Taste change investigation

Saudi Arabia has told tobacco companies to disclose the ingredients in their products following consumer reports about perceived taste changes after the introduction of plain packaging earlier this year, reports The Saudi Gazette.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Ministry of Commerce are reportedly seeking details about tobacco materials such as leaf, rolling papers and filters. In addition, they want information about emission components and an explanation why flavors changed.

SFDA has sent samples from seven locally sold tobacco products to the Eurofins laboratory to determine whether there has been any change in the quality and flavor of tobacco used during the past two years.

SFDA and the ministry warned tobacco companies they would be punished if they are found to have manipulated their products.