UAE Launches Food Control System Assessment with FAO to Enhance Food Safety and Global Trade

In an effort to strengthen its food safety and quality and ensure alignment with international standards, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), launched a comprehensive food control system assessment last week. The initiative kicked off with a five-day training workshop in Dubai, attended by over 50 focal points from the country’s Competent Authorities. The assessment aims to evaluate and improve the UAE’s institutional capacities, governance, and strategic planning to better manage food safety risks.

The workshop, led by FAO experts, introduced participants to the FAO/WHO Food Control System Assessment Tool, an internationally recognized instrument designed to evaluate food safety policies, legislative frameworks, monitoring systems, and risk management practices. The tool provides a systematic approach to identifying both strengths and areas for improvement in national food control systems.

During the workshop, Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the significance of the project and the collaboration with FAO as a key step in strengthening UAE’s food control system and ensuring the protection of public health. He stated, “This project will identify the necessary initiatives and actions for the Ministry and the local authorities to enhance the existing systems in line with international best practices.”

The workshop provided participants with a thorough understanding of the assessment criteria and indicators necessary for data collection and evaluation. The process will last approximately eight months and will culminate in a final workshop where strategic recommendations and costed plans will be developed based on the findings.

The collaboration between the UAE and FAO reflects the country’s commitment to meeting international standards for food safety and quality, supporting safe trade, and ultimately safeguarding the health and well-being of its population.