H. E. Dr. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Kanhal, the Chief Executive officer of Saudi Food & Drug Authority emphasized that SFDA considers Businessmen as partners in the success of SFDA monitoring and control mandate  through their commitment to the standards, conditions and requirements of manufacturing and import of food, drugs and medical devices & products. He also highlighted SFDA adoption of automated systems in its business processes and transactions and tracking problematic shipments about which reports are received through Rapid Alarm Systems, after entry to the Kingdom.

Dr. Al Kanhal added that SFDA is trying to ease the flow and clearance of shipments  while maintaining safety of food, safety of drug and safety and efficiency of medical devices and products, aiming to maintain consumer health and keep them safe by avoiding low quality products.

This was stated in the meeting held yesterday with  businessmen elites in the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce in Riyadh, in Sheikh Rashid Al Rashid Hall. The meeting was attended by H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Al Mehaizie, SFDA Vice President for Food Affairs, H.E. Dr. Saleh Bawazir, SFDA Vice President for Drug Affairs, H.E. Dr. Saleh Al Tayar, SFDA Vice President for Medical Devices & Products Affairs. H.E  Mr. Ibrahim Al Hedaithi, Vice Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce welcomed SFDA delegation and participants headed by Dr. Al Kanhal who delivered a brief description  about SFDA Sectors,  Registration and Clearance mechanism. This was followed by an open discussion with participating merchants & business men in order to explain SFDA opinion and strengthen communication channels with all stakeholders.

It worth mentioning that SFDA Board of Directors includes four members from business sector representing the chambers of commerce & industry in the Kingdom and two experts, one in the field of food and the other  in the field of drug .