Riyadh: The Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has announced new regulatory requirements for food laboratory operations to improve the urban landscape, enhance quality of life, and ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality, thereby strengthening the investment environment and compliance levels.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the new requirements apply to food laboratories that conduct tests and measurements under specific standard conditions, whether operating independently or under a conformity assessment body, with the exception of government laboratories.
The requirements include a range of spatial and technical standards. Among these is the stipulation that laboratories must operate within urban areas. Additionally, laboratories are required to provide at least one parking space for every 25 square meters of the total area of an independent site. The laboratory space itself must be at least 100 square meters, either in an existing building or a standalone facility.
The requirements also prohibit the visible installation of electrical wiring or external air conditioning units on building facades or rooftops, in accordance with established safety and quality standards.