ABU DHABI, 17th May, 2025 (WAM) – The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), in collaboration with the UAE National Codex Committee—established under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (Codex Contact Point)—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.”
Held on 14–15 May in Abu Dhabi, the workshop gathered members of the UAE National Codex Committee, prominent national and international experts in food safety, representatives from ADAFSA, and key stakeholders in consumer protection and trade.
The workshop utilised the Codex Self-Assessment Tool, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), as a vital mechanism for assessing the effectiveness of national Codex programmes. This tool enables the identification of strengths and opportunities for improvement while ensuring that national systems keep pace with scientific and regulatory developments.
Participants engaged in in-depth presentations and discussions exploring the core elements of the evaluation methodology. These 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 established to delve into scoring methods, assessment consistency, and supporting documentation.
At the workshop’s conclusion, organisers underscored the strategic importance of its outcomes in advancing the UAE’s national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural development. The workshop is expected to significantly 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 included the advancement of specialised national training programmes in Codex Alimentarius to expand local knowledge and expertise and enhance 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 recognised as a priority.
Participants also stressed the pressing need for collaborative efforts among all food safety stakeholders, including government authorities, private sector entities, academia, and civil society. This integrated approach is essential to ensure the effective and harmonised implementation of Codex standards, thereby achieving 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.