Saudi Arabia Elected Vice Chair of Codex Alimentarius Commission

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), was elected as the Vice Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission for a one-year term, receiving the highest number of votes from member countries. The decision was reached during the 47th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47) in Geneva.

 Established in 1963, Codex is the global body responsible for developing food standards to safeguard consumer health and bolster international food trade. It comprises 189 members and operates jointly under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

 SFDA Chief Executive Dr. Hisham Saad Aljadhey expressed his pride in this achievement, underscoring how it reflects the support and empowerment of leadership that has propelled the Kingdom to global excellence. The accomplishment aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the enhancement of the Kingdom’s international leadership.

 Aljadhey highlighted the SFDA's dedication to strengthening its global role by developing systems and standards and adhering to international food safety regulations. These efforts aim to improve nutritional quality, promote greater trade flexibility worldwide, and contribute to advancing public health and sustainable development on a global scale.

 Khaled Al-Zahrani, who has been serving as the Regional Coordinator for Near East Countries at Codex since 2021 and was re-elected in 2023, will now take on the role of vice chairperson of the global food standards-setting body.