Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), in collaboration with the UAE National Codex Committee and the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS), successfully concluded a two-day workshop titled 'Evaluation of National Codex Programmes in the United Arab Emirates.'
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshop, held on 14-15 May in Abu Dhabi, gathered members of the UAE National Codex Committee, prominent national and international experts in food safety, and representatives from ADAFSA, along with key stakeholders in consumer protection and trade. The Codex Self-Assessment Tool, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), was used as a vital mechanism to assess the effectiveness of national Codex programmes. This tool helps identify strengths and opportunities for improvement, ensuring national systems keep pace with scientific and regulatory developments.
Participants engaged in detailed presentations and discussions that explored core elements of the evaluation methodology. These elements included institutional communication and consultation mechanisms, capacity-building for Codex activities, and the integration of international Codex standards into national laws and regulations. Interactive working groups were set up to delve into scoring methods, assessment consistency, and supporting documentation.
At the conclusion of the workshop, organisers highlighted the strategic importance of the outcomes in advancing the UAE's national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural development. The workshop aims to support the alignment of UAE Codex activities with international Codex guidelines and optimise the use of Codex standards in shaping food safety legislation and regulations.
Key recommendations from the workshop included advancing specialised national training programmes in Codex Alimentarius to expand local knowledge and expertise, as well as enhancing the UAE's active engagement in Codex-related international activities. Strengthening the UAE's influence in shaping Codex legislation, specifications, and technical guidance was also identified as a priority.
Participants emphasised the need for collaborative efforts among all food safety stakeholders, including government authorities, private sector entities, academia, and civil society. This integrated approach is deemed essential for the effective and harmonised implementation of Codex standards, aiming to achieve the highest levels of food safety and consumer protection in the UAE.
The UAE National Codex Committee was established in 2020 as part of the nation's strategic vision to enhance food security and achieve global leadership in the Food Security Index by 2051. This workshop reaffirms the UAE's commitment to adopting international best practices in food safety and quality, while safeguarding public health and consumer confidence in food products.