Geneva, November 26, 2024 – Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), is participating in the 47th annual meeting of the CODEX Alimentarius Commission in Geneva. The event, which convenes leading regulatory authorities from member states along with representatives from international organizations, serves as a key platform for discussions on food safety and quality standards.
The opening ceremony of the meeting was attended by prominent global figures, including World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Dr. Qu Dongyu, and the Chairperson of the CODEX Alimentarius Commission, Steve Wearne. Their participation underscores the importance of international cooperation in shaping global food safety and public health policies.
Saudi Arabia has been a long-standing member of the CODEX Alimentarius Commission since 1968, and its continued involvement highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to global food safety standards. Saudi Arabia also chairs the Coordinating Committee for countries of the Near East region and has been an active member of the Executive Committee since 2020. The Kingdom's leadership role in these areas reflects its dedication to enhancing food safety systems both domestically and internationally.
The CODEX Alimentarius Commission meeting serves as a crucial venue for member countries to come together and discuss best practices, share knowledge, and develop new guidelines aimed at ensuring food safety and quality worldwide. As the global food supply chain continues to grow and evolve, the discussions held at this meeting are vital in setting standards that protect consumer health and promote sustainable food production.
Dr. Al-Jadhey’s participation further emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance in engaging with international stakeholders to address the challenges of food safety and regulatory standards. The SFDA, under his leadership, plays a critical role in aligning Saudi Arabia’s food safety practices with global standards, while also contributing to shaping international policies through its involvement in CODEX.
The 47th annual meeting of the CODEX Alimentarius Commission provides a platform for constructive dialogue, as member nations work together to strengthen global food safety frameworks, improve consumer protection, and ensure the sustainable development of food systems across the world.