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In Gulf, stringent regulatory framework governs safety & quality
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Wednesday, 18 October, 2023, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Gowrishankar L
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In the Gulf region, comprising countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait, a stringent regulatory framework governs the safety and quality of food products. Adhering to international standards, particularly those set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, these nations prioritise food safety across various stages of production, handling, and distribution. Given the predominant Muslim population, there is a notable emphasis on ensuring that food products comply with Islamic dietary laws, leading to the establishment of robust Halal certification processes. Accurate labelling is a cornerstone, with regulations mandating comprehensive information on ingredients, nutritional content, and expiration dates. Due to heavy reliance on food imports, stringent regulations apply to incoming products, involving thorough inspections for compliance.
Local food production is encouraged, with accompanying standards to ensure the quality and safety of domestically produced items. Regulations extend to the use of food additives and preservatives, with specific lists of approved additives and penalties for exceeding limits. The region prioritises risk assessment and management, employing measures to identify and mitigate potential risks in the food supply chain. Enforcement is rigorous, with penalties, fines, and product recalls for non-compliance, crucial for maintaining public trust. Embracing technology, some Gulf countries are integrating digital platforms for tracking and tracing food products, contributing to increased transparency in the supply chain. In summary, the Gulf's food regulatory landscape is comprehensive, addressing diverse facets of the food industry to safeguard the health and trust of its population.
The food behaviour of Gulf countries is influenced by various factors, such as culture, religion, climate, income, and availability of food. Some of the main characteristics of the food behaviour of Gulf countries are:
? They rely heavily on food imports, as they have limited arable land and water resources. Countries in Gulf Cooperation Council import about 85% of their food, with rice imports comprising virtually all consumption, around 93% of cereals, and approximately 62% of meat and 56% of vegetables.
? They have experienced qualitative and quantitative changes in their diets, as they have become more affluent and urbanised. They tend to consume more energy-dense foods, with higher intake of fat, sugar, and animal products, and lower intake of complex carbohydrates and fruits and vegetables.
? They are facing challenges in ensuring their food security, especially in times of crisis or disruption. They need to adopt sustainable measures to increase their local food production, diversify their food sources, and strengthen their food supply chains.
? They are becoming more conscious of their food choices, as they are aware of the health and environmental impacts of their diets. They are showing more interest in reading nutrition labels, buying locally sourced food, and choosing brands that use sustainable packaging.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have established regulatory bodies to ensure food safety and quality standards. The GCC Standardisation Organization (GSO) is responsible for developing food and non-food standards for the region. The GSO’s food-related technical regulations and standards serve as the main point of reference for food imports into the Gulf region. Each GCC country has its own regulatory authority that oversees food safety and quality. For example, the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) is responsible for regulating food safety, labelling, and packaging in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, the Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority (ESMA) is responsible for ensuring that imported food products comply with UAE’s regulations and standards.
The GCC countries have also introduced new and amended regulatory requirements related to the importation and sale of agricultural goods. Notable policy changes include the registration process for food products, additive standards, halal, and conformity assessment measures. It is important to note that U.S. agricultural suppliers are advised to consult with local importers prior to shipping to ensure regulatory compliance.
The food processing industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries faces several challenges, such as inadequate supply chain infrastructure, seasonality of operations, low capacity utilisation, institutional gaps in the supply chain, and lack of focus on quality and safety standards. These challenges have resulted in a shortage of raw materials and higher pricing of raw materials, which has affected the growth of small-scale food processing businesses.
In addition to these challenges, the GCC countries are also facing issues related to food imports. They rely heavily on food imports due to limited arable land and water resources. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the supply of agro-food products to markets and consumers, both within and across borders. The GCC countries have introduced new and amended regulatory requirements related to the importation and sale of agricultural goods. Notable policy changes include the registration process for food products, additive standards, halal, and conformity assessment measures. U.S. agricultural suppliers are advised to consult with local importers prior to shipping to ensure regulatory compliance.
The Gulf countries uphold strict food regulatory policies to safeguard the safety of food products, encompassing both imports and locally manufactured items. These policies, rooted in international standards such as those set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, cover various critical aspects like labelling requirements, adherence to Halal practices, and the meticulous control of additives and preservatives. The region's heavy reliance on food imports necessitates rigorous regulations and inspections to ensure that products meet the stringent safety and quality standards. Simultaneously, the encouragement of local manufacturing is accompanied by specific standards to guarantee the safety and quality of domestically produced foods, with a particular emphasis on obtaining Halal certification.
The Gulf countries employ a combination of mandatory and voluntary standards to maintain food safety. Mandatory standards encompass essential elements such as labelling criteria, permissible levels of additives, and adherence to Islamic dietary laws. Voluntary standards, aligned with international best practices, provide additional benchmarks for producers aspiring to surpass basic regulatory requirements. As part of their future plans, Gulf nations are integrating advanced technologies, including digital platforms for supply chain tracking and tracing, to enhance transparency and traceability in the food industry. Regular updates and revisions to food regulations underscore the region's commitment to staying abreast of evolving challenges and advancements in the food sector. While regulatory responsibilities are shared among Gulf countries, the UAE plays a pivotal role in shaping and enforcing these standards, leveraging its strategic location and economic influence.
(The author is associate professor, Department of Food Technology, Functional Food & Nutraceuticals Laboratory, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology. He can be reached at gowrishankar@bitsathy.ac.in)
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