SFDA CEO Visits New Zealand Meat Facilities and Reviews Halal Procedures

As part of a program organized by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), the CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, conducted a field visit to several meat production and inspection facilities in New Zealand.

During the visit, Dr. Aljadhey was briefed on Halal slaughter procedures, modern production technologies, and methods for verifying compliance with international standards.

The visit included a tour of one of New Zealand’s largest meat processing companies, where the delegation reviewed production lines and technologies used to enhance quality and efficiency. The visit also highlighted the controls adopted to ensure product safety in accordance with approved Halal standards.

This visit reflects the SFDA's commitment to building an integrated regulatory system that extends across global supply chains. By overseeing standards at the source, the Authority enhances the reliability of imported products and strengthens consumer confidence, particularly regarding Halal requirements. This aligns with the SFDA’s broader strategy of expanding international partnerships and exchanging technical expertise in the field of food safety, in alignment with the highest international standards.

The visit builds upon a cooperation agreement signed in 2020 between the SFDA and MPI, which focuses on enhancing food safety, particularly within the meat sector.

The field visit took place on the sidelines of the SFDA’s participation in the 7th International Heads of Food Agencies Forum (IHFAF) in Auckland. As a founding member and the host of the IHFAF Secretariat, Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global food safety governance.

These efforts highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment, under Vision 2030, to enhancing food quality globally and supporting the seamless flow of products to markets. By engaging directly with international producers, the SFDA solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a trusted and influential partner in the global food supply chain.