The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has revealed a draft technical regulation for children’s meals in food establishments that serve consumers outside the home.

The draft states that calorie information must be disclosed on children’s menus, and meals should be labeled with the physical activity time required to burn the meal’s calories using an icon representing walking.

It also requires disclosure of allergenic ingredients on the menus of food establishments serving consumers outside the home, adherence to requirements for fresh juices, blends, and beverages sold in juice shops, restaurants, and cafes, and compliance with health regulations for restaurants, juice shops, and other food establishments.

Regarding food and drinks in children’s meals, sweetened beverages are not allowed to be served with children’s meals. Natural and fresh juices, plain milk or yogurt, or water can be offered as default drink options with children’s meals.

Food establishments may provide at least one serving of fruits and vegetables within the meal offered to children.

Concerning marketing and advertising, the regulation states that cartoon or fictional characters or symbols attractive to children must not be used to market children’s meals either inside the establishment or through advertisements and digital platforms. Promotional gifts or toys may be offered as incentives to purchase children’s meals only if the nutritional content of fat, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar does not exceed specified limits: total fat not more than 30% of total energy per 100 grams or 100 ml of the product; saturated fat not more than 10%; added sugar not more than 5%; and sodium not more than 400 mg per serving.

The draft also prohibits advertising meals that exceed these nutritional limits.

Regarding menus, establishments must include the statement: “Children aged 4-13 require on average (1200 – 1500) calories daily, and individual calorie needs vary from person to person” on all pages of children’s menus, whether printed or digital. This statement must be clearly displayed on the front page if the menu is electronic or used in drive-thru ordering points, with font size, type, and color matching the food items listed.