RIYADH — Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) CEO Dr. Hisham Aljadhey led Saudi Arabia's delegation to the 49th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), being held in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6 to 10.The session brings together Codex leadership, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as delegates from member and observer states.The meeting opened with addresses by FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and Codex Alimentarius Commission Chairperson Dr. Allan Azegele.Delegates are discussing a range of issues related to the work of the Codex specialized committees, capacity-building initiatives, scientific support, emerging global food safety challenges, and the implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan.The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established jointly by the FAO and the WHO in 1963, comprises 189 member states and is responsible for developing international food standards through its committees and specialized technical working groups.Saudi Arabia joined the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 1968. The Kingdom has served as the Commission's vice chair since 2024 and is also a member of its Executive Committee.
