SFDA Concludes ‘Hack4SaferPlates’ Hackathon in Collaboration with FAO

Riyadh: The Hack4SaferPlates hackathon has successfully concluded, organized by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) in collaboration with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The event, attended by SFDA Chief Executive Dr. Hisham Aljadhey, took place on September 9 and 10 at the SFDA headquarters in Riyadh, focusing on fostering innovation in food safety and enhancing sustainable food systems. According to Saudi Press Agency, the hackathon attracted participants including innovators, developers, and professionals from the region, who engaged in developing technology-based solutions aimed at improving food safety standards across the food supply chain. The event emphasized early warning and rapid response mechanisms for risk detection and aimed to reduce food loss and waste. The two-day event featured specialized workshops and mentorship sessions led by local and international experts from partner organizations such as Berytech, the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), the National Center for Research and Development of Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah), Fermendom, FoodSight, and Goumbook. It concluded with a pitch competition where projects were evaluated by a joint judging panel, awarding teams that presented practical and innovative technology-based solutions. Dr. Hisham Aljadhey expressed SFDA's pride in hosting the event and uniting creative minds from the Middle East and North Africa. He highlighted that the collaboration with FAO is crucial for supporting innovation and leveraging technology to enhance food safety and quality, reflecting the authority's commitment to pioneering initiatives and building a safer, more sustainable food system. Dr. Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO acting Regional Program Leader for the Near East and North Africa, emphasized the significance of cooperation in his opening remarks. He stated that the hackathon serves as a milestone for the FAO-led Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network (RFSRIN), fostering innovation that strengthens food sa fety systems and informs efficient policy. Dr. Nizar Haddad, FAO Program Director in Saudi Arabia, noted that Hack4SaferPlates exemplifies a pioneering model of collaboration between FAO and SFDA. He remarked that the event empowers youth and researchers to transform creative ideas into actionable solutions, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to scientific research and modern technologies to build resilient agrifood systems, in line with Vision 2030. Hack4SaferPlates marks a strategic advancement in local innovation within the food safety sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). The hackathon is part of the FAO regional network's efforts to promote innovative solutions in the field. SFDA and FAO reiterated their commitment to expanding future cooperation to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions for enhancing food safety and supporting sustainable food systems in the Kingdom, regionally and internationally.