The Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, led the SFDA delegation at the 8th Shenzhen Food Safety Forum today. The forum is taking place from November 5th to 6th, 2024, in Shenzhen, China.

The forum, organized by the Shenzhen Institute of Standards and Technology, was inaugurated by Cai Yingquan, Director-General of Market Regulation Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality.

Dr. Aljadhey participated in a dialogue session titled “Role of Innovation and Biotechnology in Food Safety,” alongside several specialists and researchers from around the world. He stated, “Saudi Arabia is actively advancing its approach to new food sources and production systems through comprehensive regulatory frameworks and strategic initiatives. The SFDA has established specific regulations for novel foods, ensuring that these products undergo safety assessments before reaching the market.”

“This regulatory framework,” Dr. Aljadhey added, “not only prioritizes consumer safety but also fosters innovation in food technology within the Kingdom.”

“As we all know, the global food demand is expected to increase by 70% by 2050, necessitating innovative solutions to meet the needs of a growing population. We are currently at a transformative stage, shifting from the familiar "farm to table" approach to the innovative "lab to table" model. This shift is not merely about how we produce food; it is about ensuring that every individual has access to safe and nutritious food.” Dr. Aljadhey said.

The forum will address new trends, ideas, technologies, and methods to enhance food safety management and promote the healthy growth of the industry. It also aims to facilitate information exchange among all parties involved in this field.

The forum will bring together experts from renowned international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Additionally, representatives from food regulatory agencies and academic institutions from various countries will participate.

By participating in the Shenzhen Food Safety Forum, the SFDA emphasized Saudi Arabia's commitment to fostering international cooperation in the area of food safety. The forum brought together nearly 100 global experts to explore trends, innovative ideas, advanced technologies, and methods in this field.