KUWAIT: GCC officials emphasized the importance of continued joint cooperation in food safety, urging the development of integrated regulatory mechanisms that ensure the highest standards of food health and safety. These efforts are crucial to enhancing food security and protecting consumers across all GCC countries. Kuwait hosted the ninth meeting of the Gulf Food Safety Ministerial Committee on Thursday, attended by the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), ministers, and representatives from member countries. The gathering aimed to address key food safety issues and enhance cooperation in response to global challenges affecting food systems.

At the meeting, officials underlined the need for ongoing exchange of expertise among member states and the sharing of successful practices to develop integrated food and regulatory systems. This would ensure greater cohesion in this critical area.

Dr Reem Al-Fulaij, Chairwoman and Director General of the Kuwait Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, told Kuwait News Agency that the discussions included topics such as imposing and lifting bans on importing animal-origin foods and their products. The goal is to ensure consumer protection while avoiding disruptions to trade between member states, though no specific details were provided. The meeting also focused on the unified food law for GCC countries, aimed at standardizing food safety laws and regulations across member states to further strengthen consumer health protection.

Additionally, participants reviewed the GCC guidelines for monitoring imported foods, discussed the GCC Center for Food Risk Assessment, and evaluated mechanisms for assessing newly introduced foods. These steps aim to ensure that Gulf regulations align with best global practices. The meeting also addressed the evaluation of food control systems across GCC countries, a crucial step for fostering intra-regional trade.

Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, Minister of Health and Chair of the meeting, emphasized that food safety is not only a regulatory issue but also a health responsibility and strategic priority. He stated that safe food is a fundamental pillar of public health and sustainable development. He further noted that the rapidly evolving global health and food challenges require GCC countries to strengthen their collaborative efforts in developing food legislation, improving monitoring systems, and raising public awareness to ensure safe food for all residents while protecting public health.

Al-Awadhi highlighted that the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to unify visions, draft decisions, and formulate recommendations that would support the creation of a sustainable Gulf food system capable of responding effectively to global changes. He stressed that ongoing cooperation between member states is essential to raising food and health standards across the GCC. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi also underscored that the health of GCC citizens and residents is a top priority, with food safety being a key strategic investment. He noted that the directives of GCC leaders emphasize continuous efforts to advance cooperation, leveraging past achievements to serve the region’s people and ensure further coordination and integration. — KUNA