Riyadh: Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Chief Executive Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al-Jadhey participated in a panel discussion titled 'Regulatory Pathways: Balancing Innovation and Safety' as part of the second annual Global Healthspan Summit (GHS 2025), which opened in Riyadh today.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the session also featured Pfizer chairman of the board of biomedical sciences and former global head of research and development Dr. Amrit Ray. Al-Jadhey emphasized that food and nutrition regulations are among the most influential tools in promoting health and extending healthy lifespans, especially in a world where innovations are accelerating and health concepts are evolving.
He explained that redefining the role of food is no longer just an option but a necessity, adding that changes in dietary behaviors are not individual decisions but regulatory responsibilities that impact the food industry, healthcare systems, and the extent of medical interventions. He stressed that the role of regulatory bodies goes beyond setting food standards to influencing consumption behaviors and driving change toward more balanced dietary systems.
He emphasized the important roles played by regulatory bodies in paving the way for innovators and innovation entities to contribute to extending healthy lifespans, enhancing food safety, regulating medical products, supporting innovation in the medical field, and continuously monitoring medicines, medical devices, and supplies.