The delegation of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority(SFDA) headed by His Excellency the CEO, Dr. Hisham bin Saad Aljadhey, visited Today, Thursday, Backweston Laboratory concerned with analytical chemistry, and Devenish Group specialized in developing sustainable food solutions based on science for the food and feed industries. This was on the sidelines of the delegation’s official visit to the Republic of Ireland to attend the 4th Meeting of International Heads of Food Agencies Forum (IHFAF).

During the visits, they discussed possible cooperation opportunities in the development and regulatory fields, and the exchange of international experiences, expertise and relevant information, with the aim of strengthening local capabilities and providing the necessary capabilities.

Established in 1924, Backweston Laboratory provides a comprehensive analytical and advisory service and is the designated national reference by the European Union for veterinary drug residues in foods of animal origin, additives used in animal feed, hybridized persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in food and feed, mycotoxins in food of animal origin and animal feed, and heavy metals and nitrogenous compounds in feed.

The laboratory's main areas of activity include supporting the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as the regulators for food and feed safety in Ireland, to implement formal controls and ensure the safety and credibility of the food chain, and therefore protecting consumers and supporting food exports. The laboratory also assists the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and the DAFM to control the use of unlicensed human and veterinary medicines.

The "Devenish" group, which was founded in 1952, provides innovative services and high-quality food and agricultural products with the help of a team of nutrition and technology experts to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. The group aims to be a provider of solutions through knowledge and products through investment in research and development. Devenish's research projects fall under six areas, including food innovation and safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement.