In September 2025, the UAE National Codex Committee (UAE NCC) played a pivotal role in the 56th session of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR), held in Santiago, Chile. This biennial event, organized by the Codex Alimentarius Commission—a joint initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)—gathered 188 member countries to deliberate on international standards for pesticide residues in food.
UAE’s Active Participation
The UAE NCC’s involvement was marked by several key presentations and contributions:
- Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in Food and Feed: Eng. Sonia Baldi of the UAE presented on MRLs in food and feed, addressing Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) recommendations and the consideration of pesticides lacking sufficient data.
- Guidelines for Monitoring Reference Materials: Eng. Sonia Baldi also led discussions on guidelines for monitoring the stability and purity of reference materials and standard pesticide solutions during long-term storage.
- Coordination with Veterinary Drug Residue Committee: Eng. Sonia Baldi emphasized the importance of coordination between CCPR and the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food (CCRVDF), particularly for dual-use substances.
These contributions underscore the UAE NCC’s commitment to enhancing food safety standards and fostering international collaboration.
Collaborative Efforts in the Arab Region
Prior to the main session, a preparatory meeting of Arab Codex Contact Points was held virtually on September 1, 2025. Chaired by Dr. Intisar Algharibi, Regional Coordinator for the Near East, the meeting aimed to unify regional perspectives and strengthen collective efforts. Eng. Sonia Baldi represented the UAE, presenting on several agenda items, including MRLs and guidelines for monitoring reference materials. The meeting highlighted the active participation of Arab countries in Codex activities and their commitment to improving food safety standards in the region.
Global Impact and Future Directions
The 56th CCPR session concluded with significant advancements in establishing global standards for pesticide residues. The collaborative efforts of member countries, including the UAE, have paved the way for more harmonized and science-based regulations. Looking ahead, continued participation and leadership by the UAE NCC will be crucial in shaping the future of global food safety standards.
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