Abu Dhabi Codex Workshop Concludes With Key Recommendations For Legislative Alignment And Capacity Building

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) recently hosted a workshop in collaboration with the UAE National Codex Committee and the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS). This event, held on 14–15 May in Abu Dhabi, focused on evaluating national Codex programmes within the UAE. The workshop aimed to enhance food safety standards by aligning with international guidelines.

Participants included members of the UAE National Codex Committee, food safety experts, ADAFSA representatives, and stakeholders from consumer protection and trade sectors. The workshop utilised the Codex Self-Assessment Tool, created by the FAO and WHO, to assess national Codex programmes. This tool helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring systems align with scientific and regulatory advancements.

During the event, attendees engaged in detailed presentations and discussions about evaluation methodologies. Topics covered included communication mechanisms, capacity-building for Codex activities, and integrating international standards into national laws. Interactive groups were formed to explore scoring methods, assessment consistency, and supporting documentation.

The workshop concluded with organisers highlighting its strategic importance for advancing UAE's food security goals. It is expected to support aligning UAE Codex activities with international guidelines and optimise using Codex standards in shaping food safety legislation.

Key recommendations from the workshop included developing specialised national training programmes in Codex Alimentarius. These programmes aim to expand local expertise and enhance UAE’s participation in international Codex activities. Strengthening UAE's influence in shaping Codex legislation was also identified as a priority.

Participants emphasised the need for collaboration among all food safety stakeholders, including government bodies, private sector entities, academia, and civil society. This integrated approach is crucial for effectively implementing Codex standards to achieve high levels of food safety and consumer protection in the UAE.

Commitment to Global Standards

The UAE National Codex Committee was established in 2020 as part of a strategic vision to improve food security and achieve global leadership in the Food Security Index by 2051. This workshop reaffirms UAE’s commitment to adopting international best practices in food safety while safeguarding public health and consumer confidence.

With inputs from WAM