Jakarta, March 3 -- Indonesia's trade ministry said Saudi Arabia's ban on poultry and egg imports from the country is unrelated to halal certification, attributing the move instead to health and quality compliance requirements.

Zulvri Yenni, Indonesia's trade attache in Riyadh, said the restriction reflects Saudi efforts to ensure products circulating in its domestic market meet health regulations and applicable standards.

"The import ban is not linked to halal issues, but rather to compliance with health requirements, regulations and quality standards," Zulvri said in a statement released in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia, through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), imposed a total ban on poultry and egg imports from 40 countr...