MFDS Collaborates with Saudi Food and Drug Authority on Food and Medical Sectors

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced on the 22nd that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in the food and medical products sectors with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), the regulatory agency for food and drugs in Saudi Arabia.

An MFDS official explained, "This MOU was established to support the expansion of exports by companies, coinciding with President Yoon Suk-yeol's visit to Saudi Arabia." The MFDS also noted that it is significant as it lays the groundwork for domestic companies to enter the growing Middle Eastern market.

The main contents of the MOU include the exchange of information on regulatory systems and scientific evaluations in the food and medical products sectors, promotion of exchanges such as joint research, education, and regular meetings, and the hosting of joint seminars and workshops.

Following the signing of the MOU with the SFDA, the MFDS plans to share interest in cooperation in advanced biohealth fields such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, and to further discuss detailed cooperation plans to achieve concrete outcomes.

To support the achievement of the national agenda announced by the government in July last year, titled "Leap to a Global Hub for Bio and Digital Health," the MFDS is cooperating with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union (EU) Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE), and the Directorate-General for Trade (DG TRADE). With the signing of the MOU with Saudi Arabia, the MFDS plans to explore and develop multifaceted cooperative relationships with other regulatory agencies in the Middle East.

An MFDS official stated, "Going forward, the MFDS will continue to strengthen the safety net for food and pharmaceuticals, innovate food and drug regulatory systems and global market support systems, and enhance international cooperation to actively support the vigorous overseas expansion of excellent K-food and medical products."

President Yoon Suk-yeol on a state visit to Saudi Arabia [Image source=Yonhap News]

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