Hack4SaferPlates Hackathon Concludes With SFDA And FAO Collaboration To Enhance Food Safety

The Hack4SaferPlates hackathon, hosted by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), concluded recently. Held on September 9 and 10 at SFDA headquarters in Riyadh, it aimed to foster innovation in food safety and sustainable food systems. The event attracted innovators, developers, and professionals from across the region.

Participants competed to create technology-based solutions to improve food safety standards throughout the supply chain. The focus was on enhancing early warning systems, rapid response to risk detection, and reducing food loss and waste. The hackathon included workshops and mentorship sessions led by experts from organizations like Berytech, CIHEAM Bari, Estidamah, Fermendom, FoodSight, and Goumbook.

Dr. Hisham Aljadhey, SFDA Chief Executive, expressed pride in hosting the event. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with FAO to support innovation and leverage technology for better food safety and quality. This initiative aligns with SFDA's commitment to pioneering efforts that contribute to consumer protection and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional innovation hub.

A final pitch competition was held where projects were presented to a joint judging panel. Winning teams were awarded for presenting practical and innovative technology-based solutions tailored to regional needs. Dr. Ahmad Mukhtar from FAO emphasized cooperation's significance: "The Hackathon is an important milestone for the FAO-led Regional Food Safety Research and Innovation Network (RFSRIN). By bringing together bright minds to co-create solutions, we are fostering innovation that strengthens food safety systems and informs efficient policy."

Dr. Nizar Haddad, FAO Program Director in Saudi Arabia, noted that Hack4SaferPlates exemplifies constructive collaboration between FAO and SFDA. He explained that this platform empowers youth and researchers to transform creative ideas into actionable solutions through evaluation and judging processes. This effort supports Sustainable Development Goals by developing innovations that serve society.

The hackathon represents a strategic step toward enhancing local innovation in food safety, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and UN Sustainable Development Goals — particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). It also fits within the FAO regional network promoting innovative solutions in this field.

Future Cooperation Plans

SFDA and FAO reaffirmed their commitment to expanding future cooperation for developing innovative technology-driven solutions. These efforts aim to enhance food safety while supporting sustainable food systems both locally and internationally. Such initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s dedication to leveraging scientific research for building safer agrifood systems aligned with Vision 2030.

This collaborative spirit ensures progress towards healthier, more sustainable food systems in the region. By fostering innovation through events like Hack4SaferPlates, stakeholders continue advancing towards resilient agrifood systems that meet regional excellence standards.

With inputs from SPA