The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has imposed restrictions on imports of chicken from two facilities operated by Brazilian food company BRF.

Both the facilities are located in the Brazilian state of Parana.

The SFDA cited alleged violations in feed production revealed by a Brazilian criminal probe.

The investigation took place between 2014 and 2018.

Furthermore, the SFDA has issued a request for information to the Brazilian authorities.

As a result of the suspension, BRF will have to stop the export of poultry products from its Dois Vizinhos plant. It was previously exporting nearly six thousand tons of chicken products per month to Saudi Arabia.

BRF said that its other plant in Francisco Beltrão was not exporting any products to Saudi Arabia.

The company has reportedly made the necessary production adjustments from its other plants until the resolution of the issue.

BRF said that another five processing plants retain permissions to export chicken products to Saudi Arabia.

It added that it will continue to supply poultry products manufactured at its Dois Vizinhos and Francisco Betrão facilities to other markets.

It asserted that it has fully cooperated with Brazilian and international authorities so far and will continue to do so.

BRF said that it does not tolerate any quality or integrity deviation in its products.

In October, BRF announced its plans to build and operate a chicken processing plant in Saudi Arabia with an investment of approximately $120m.

The company signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA).

With this investment, BRF will expand and strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia.