Codex approves the UAE project to prepare the first international standard for pasteurized camel milk

The Codex Alimentarius Commission approved the project submitted by the United Arab Emirates to prepare and develop an international standard for pasteurized camel milk, during the meetings of the forty-eighth session of the body held in the Italian capital, Rome. This decision is a qualitative achievement that reflects the UAE’s pioneering role in formulating global food standards.
The approval came after the UAE proposal received broad support from the participating countries and organizations, in addition to the International Federation for Food Science and Technology, which reflects the UAE’s ability to lead a broad international coalition in this field.
Official documents confirmed that the absence of an international standard was hampering commercial expansion and allowing fraud attempts, such as mixing camel milk powder with cow milk powder. Adopting the new standard guarantees authenticity and quality, protects consumers, and supports fair trade in this vital product, which is witnessing rapid growth in global markets.
It is estimated that the size of the camel milk market reached about $1.369 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach $1.934 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 3.9%, with expectations of increased demand in Europe and Asia. The Middle East and North Africa region accounts for about 40% of the global market for camel milk production, followed by Asia and the Pacific with 30%, then Europe with 18% and North America with 12%.
Sector data indicate that the UAE produces more than 7,000 tons of pasteurized milk annually, with production covering the needs of the local market. Camel milk and its products were exported to some global markets, such as the European Union, China, and the United States, which demonstrates the country’s readiness to increase production and expand its global markets.
Moza Suhail Al Muhairi, head of the National Codex Alimentarius Committee and head of the country’s delegation participating in the meetings of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, said: “Approving the development of the international standard for pasteurized camel milk represents a strategic step that confirms the pioneering role of the UAE in pushing the global food standards system towards adopting high-value products. “This achievement enhances the country’s presence in the food innovation agenda and supports the development of standards that facilitate international trade and protect consumers around the world.”
She added: “This step comes in line with the UAE’s vision to support local production chains and enhance the economic and nutritional value of camel milk products. It reflects the country’s success in leading regional and international cooperation within the Codex Alimentarius Commission, and consolidates the UAE’s position as a leader in food innovation, which opens new horizons for local and regional producers to enter global markets, and serves the goals of food security and sustainable development.”
She pointed out that this achievement is the culmination of a long path of UAE efforts, as the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority hosted the International Forum for the Development of the Camel Milk Sector in September 2024, with the participation of international organizations and global experts. The forum formed a pivotal platform for discussing the UAE draft of the international standard, giving it scientific and institutional momentum before presenting it to the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Rome.
The UAE submitted its proposal for the first time regarding preparing a standard for camel milk during the forty-seventh session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 2024, where it was subjected to critical review by the Executive Committee, and a technical gap analysis by New Zealand and the International Dairy Federation, before it received broad support from members and was officially approved at the forty-eighth session in Rome.
Adopting an international specification for pasteurized camel milk contributes to unifying quality standards and ensuring production safety, which enhances consumer confidence and supports international trade in this vital product. It opens the way for producers to expand into new markets, and enhances the ability of developing countries to improve production levels and enhance food security. This development is a direct support to local camel breeders, in addition to strengthening the global efforts led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in combating hunger, reducing poverty and empowering women, as well as promoting sustainable use of resources and ecosystems.