RIYADH: The World Health Organization has designated the Saudi Food and Drug Authority as its Regional Center for Nutrition Collaboration for the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes 22 countries.

According to the authority, the recognition reflects its work in implementing food and nutrition policies aimed at improving public health, enhancing quality of life and reducing non-communicable diseases.

The designation supports efforts to develop healthier food systems and encourage better eating habits, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The center will assist member countries in applying key strategies of the WHO. These include reducing salt and sugar intake, eliminating partially hydrogenated oils, limiting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and building a regional database on nutritional content to support evidence-based policies.

The appointment also confirms the authority’s role in enforcing nutrition-related regulations that support healthier food environments. It aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030.

The WHO has praised Saudi Arabia’s removal of partially hydrogenated oils from food products, citing it as a model practice. The Kingdom received a certificate of recognition and now leads an international working group to help other countries replicate this achievement.

Saudi Arabia is also among the first countries to reduce salt intake through specific legislation and regulatory measures, the SPA reported on Wednesday.

To help the center meet its goals, the World Health Organization will provide technical expertise, reference materials, guidance tools and training content.

The center will work closely with regional data hubs and carry out its objectives through initiatives such as policy workshops, progress monitoring, forming expert task forces, and developing a regional framework and action plan.