Saudi Bans Importation of Poultry, Eggs from Nigeria

Saudi Bans Importation of Poultry, Eggs from Nigeria

Saudi Arabia has banned the importation of poultry and table eggs from 40 countries, including Nigeria, citing concerns over public health and food safety. The move also includes partial restrictions on specific regions in 16 other nations.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority said the list of affected countries is reviewed regularly based on global health developments and epidemiological updates.

Some bans have been in place since 2004, while others were added over time following reports of animal diseases, particularly outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

The full ban applies to countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Germany, Indonesia, Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Djibouti, South Africa, China, Iraq, Ghana, Palestine, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, South Korea, North Korea, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, India, Hong Kong, Japan, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Serbia, Slovenia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Montenegro.

Partial restrictions have been placed on certain states or cities in Australia, the United States, Italy, Belgium, Bhutan, Poland, Togo, Denmark, Romania, Zimbabwe, France, the Philippines, Canada, Malaysia, Austria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The authority emphasized that the ban does not apply to heat-treated poultry meat and related products, provided they comply with approved health and safety standards.

The decision aims to protect Saudi consumers and prevent the spread of animal diseases in the country’s domestic market.