The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) studied the ability of sending some of its staff to Universities in the Netherlands in a step aiming at diversification and broadening chances of selection for candidates and utilizing Netherlander experiences in the field of food safety via specific short courses.
Dr. Ibrahim bin Sa'ad Al-Mohaize'a, Vice President for food affairs who recently ended his visit to the Netherlands as the head of an official delegation which stressed the importance of utilizing experiences of Netherlander experts to develop capabilities in the field of food inspection and labs of food monitoring, by strengthening vital programmes through effective partnership.
Dr. Al-Mohaize'a stated that his visit to Netherlands was a part of scientific and technological co-operation looking for exchanging and sharing scientific and technological information and examining new trends in food monitoring, in addition to studying European legislations and measures in the food area.
The head of the delegation Dr. Al-Mohaize'a met with Mr. Ostra the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Dr. Lewi the head of Veterinary Department informed the delegation about the European policies for animal diseases and about the animal registration system which ensure animal health and food safety. Dr. Van Vojet who is liable for international cooperation projects demonstrated the partnership concept in cooperating with the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (VWA) projects. The delegation looked into procedures of inspection for imported animals in the European Union. After that, the delegation visited check points and cooling stores to study inspection process.
The delegation visited the Research Centre of Wageningen University. They have been informed about the research centre activities and Masters Degree programmes in food areas. The regulations and arrangements of the lab and its work in residues and hormones for contaminated food were presented by Dr. Sab and Mr. Fink.
The 3rd day activities were inaugurated with a visit to slaughter houses of Van Deri Group to see veal processing for consumption with emphasis on hygienic measures. They also visited CIDC lab to be aware of Mad Cow Disease and its present prevalence in Netherlands and Europe. They also learned about recent methods for detecting infections and they have been informed about control measures of bird viral diseases with an emphasis on Bird Flu.

Source: Al Riyadh Newspaper