GSO Participates in the 48th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX)
The GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) is participating in the 48th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX), held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy, from November 10 to 14, 2025. The GSO delegation is headed by H.E. Engineer Nawaf bin Ibrahim Al-Mana, President of the GSO.
The session discusses a number of important topics on the agenda, most notably the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the 88th and 89th Executive Committee sessions, the discussion of the Codex Strategic Plan for 2026–2031, the approval of the Codex budget, and the election of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and Executive Committee members according to geographic distribution. The session also includes the appointment of coordinators and countries responsible for chairing Codex subsidiary bodies, as well as the review of reports and outcomes of the joint coordination committees between FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO), and the discussion of the outcomes of specialized technical committees and proposed amendments to the Codex Procedural Manual.
As part of efforts to strengthen the Gulf role within the Codex system, the Codex Alimentarius Commission with the support of the GSO member states has approved the re-election of the Sultanate of Oman as Regional Coordinator for the Near East for a second term, reaffirming international confidence in Oman’s role in supporting the global food safety system. In addition, Eng. Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Chairperson of the National Codex Committee of the United Arab Emirates, has been elected as the Regional Representative of the Near East region in the Codex Alimentarius Commission for the period 2026–2028. Regarding international standards, the Codex Alimentarius Commission supported by the GSO member states has adopted the international standard for fresh dates, which will enhance the competitiveness of Gulf and Arab exports in global markets and facilitate the flow of Gulf food products in accordance with recognized international standards. Moreover, during its 48th session (CAC48), and with the support of the GSO member states, the Commission approved the proposal submitted by the United Arab Emirates to develop an international standard for pasteurized liquid camel milk, reflecting the pioneering role of the Gulf countries in advancing the global food standards system and supporting regional products.
