Riyadh, Sept. 1 -- The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Municipalities and Housing has introduced tough new penalties to enforce food safety standards, with smoking in undesignated areas of food establishments now attracting the highest fine of Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR) 5,000 (Rs 1,17,252).

The measures, developed with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), aim to strengthen hygiene practices and ensure consumer protection across the sector.

Under the revised rules, workers in food preparation areas face fines of SR 1,000 (Rs 23,444) for failing to wear face masks and another SR 1,000 for not covering their heads. Touching the nose or mouth or spitting inside establishments will result in penalties of up to SR 2,000 (Rs 46,888)...