanket ban on 40 nations, Saudi Arabia has introduced partial restrictions targeting specific provinces and cities in 16 other countries, including the United States, Australia, France and Canada. These measures are based on localized outbreak assessments rather than nationwide prohibitions.
Globally, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza have intensified since 2003, affecting poultry farms and wild bird populations across Asia, Africa and Europe. While bird flu primarily affects avian species, certain strains have infected humans in rare instances, heightening concerns over potential cross-species transmission.
Saudi Arabia’s move reflects a broader tightening of biosecurity protocols worldwide as governments seek to safeguard domestic food systems against infectious animal diseases. With surveillance and reporting on avian influenza becoming more stringent, trade flows in poultry products are likely to remain sensitive to outbreak developments.
The development now raises questions over whether other major importing nations will follow suit with similar precautionary restrictions, potentially reshaping global poultry trade dynamics in the months ahead.