CCNE12 Side Event on Novel Foods and Novel Ingredients in the Near East: Unlocking Innovation Through Regulation

CCNE12 NOVEL SIDE EVENT REPORT

The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), through its disciplinary group for Food Regulatory Science – the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS) – co-hosted a landmark side event on “Novel Foods and Novel Ingredients in the Near East” during CCNE12 in Muscat, Oman, alongside the Sultanate of Oman.

The event showcased regulatory advances in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, emphasizing Codex-aligned approaches to support food innovation. Participants supported establishing a regional platform under CCNE to share experiences, coordinate reviews, and develop Near East–specific guidance. This initiative aims to foster regulatory convergence and unlock sustainable innovation across the region’s food systems.