he training program for members of the Coordinating Committee for Near East (CCNE) countries of the Codex Alimentarius has concluded in Riyadh. Organized by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) at its headquarters under the theme "From Knowledge to Action: Empowering the Region for Codex Compliance," the program included participation from representatives of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), member states from the region, and the Codex Secretariat.
The three-day program featured specialized sessions discussing topics related to food safety and enhancing the capacities of Codex contact point representatives. These sessions emphasized data integration, opportunities for strengthening regional cooperation, and the role of FAO and WHO expert committees in providing scientific advice to Codex technical committees.
The upcoming Codex strategy for 2026-2031 was reviewed, alongside experiences from Codex coordinating committees in various regions. Panel discussions explored innovations in food production systems, the Food Control System Assessment Tool, risk assessment, data analysis methods, and transforming food systems for better health. The sessions also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s experience in these areas.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the SFDA, is a member of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius and has chaired the CCNE Region since 2020. Established in 1963, the Codex Alimentarius is a joint body between FAO and WHO. It comprises 189 members and includes several committees and technical working groups responsible for developing international food standards.