The 12th session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for the Near East has concluded in Muscat, Oman. In wrapping up Waleed Al-ma’amari, Codex Contact Point, the Sultanate of Oman, thanked everyone involved in the meeting for their collaboration, which “contributed directly to the successes of the 12^th session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for the Near East”. That this meeting is the first in the region for 10 years reinforces the “commitment of the Sultanate of Oman and CCNE Members to food safety and quality in the Near East region.” This, he said “is not an end point, but it is a starting point for ongoing work to achieve our joint efforts”.

The keynote speech on the first day was given by Eng. Saleh Al-Shanfari, Chairman of the Food Security Committee, Sultanate of Oman and addressed the issue of collaboration between regulators and the private sector and building consumer awareness and trust. The speech and subsequent discussion made clear the central role of national Codex structures in bringing together the different stakeholders to build collaboration and trust. It was highlighted, too, that Codex standards also have a key role in guiding both food businesses – including small- and medium-businesses- and consumers to make informed decisions about food safety and quality. 

In discussing key issues in the region relevant to Codex work, Members were encouraged to participate in Codex work relevant to the region, from food additives to contaminants in foods, to olive oil to the proposed work on pasteurized camel milk.

The Committee agreed on the outstanding points for discussion on the regional standard for maamoul and agreed to forward it for adoption to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, subject to endorsement of CCFA and CCFL. CCNE12 also thanked Dr Intisar Al-Gharibi, Oman, who chaired the committee, for her “work and passion” throughout the week and in preparation to the meeting.

“The CCNE12 meeting was a forum for exchanging scientific and technical ideas to develop regional texts and draw up a strategic action plan based on the objectives of the Codex and the region's priorities, based on science and risk assessment” - said Nourreddine Haridi, Representative of Algeria - “The key to its success is harmony among Members and cooperation with international bodies in the field of food safety. We all work as one team in the region to contribute to the advancement of food safety”

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CCNE12 webpage

Photo © Food Safety and Quality Center, Oman