The 12th session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for the Near East has opened in Muscat, Oman – the first time this Committee has met in the region for more than 10 years. "But today we meet again," said Dr Hussein bin Samh al Masroori, Director-General of the Centre for Food Safety and Quality in Oman, in his welcome remarks, "not only to continue the journey, but also to chart a more ambitious future for food safety and quality in the Near East Region." He continued: "Your presence with us today is a source of pride and honour ... this is a special gathering that allows us to meet face-to-face, exchange knowledge and expertise, enhance cooperation, and reaffirm our region's active presence within the Codex Alimentarius family." As Coordinator, "we affirm our commitment to strengthening our region's voice and influence in the Codex Alimentarius," he continued. "Let us work together to make this session a shining landmark in the journey of Codex Alimentarius in our region, and a continuation of broader cooperation."

Khalid AlZahrani, Vice-Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), said the Near East is a region that "has worked diligently to support Codex work, striving to achieve the main goals: ensuring that food is safe and that trade is facilitated, both regionally and internationally." He drew the attention of delegates to this week’s agenda, which includes discussions on the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s Strategic Plan 2026–2031 and regional standards-setting work. Betül Vazgeçer, CAC Vice-Chairperson also took to the podium to thank the Sultanate of Oman and offer her best wishes to the meeting.

In her speech, Secretary to CAC, Sarah Cahill, noted the time that has passed since the last regionally hosted CCNE meeting. "It is wonderful to be here in the region where these meetings are meant to be, at the heart of the countries in the CCNE region," she said. She went on to describe the unique role of coordinating committees in the Codex system. They are, she said, "essential for fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and transparent Codex Alimentarius Commission." And she urged delegates to make full use of the opportunity the meeting offers delegates, to engage with each other and with FAO and WHO representatives. "Together," Cahill said, "we can make real progress." She also highlighted the challenges countries face in ensuring food safety and security, which, she said, "make standards development more complex." Finally, she welcomed the new Chairperson, Dr Intesar Al-Gharibi. "I am confident your leadership will guide CCNE to new heights, and we’re grateful for your commitment."

Thaer Yaseen, FAO Representative in Oman, thanked "the Government and people of Oman for their generous hospitality, and for their steadfast commitment to advancing food safety and quality in our region." He noted that the region faces challenges in regard to food security and food safety and highlighted the role of the Codex Alimentarius in helping to manage those challenges. Codex is "more than a set of standards: it is a platform where governments, producers, industry, and consumers come together to harmonize practices, reduce risks, enhance productivity, and build consumer trust," he said. Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in Oman, also mentioned the challenges countries face in ensuring safe food. "These pressures remind us that food safety is not only a public health imperative—it is also essential for economic stability and agricultural sustainability," he reminded delegates. He underscored the opportunities this meeting offers delegates to "share experiences, establish regional priorities, and unite around shared goals" and restated WHO’s commitment to supporting countries to address food safety challenges.

Dr Al-Gharibi then took to the stand to offer some final words. "We pray that our discussions will yield constructive recommendations and outcomes," she said, "that will positively contribute to enhancing food safety, protecting consumers, and supporting fair and sustainable trade."

This week, CCNE will address a variety of issues, focusing on food safety and quality important to the region, including the alignment of regional standards. Delegates will also work on the regional standard for maamoul, a popular Middle Eastern shortbread biscuit currently at Step 7 of the Codex process. Additionally, they will develop a workplan for the region's implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan and discuss the use and impact of Codex standards in the region.

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CCNE12 webpage

Photo © Food Safety and Quality Center, Oman