The Codex Contact Point (CCP) in Poland has completed the translation of a foundation Codex text, the General Principles of Food Hygiene into Polish. “This standard is of the greatest interest to stakeholders in Poland,” said Magdalena Kowalska (pictured second left), “and we have frequently been asked about access to this particular document by food business operators.”

The project is part of Polish celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission which coincides with 60 years of the CCP in Poland and the 20th anniversary of Poland’s Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection where the Polish Codex Contact Point is located. This series of celebrations, marked by Poland’s Food Safety Week from 12-16 June 2023 also included events on World Food Safety Day, 7 June.

“We plan to publish the translation on our website, open to free download by everybody interested,” said Kowalska, also remarking that the publication would add to one of Poland’s core functions as a CCP to promote Codex activities. “We advise any Member to select Codex texts for translation depending on needs of local food business operators,” she said.

The Codex European Region (CCEURO) comprises 52 Codex Members. The current Regional Coordinator is Germany. Anne Beutling, Chairperson of CCEURO, from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture explained that in 76 percent of countries in the region none of the six official Codex languages are spoken and the recipients of Codex standards depend on voluntary translation initiatives like the one of the Polish Codex Contact Point. “Translations and multilingualism in general are a key to leaving no one behind. This is why I thank our neighbours for using the World Food Safety Day to draw attention to their initiative and hope other Members in the region will be inspired to do the same with priority standards,” she said.

Translation using artificial intlligence is getting more and more precise and already supports the work of many Codex Contact Points on an informal basis. However, it is not available to all and can still generate significant errors that cause misunderstandings.

“A lack of availability of Codex standards in the official national language can leave a Codex text - that may have taken half a decade to be finalized - completely disregarded. Not having translations, specifically for very technical terms in Codex texts, or even strategic documents and advocacy material can also hamper the engagement of a Member in the development of new international standards,” said Beutling, pointing to the Codex Trust Fund as a possible driver to ensure the “language” factor is taken into account in its efforts to build sustainable capacity for full and effective participation in Codex work.

Learn more

Download the General Principles of Food Hygiene (new edition in English)

Anyone may translate FAO copyright materials provided that FAO logo is not displayed and a translation disclaimer is inserted on the translated version. Contact [email protected] for details.

Photo credits

Main photo: Codex Contact Point for Poland with top management of the Agricultural and Food Quality Inspection celebrating the World Food Safety Day 2023 © Poland CCP

Insert photo of Anne Beutling © Laura Oja