A side event about pathways to learning

Codex Member countries discussed the recent food safety-related capacity development initiatives that they undertook with FAO and WHO, during a side event on the first day of the 41st session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC41).

The conversation centred on FAO- and WHO-led initiatives that complement the work of Codex, by building food safety capacities in countries using relevant tools, guidance and publications.

To achieve sustainable results at country level and ensure that efforts bring about lasting changes, Renata Clarke, Head of the FAO Food Safety and Quality Unit, outlined the importance of taking into account the wider national or regional context and the need to prioritize. “Our resources are limited, and we must prioritize to respond to the demand for capacity development initiatives,” she said, underling the two Organizations’ and countries’ mutual interest in making the programmes more effective.

In announcing the FAO/WHO Food control system assessment tool, which will soon be published, she told delegates about one of the by-products of its piloting. Countries saw the ‘big picture of food control’ and understood what they do in relation to others. “Food control is the job of many – and national food control systems will not work if all relevant stakeholders are not working together,” Clarke concluded.

Angelika Tritscher, Coordinator Risk Assessment and Management of the WHO Department of Food Safety and Zoonoses, explained that the food safety-related capacity development activities carried out by the World Health Organization are also led by country and regional offices. “A key role of Headquarters is to develop the tools that are used at national level.” It is important to identify the weaknesses that can then be supported with targeted capacity-building activities, she said and referred delegates to the paper, which features the publications and tools produced in the last year.

The side event largely featured inputs and feedback from Member countries. Cuba, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Nigeria, The Philippines, Senegal, United Republic of Tanzania, Togo, Uganda thanked FAO and WHO for projects that have benefited their food safety programmes. Several identified areas where further engagement would be invaluable.

FAO and WHO cover a range of issues to support global food safety and protect consumer’s health – while WHO tends to focus on public health, FAO strengthens food value chains. Some activities are implemented jointly at country level or through global joint programmes (e.g. FAO/WHO Scientific Advice Programme, the International Food Safety Authorities Network, Codex Trust Fund). Both Organizations work with government authorities, food industry and primary producers and other relevant national and international stakeholders.

Read more on the FAO website and the WHO website.

Watch the webcast recording of the side event.

Photo credit: ©FAO/Giuseppe Carotenuto