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Responsibilities:

Aimed at scientific assessment of the physical, chemical and microbiological hazards related to food, and to assess the extent of exposure to potential hazards resulting therefrom. It also aims at preparing studies and independent scientific opinions supporting the sector in making appropriate decisions and developing strategies and measures to control or limit food risks and their impact on public health, using specialized scientific databases.



Tasks:



  • Identify and describe the potential physical, chemical and microbial hazards in food, prioritize and analyze them according to a scientific approach according to their degree of seriousness and impact on community health.
  • Conduct research to fill gaps in existing data that prevent proper food risk assessment by participating in research projects (locally and regionally).
  • Prepare and adopt independent scientific opinions and reports to support appropriate decision-making to develop strategies and measures to control or reduce food risks and their impact on public health.
  • Compile and review relevant scientific studies, local monitoring data, and global research and reports on the risks associated with food products and their preparation methods to identify and describe areas of risk and risks associated with the consumption of a particular type of food for the purpose of preventing or minimizing such hazards.
  • Scientific support in crisis management related to food safety.
  • Assist in the development of legislation affecting risk assessment policies and participation in their development locally and regionally.
  • Preparing and developing training programs in the field of risk assessment, which will raise the eligibility and efficiency of management staff, and build effective and lasting relationships and partnerships with relevant international regulatory bodies and scientific communities.

Notification Center on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS):



  • The Center shall notify the Secretariat of the World Trade Organization (WTO) SPS Committee on Safeguards and Precautions (Normal and Emergency) issued by the Kingdom relating to human, animal and plant health, and receive notifications of sanitary and phytosanitary measures of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and to inform the members of the Standing Committee of the Kingdom (Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Ministry of Trade and Investment). The Center also responds to queries from WTO member countries Relationship.