The Seventh Annual Meeting of the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum (IHFAF) concluded in Auckland, New Zealand, on April 24, 2026. Under the theme "Risk Communication," the three-day summit convened the heads of international food safety agencies and senior representatives from the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) to discuss global food safety.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) delegation, led by CEO H.E. Hisham S. Aljadhey, Ph.D., reinforced its commitment to addressing the complex challenges facing global food systems through strategic bilateral engagements and high-level technical sessions.

On the sidelines of the forum’s first day, Dr. Aljadhey held a series of strategic bilateral meetings to deepen technical and regulatory ties with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, the UK Food Standards Agency, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, and New Zealand Food Safety at the Ministry for Primary Industries. The discussions prioritized the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in risk management, the harmonization of evidence-based regulatory frameworks, and the advancement of the global Halal ecosystem to facilitate market access and ensure system resilience.

During a session titled "Trust in Times of Uncertainty" on day two, Dr. Aljadhey emphasized the necessity of reshaping trust-building methodologies to enhance food safety and supply chain sustainability. He highlighted that achieving global food security is a strategic priority requiring effective international integration, driven by decisions based on scientific evidence and continuous transparency in communication.

Dr. Aljadhey emphasized the importance of enhancing preparedness and mitigating risks by shifting from reactive response to proactive action, citing Saudi Arabia’s successful experience navigating global supply chain disruptions. He further noted that the effectiveness of regulatory bodies is ultimately measured by tangible impact and the continuity of safe food supplies.

IHFAF is a global initiative dedicated to unifying efforts to enhance food safety and quality. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played a foundational role in the forum’s establishment, with SFDA serving as a founding member and serving as the permanent secretariat for over six years. Having hosted the inaugural IHFAF meeting in Riyadh in 2020, SFDA continues to participate in joint international efforts and drive regulatory integration worldwide.