The scientific meeting, which was recently organized by the General Administration for Nutrition, Ministry of Health in the KSA entitled with “Food that have Medical Claims”, discussed food , its medical benefits and role in the treatment of various diseases as well as foods that have medical claims and their uses under medical supervision. The meeting, which was held under the patronage of H.E Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Health, at King Fahd Cultural Center, Riyadh, featured an awareness exhibition, scientific sessions and seminars with participation of many nutrition scientists and experts along with related public and private authorities including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, King Saud University, the Saudi Arabian National Guard, Consumer Protection Association, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Saudi Aramco in addition to many charities and NGOs.
During the meeting, the participants assured the importance of identifying scientific recommendations for foods that have medical claims, intensifying efforts to amend and update the related regulations and specifications as well as enhancing the effectiveness of periodic surveillance and health education in order to reduce the risks and negative effects of this kind of food. Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd., a pioneering producer of dairy products and juices in the KSA and the largest juice manufacturer in the Middle East, co-sponsored the event as part of its commitment to supporting the awareness activities, educational campaigns and social programs aiming to serve the community in line with its motto of providing "Health for All".
Dr. Mona Sanan, Nutritional Consultant for Al Rabie Saudi Food Company said: “This scientific meeting plays an important role in promoting public awareness to reduce health risks related by the increasing prevalence of food and beverages that are marketed on a large scale on the basis that they have therapeutic and medical benefits. Through our participation in this event, we aim to highlight the nature of foods that have medical claims and their negative effects including tiredness, lack of the absorption of nutritional elements, gastrointestinal tract disorders, heart diseases and health complications such as kidney failure and liver cirrhosis.”
“Al Rabie is keen to implement the best manufacturing practices through adopting the hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) approach in all operations from receipt of raw materials to final product delivery to customers. The adoption of this approach comes in line with our strategies aiming to ensure high quality health products, meet the food needs and requirements of the local society and develop new services according to high global standards’, Dr. Sanan added.
Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd. is a pioneering producer of dairy products and juices in the KSA and the largest juice manufacturer in the Middle East. Its main businesses include juices, nectars, still drinks and dairy products. The company constantly coordinates with key authorities in the Saudi’s health and nutrition sector to address critical health issues and provide healthy choices for all members of Saudi community.
