Saudi Arabia imposes temporary ban on poultry and egg imports from India and 39 countries

Direct fact

In late February 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) imposed a temporary ban on poultry meat and table egg imports from 40 countries, including India, to prevent the spread of avian influenza.

Key specifics

• The ban covers 40 countries, including India, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
• It is linked to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also called bird flu, and Newcastle disease.
• Heat-treated or fully processed poultry products are excluded if they meet SFDA certification standards.
• Partial restrictions also apply to specific regions in 16 additional countries.
• The SFDA said the list will be periodically reviewed and updated based on global risk assessments.

Exam lens

International relations and health regulation MCQ focus: SFDA, 40 countries, India, HPAI, 16 additional countries — a TNPSC one-liner on trade restrictions and disease control.