SFDA and FAO End Hack4SaferPlates to Make Food Safer
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: SPA
Riyadh: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), together with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), finished the Hack4SaferPlates event in Riyadh. The two-day hackathon, held on September 9 and 10, brought young minds, developers, and experts together to find smart ways to make food safer and reduce waste.
During the event, participants created new ideas and tools to improve food safety from the farm to the table. They worked on projects that help detect risks early, stop food loss, and make sure people eat healthy and safe meals.
The hackathon also offered workshops and training sessions with local and international experts. Teams then presented their final projects to a panel of judges, who selected winners based on creativity, usefulness, and how well their ideas could be applied in real life.
Dr. Hisham Aljadhey, CEO of SFDA, said he was proud that the Kingdom hosted this event. He explained that working with FAO shows how Saudi Arabia is using technology and innovation to build safer and stronger food systems, protecting people and supporting Vision 2030 goals.
FAO leaders also praised the event. Dr. Ahmad Mukhtar said Hack4SaferPlates was an important step for food safety research in the region. He highlighted that bringing creative people together helps build healthier and more sustainable food systems. Dr. Nizar Haddad added that the hackathon gives young people and researchers the chance to turn their ideas into real solutions that benefit society.
Hack4SaferPlates supports Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-Being. Both SFDA and FAO confirmed they will continue working together to bring more technology-driven solutions for food safety in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and the world.
