Berlin: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) today in Berlin, establishing a comprehensive framework for cooperation in food safety and risk assessment. The signing ceremony took place during the official visit of Minister of Health and Chairman of the SFDA Board of Directors Fahad AlJalajel to Germany.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the minister of health led the SFDA delegation, with the MoU signed by SFDA Vice President for the Food Sector Dr. Mohammed Al-Nasser. On the German side, President of the BfR Professor Dr. Andreas Hensel also signed the MoU.

The agreement establishes a dedicated network of food safety risk assessors from both authorities, focusing particularly on the safety of food contact materials and packaging, and their impact on food safety. To further strengthen global food safety, the MoU facilitates the exchange of information and best practices on the use of artificial intelligence in risk assessment and the evaluation of innovative products developed through biotechnology and AI. This includes mutual reporting on product safety, efficacy, and assessment methodologies. The partnership will also be advanced through reciprocal visits, joint workshops, and collaborative training programs.

This strategic collaboration underscores the commitment of both the SFDA and BfR to developing a modern, data-driven, and future-ready food regulatory system that supports public health at the national and international levels.