The Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Visits the SFDA’s Interactive Awareness Center

A delegation from the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), headed by its Chairperson, Allan Azegele, visited the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)’s Interactive Awareness Center. The visit took place during the delegation’s trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of an international workshop held by SFDA in Riyadh.

The delegation included the Codex Vice-Chairs, the former Chairperson of the CAC, Codex regional coordinators, the Codex Secretariat, and representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

During the tour, the delegation explored the Center’s innovative approach to communicating food and drug safety concepts through interactive and simplified experiences. This approach bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and everyday consumer behavior, promoting preventative awareness through hands-on experiences, digital media, and modern technology.

The Interactive Center showcases the “From Farm to Fork" journey and explains how the body processes nutrients through a comprehensive educational experience designed for all segments of society. It also charts the history of medicine—from ancient practices to modern manufacturing—and highlights the SFDA's vital role in regulating these essential sectors.

The CAC Chairperson and the delegation were briefed on the Center’s strategy for transforming complex regulatory standards into accessible, actionable awareness messages that establish safety concepts and support public health. They praised the synergy between regulatory standards and public awareness, hailing the Center as a pioneering model for translating international benchmarks into meaningful community engagement.

This visit highlights the growing cooperation and exchange of expertise between the SFDA and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. It further reflects the Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its active role in protecting consumer health and contributing to the advancement of food safety systems on a global scale.