Cairo: Tarek El-Houbi, Head of the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA), and Farah Al-Zarooni, Assistant Under-Secretary for Standards and Regulations at the UAE's Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), recently convened to explore ways to strengthen collaboration in advanced food manufacturing and food system regulation.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting also included the presence of Manal Abdel Latif, Minister Plenipotentiary at the Commercial Representation Office in Dubai. El-Houbi outlined the regulatory role of the NFSA in developing a legislative and oversight framework aimed at ensuring food safety, safeguarding public health, and bolstering consumer confidence, which in turn supports the competitiveness of Egypt's food sector.

Al-Zarooni highlighted procedures for recalling non-compliant products, strategies for promoting food innovation, and the use of modern technologies to uphold safety and quality standards. The discussions also covered policies related to the registration and accreditation of new food products, recall procedures, and creating flexible regulatory frameworks that facilitate innovation while ensuring market access without compromising safety.

Both parties underscored the importance of continued institutional coordination and the exploration of future cooperation mechanisms. These efforts aim to bolster regional food security and promote the growth of future industries within the food sector between Egypt and the UAE.