The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) successfully concluded its international Codex Alimentarius Workshop, held at its headquarters in Riyadh from January 20–22, under the theme “One Codex: Together We Learn, Together We Lead.”

The workshop featured the participation of the Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and his Vice-Chairs, Codex regional coordinators, the Codex Secretariat, and representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The sessions focused on enhancing the effectiveness of regional coordinators, identifying future regional requirements, and developing mechanisms to implement Codex texts. Key agenda items included reviewing the roadmap for the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, establishing indicators to measure success, and exploring the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to modernize and support Codex operations.

Interactive sessions, open dialogues, and experience-sharing initiatives were conducted throughout the workshop, all aiming to bolster the capacity of the Codex Alimentarius to develop robust food standards and protect consumer health worldwide.

The SFDA’s hosting of this international event highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting the Codex Alimentarius Commission and strengthening its influence in shaping global food standards. Furthermore, it facilitates inter-regional coordination, fostering a higher level of international cooperation in the vital field of food safety.