UAE Collaborates With GCC On Food Safety And Camel Milk Standards In Doha

The UAE delegation, led by Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director-General for Organisational and Administrative Affairs and Chairman of the UAE National Codex Committee (UAENCC) at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), participated in the Codex Gulf Working Group meetings in Doha. Representatives from the Gulf Standardisation Organisation and supporting bodies like the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS) joined experts from international scientific organisations and heads of delegations from Member States.

Mouza Al Muhairi emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation between GCC countries on food safety issues. She stated that such meetings contribute to raising food safety standards in the region and improving the health of Gulf citizens. The UAE delegation reviewed successful experiences and initiatives in food safety, including legislation, standards, and technical regulations that support the food and beverage industry.

During the meeting, Mouza Al Muhairi delivered a presentation on "Developing an International Standard for Camel Milk." The proposal to develop this standard was previously approved by the Codex Alimentarius Committee of the Near East Region at its 11th meeting. She highlighted efforts at the national level, including forming a technical committee to develop this standard and preparing a related document.

She also referenced the United Nations' declaration of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids. This declaration presents a valuable opportunity to support the camel milk industry, as camels are a vital source of livelihood and food for millions of families in over 90 countries, particularly in the Arab region. The presentation concluded with plans to hold an international forum in September 2024 to support and develop this industry further.

Mouza Al Muhairi reaffirmed the UAE's strong commitment to attaining top-notch food safety levels. She stressed that ensuring secure and nutritious food for every member of society consistently is a priority. "Food safety stands as a crucial foundation supporting food security and sustainable environmental aspects of agricultural and food production," she said.

The UAE National Codex Committee (UAENCC) was formed in 2020 to enhance the food security system. Through its National Food Security Strategy, the country aims to make the UAE at the forefront of the global food security index by 2051. This strategy includes developing standards that address emerging issues related to food and nutrition.

The UAE's efforts also include reviewing successful experiences in food safety legislation, standards, and technical regulations. These initiatives aim to enhance food safety within the region while addressing emerging issues related to food and nutrition. The delegation's participation underscores their dedication to improving regional cooperation on these critical matters.

The forum planned for September 2024 aims to highlight benefits and importance of regulating camel milk production, standardisation, and distribution. This initiative supports ongoing efforts within Codex Commission's framework to establish an international standard for camel milk.

In summary, these collaborative efforts reflect ambitions of UAE leadership for a more prosperous society through enhanced food security measures. The focus remains on ensuring safe, nutritious food while supporting sustainable agricultural practices across GCC countries.

With inputs from WAM