The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) as its Regional Centre for Nutrition Collaboration for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which includes 22 countries.
This recognition, announced in an SFDA press release today, underscores the Authority’s significant efforts in advancing food and nutrition policies aimed at improving public health, enhancing quality of life, and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
WHO
According to the release, the new designation will strengthen regional efforts to develop healthy food systems and encourage better dietary habits. The centre will play a critical role in supporting WHO Member States by helping them implement key strategies. Moreover, these include lowering salt and sugar intake, eliminating partially hydrogenated oils, limiting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and building a comprehensive regional nutrition database to support evidence-based policy recommendations.
SFDA
The appointment reflects SFDA’s deep expertise and proven success in enacting nutrition-related regulations that foster healthier food environments. It also aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030.
WHO has praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership in removing partially hydrogenated oils from food products, calling it a global best practice. In recognition, the Kingdom received an official certificate and now leads an international working group focused on replicating this achievement worldwide. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is among the first countries to successfully reduce salt consumption through targeted legislation and regulation.
To support the centre’s mission, WHO will provide substantial resources, including scientific and technical support, evidence-based tools, training materials, and expert guidance. The centre will also collaborate closely with regional data hubs and advance its objectives through strategic initiatives. These include policy development workshops for decision-makers, progress monitoring and evaluation, formation of expert task forces, and creation of a comprehensive regional framework and action plan.
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