The 43rd session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) opened Tuesday with introductory remarks from representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The session was officially opened by Dr Márton Nobilis, the Secretary of State responsible for food chain safety at the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture.

Dr Nobilis underlined the long-standing nature of CCMAS and its importance to the food standards setting process. He also noted the “rare innovation” of the hybrid format that has been adopted by CCMAS since the COVID-19 pandemic, which allows people to attend the meeting from anywhere in the world. Nobilis also drew parallels between the “increasing laboratory work and expanding research and development” in Hungary that aligns the country’s mission to “improving our laboratory system to ensure food safety” with the CCMAS mission to produce globally important standards to meet consumers’ right to safe food. He spoke, too, about the agenda for this week, pointing out the ongoing work on “Standard 234,” which has moved on to discussions on cereals, fruit juices and fish and fishery products. CCMAS, he said, encourages “unity among professionals who think together” – and this is the basis for further successful work.

Haris Hajrulahovic, Head of the WHO country office in Hungary said: “As we gather here today, we are united by a common goal to ensure the safety and integrity of the food we consume every day. Our work within this committee is pivotal in setting international standards for methods of analysis and sampling, which serve as the cornerstone for improving food safety and quality across the globe.... the need for robust and harmonized standards has never been greater.” "Throughout this session,” he continued, “let us engage in constructive dialogue, share insights, and work towards consensus driven solutions that uphold the highest standards of accuracy, reliability, and transparency.” He invited those present to approach discussions this week with an open mind, a spirit of cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to a shared mission.

Mary Kenny, FAO's food safety and consumer protection officer for the Europe and Central Asia region, commended the great leadership from Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office (Nebih) and thanked delegates for their continuing support and contribution to CCMAS. She pointed out how CCMAS work – and the work of Codex more generally – is an important facet of and contribution to the achievement of FAO’s strategy on food safety, with its four strategic priorities of strong multi-stakeholder governance for food safety, strong science to support food safety decisions, strong national food control systems and strong public–private cooperation for food safety. Additionally, recognizing the importance of science will ensure Codex will continue as a global point of reference. “Food safety is an integral part of food security and healthy diets,” she said. “Meeting food standards is important for market access, and this is the focus in the region: to strengthen integrities and support update of standards.” She also highlighted the opportunity World Food Safety Day brings for us to put a focus on food safety.

In a video message, Codex Alimentarius Commission Chairperson, Steve Wearne, spoke of the need to look to the future and asked delegates to engage in the process of developing the new Codex Strategic Plan, which will be discussed at the Codex Executive meeting in July. He commended the efforts of the chairs of working groups, Secretariat and Members. “I know we are in good hands under the leadership of Dr Attila Nagy this week, and I look forward to presiding at CAC47 in November, which will be my final Commission meeting as Chairperson, and facilitating adoption of the texts that you will be progressing as a result of the technical work undertaken in this Committee,” he said.

In addition to the workable packages on cereals, fruit juices and fish and fishery products for revisions to the Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CXS 234-1999), CCMAS will this week also discuss ongoing work on an e-book with sampling plans applications to accompany the General Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50-2004) and harmonization of names and format for principles identified in “Standard 234,” amongst other things.

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CCMAS43 webpage