RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), through its National Nutrition Committee, has unveiled the Saudi Food Composition Tables, a comprehensive national reference developed under the Saudi Food Composition Database initiative. The project is a key part of the Health Sector Transformation Program supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The publication reflects the SFDA’s continued efforts to strengthen the Kingdom’s nutritional database, support evidence-based health policies, and scientifically document Saudi culinary heritage through the analysis of traditional local dishes.

Designed as an authoritative reference on the nutritional composition of Saudi foods, the book will assist researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in developing dietary guidelines, nutrition policies, scientific studies, and public awareness initiatives. It also enables consumers to better understand the nutritional content of traditional Saudi meals.

The publication provides detailed nutritional information on traditional Saudi dishes prepared using standardized methods and approved quantities.This approach encourages healthier eating habits while preserving the authenticity of the Kingdom’s culinary traditions.

The database was developed through multiple scientific stages, beginning with the preparation and analysis of 130 traditional Saudi dishes using standardized research methods. To ensure accuracy, each recipe was prepared three times, with specialists collecting a minimum of 12 food samples per dish. Laboratory testing evaluated 49 macro- and micronutrients, resulting in more than 19,000 individual analyses before the findings were thoroughly reviewed and validated.

According to the SFDA, the publication marks an important milestone in establishing a reliable national food composition database. The data will support healthcare, research, and regulatory organizations in strategic planning, disease prevention, and improving public health while preserving Saudi Arabia’s food heritage within a scientific framework that reinforces national identity.

The National Nutrition Committee serves as a scientific advisory body within the SFDA. It works to improve nutrition and public health across the Kingdom by providing scientific recommendations to relevant authorities. The committee includes representatives from government agencies, nutrition specialists, consultants, and private-sector experts.

The complete Saudi Food Composition Tables book is available digitally through the official SFDA website.