SFDA Chief Inaugurates Codex Training Program in Riyadh

Riyadh, September 11, 2024 — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Chief Executive Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey inaugurated the Codex Coordinating Committee for the Near East (CCNE) training program in Riyadh under the theme “From Knowledge to Action: Empowering the Region for Codex Compliance.” The three-day event, which brings together representatives from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Secretariat of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in global food safety standards and regional cooperation.

Context and Background

The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established jointly by the FAO and WHO, develops international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade. The CCNE serves as a regional coordinating body for the Near East, facilitating collaboration among member countries to align national food safety systems with international benchmarks. Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this training program reflects its commitment to advancing food safety and regulatory excellence, both within the Kingdom and across the region.

Key Details

In his opening remarks, Dr. Aljadhey highlighted the importance of joint efforts and effective engagement in enhancing regional cooperation. “Through this program, we aim to raise the level of international integration, build capacities, and develop skills. We also strive for active participation in the development of standards issued by Codex to protect consumer health and ensure global food safety,” he said.

FAO representative Dr. Angeliki Vlachou praised the SFDA for its leadership in organizing the training program, emphasizing the need for ongoing scientific exchange to strengthen food safety. WHO representative Dr. Eva Al Zein noted that food safety and proper nutrition are essential for health and human development, urging regulatory frameworks to adapt to new challenges facing food systems. Codex Alimentarius Commission Secretary Dr. Sarah Cahill thanked the SFDA for bringing together CCNE members and expressed optimism about shaping the future of the committee collaboratively. CCNE Regional Coordinator Khaled Al Zahrani affirmed that the program is designed to encourage effective participation in Codex activities and enhance the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

The first session, titled “Bridging Data and Expertise: Joint Efforts in Food Safety,” provided an overview of existing efforts, partnerships, and opportunities to enhance regional cooperation. It also showcased the role of FAO and WHO expert committees in Codex Alimentarius legislation, the scientific advice program, and recommended tools for data collection. Participants reviewed the Codex Alimentarius strategy for 2026-2031 and shared experiences from Codex Coordination Committees across different regions. Over the three days, attendees will discuss innovations in food production systems, food risk assessment, and food control assessment tools, drawing insights from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s experience in transforming food systems for improved health.

Implications and Impact

This training program represents a significant step toward harmonizing food safety standards across the Near East, ultimately benefiting consumers, producers, and traders. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, Saudi Arabia is helping to build a more resilient and integrated regional food safety framework. The event also reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a proactive leader in international health and regulatory affairs, in line with its broader efforts to contribute to global sustainable development goals.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the CCNE training program aligns closely with Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, enhance quality of life, and strengthen the Kingdom’s global engagement. By advancing food safety and regulatory standards, the SFDA supports public health and fosters a business environment conducive to innovation and investment in the food sector. This initiative also underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation and its aspiration to be a hub for knowledge and expertise in the region and beyond.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did the SFDA Chief inaugurate in Riyadh?

A1. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey inaugurated the Codex Coordinating Committee for the Near East (CCNE) training program titled “From Knowledge to Action: Empowering the Region for Codex Compliance.”

Q2. When did the training program take place?

A2. The training program was held from September 11, 2024, and lasted for three days, bringing together regional and international participants.

Q3. Who participated in the event?

A3. Representatives from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Secretariat of the Codex Alimentarius Commission participated, along with CCNE members.

Q4. What is the purpose of the CCNE training program?

A4. The program aims to enhance regional cooperation, develop international food standards, increase expertise exchange among Codex members, and strengthen food safety.

Q5. What did Dr. Aljadhey emphasize in his opening remarks?

A5. He emphasized the crucial role of joint efforts and effective engagement in enhancing regional cooperation and building capacities for active participation in Codex standards development.

Q6. How did the FAO representative view the event?

A6. Dr. Angeliki Vlachou praised the SFDA for its leadership in organizing the training program and highlighted the need for ongoing scientific exchange to strengthen food safety.

Q7. What did the WHO representative stress?

A7. Dr. Eva Al Zein stressed that food safety and proper nutrition are essential for health and human development, urging regulatory frameworks to adapt to new challenges.

Q8. What did the Codex Alimentarius Commission Secretary say?

A8. Dr. Sarah Cahill noted that the event provides an opportunity to learn, share knowledge, identify gaps, and consider the way forward, thanking the SFDA for organizing it.

Q9. What did the CCNE Regional Coordinator affirm?

A9. Khaled Al Zahrani affirmed that the program is designed to encourage effective participation in Codex activities and enhance the exchange of experiences and knowledge.

Q10. What was the title of the first session?

A10. The first session was titled “Bridging Data and Expertise: Joint Efforts in Food Safety,” providing an overview of efforts and partnerships in food safety.

Q11. What topics were discussed during the three-day event?

A11. Participants discussed innovations in food production systems, food risk assessment, food control assessment tools, and the transformation of food systems for improved health.

Q12. What strategy was reviewed during the event?

A12. The Codex Alimentarius strategy for 2026-2031 was reviewed, along with experiences of Codex Coordination Committees across different regions.

Q13. How does this program align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. It aligns with Vision 2030 by enhancing quality of life, strengthening global engagement, and fostering a business environment for innovation and investment in the food sector.

Q14. What role does the SFDA play in this initiative?

A14. The SFDA organized the training program, demonstrating its leadership in food safety and its commitment to international cooperation and regulatory excellence.

Q15. Why is regional cooperation important in food safety?

A15. Regional cooperation helps harmonize food safety standards, protect consumer health, and ensure fair practices in the food trade across the Near East.

Q16. What are the expected outcomes of the training program?

A16. The program aims to enhance international integration, build capacities, develop skills, and increase active participation in Codex standards development.

Q17. How does the event benefit consumers?

A17. By promoting the development and adoption of international food standards, the event helps protect consumer health and ensures safer food supplies globally.

Q18. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia hosting this event?

A18. It underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in global food safety, its commitment to regional cooperation, and its role as a hub for knowledge exchange.

Q19. What organizations support the Codex Alimentarius Commission?

A19. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is supported by the FAO and WHO, which provide scientific advice and facilitate the development of international food standards.

Q20. What is the theme of the training program?

A20. The theme is “From Knowledge to Action: Empowering the Region for Codex Compliance,” focusing on translating knowledge into effective food safety practices.

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