Geneva: CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey met with Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) Dr. Allan Azegele in a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 49th session of the CAC, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6 to 10, 2026.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the meeting was attended by Vice-Chairpersons of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Khaled Al-Zahrani, from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Betul Vazgecer, from the Republic of Trkiye; and Jing Tian, from the People's Republic of China. During the discussions, the officials explored a range of topics of mutual interest, including opportunities for implementing joint training programs and workshops for member states and observers. Additionally, they reviewed the Kingdom's ongoing efforts in capacity building through the SFDA Academy.
Dr. Aljadhey affirmed Saudi Arabia's continued support for the Codex Alimentarius Commission and its strategic plan (2026-2031), emphasizing the pivotal role the commission plays in developing international food standards, enhancing food safety, and protecting consumer health globally. The SFDA CEO also presented the book 'Saudi Food Composition Tables,' which highlights the diversity and nutritional value of traditional Saudi dishes. The chairperson and secretariat of the commission, along with the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), praised the SFDA's efforts in preparing the publication, noting its value as a scientific reference that supports food data and reflects the richness of Saudi culinary heritage.
Notably, the FAO has published the 'Saudi Food Composition Tables' book on its official website and integrated the Saudi Food Composition database into its international INFOODS platform. This global recognition highlights the SFDA's and the Kingdom's growing influence in international forums, while showcasing the high scientific value of their contributions to global organizations.