UAE is taking part in GCC Codex Working Group meetings in Doha.
The UAE delegation, led by Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director-General for Organizational and Administrative Affairs and Chairman of the UAE National Codex Committee (UAENCC) at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), took part in the meetings of the Codex Gulf Working Group (Codex) in Doha, Qatar.
Representatives from the Gulf Standardization Organization and supporting organizations, such as the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS), attended the meeting along with experts from international scientific bodies and heads of delegations from Member States.
The UAE delegation discussed successful experiences and initiatives in food safety, including legislation, standards, and technical regulations that support the food and beverage industry, enhance food safety, and address emerging issues related to food and nutrition.
During the meeting, Mouza Al Muhairi emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between GCC countries on various issues related to food safety, stating that this meeting contributes to raising the level of food safety in the region and improving the health of Gulf citizens.
She also presented on "Developing an International Standard for Camel Milk," which included the proposal to develop an international standard for camel milk, previously approved by the Codex Alimentarius Committee of the Near East Region at its 11th meeting.
Mouza Al Muhairi highlighted the UAE's efforts at the national level, including forming a technical committee to develop the camel milk standard and preparing a related document.
She also referenced the United Nations declaration of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, stressing the importance of this declaration in supporting the camel milk industry, which is a vital source of livelihood and food for millions of families in over 90 countries, particularly in the Arab region.
The presentation concluded with the UAE's intention to hold an international forum in September 2024 to support and develop the camel milk industry, aiming to highlight the benefits and importance of regulating the production, standardization, and distribution of camel milk. This will support ongoing efforts to establish an international standard for camel milk within the framework of the Codex Commission.
Mouza Al Muhairi reaffirmed the UAE's strong commitment to achieving top-notch food safety levels, guaranteeing the delivery of secure and nutritious food to society members consistently.
She emphasized that food safety is a crucial foundation supporting food security and the sustainable environmental aspects of agricultural and food production, aiding in fulfilling the ambitions of the UAE leadership for a more prosperous and contented society.
The UAE National Codex Committee (UAENCC) was formed in 2020 to enhance the food security system, as the country aims, through its National Food Security Strategy, to position the UAE at the forefront of the global food security index by 2051.