Strategic Insights into Foodborne Disease Prevention in Saudi Arabia: Public Awareness, Practices, and Policy Evaluation

Abstract

Introduction: Foodborne diseases stay a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia due to gaps in awareness, hygiene practices, and enforcement of safety regulations. Despite ongoing efforts, these challenges continue to impact food safety outcomes.

Objectives: The study aims to assess public knowledge, behavior, and perception of current food safety policies using a national survey.

Methods: A structured survey was conducted with 87 participants from various regions and professional backgrounds across the country. To support analysis and recommendations, strategic tools such as SWOT analysis, PESTLE, and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) were applied to examine internal and external factors influencing food safety.

Results: Findings showed that 49.4% of participants lacked essential knowledge about foodborne diseases, while 52.9% were uncertain about the effectiveness of current food safety regulations. Around 93% of participants supported stricter penalties for violators while nearly 89% were in favor of using digital monitoring systems. About 67% also backed the idea of mandatory hygiene training for food workers which shows strong public support for improving food safety.

Conclusions: The results point to a clear need for focused public education efforts, better hygiene training for food workers and stronger enforcement of food safety regulations. These findings can support the development of more effective national strategies and help improve public health in Saudi Arabia.