On 7 June 2024, the Coordinating Committee for the Near East (CCNE) regional coordinator, Members, and Codex Secretariat met virtually to celebrate World Food Safety Day under the theme "Prepare for the Unexpected".

The meeting began with a general discussion on food safety events, during which the coordinator emphasized that food safety is a collective responsibility. Attendees shared their views and discussed questions related to various food safety incidents, including food poisoning, natural disasters, and product recalls.

Dr Sarah Cahill from the Codex Secretariat shared important information about this year’s theme. She explained the factors that affect food safety, including climate change and other environmental incidents and highlighted the crucial roles of stakeholders, from manufacturers to consumers, in addressing unexpected situations. She also emphasized the important work of the FAO/WHO International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) in responding to unexpected events.

Moreover, Cahill discussed Codex's efforts in setting standards and guidelines, as well as its ongoing work to tackle challenges that might arise during unexpected situations. She stressed the importance of effective information sharing and communication, which play a vital role in dealing with unexpected food safety incidents.

The United Arab Emirates delegation participated in this celebratory meeting by showcasing the integrated approach adopted at the national level to ensure preparedness in facing unexpected events. This framework includes several measures covering the entire food chain systems, from farm to fork. The presentation emphasized the importance of risk communication with various stakeholders to address situations of concern, such as food poisoning.

The CCNE coordinator encouraged Members to learn from each other's experiences and to focus on aligning their national regulatory frameworks with Codex texts. This alignment can help tackle challenges and ensure food safety more effectively.

Overall, the meeting provided a platform for CCNE and its Members to discuss the importance of preparedness and collaboration in ensuring food safety, even in the face of unexpected events.

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World Food Safety Day events this year