Pakistan is stepping up efforts to address foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the most pressing threats to public health, food safety and sustainable agriculture, through a strengthened One Health approach discussed at a national conference in Islamabad. Held under the FAO-supported Action to Support Implementation of Codex AMR Texts (ACT) project, the two-day conference brought together more than 65 participants from federal and provincial governments, academia, laboratories and international organizations. The event focused on advancing coordinated, cross-sectoral action to address [...]

Dr Parthiban Muthukumarasamy, Director-General at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, has been Chairperson of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) since 2024. He has represented Canada at both the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) and the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) and so has been involved firsthand in Codex work and has direct knowledge of the importance of international standards and guidance. We caught up with him to hear more about [...]

A new Success Story published by WHO and FAO demonstrates how support from the Codex Trust Fund (CTF) has helped the Maldives strengthen its national food safety system and improve its effective participation in Codex work. Through the project, the country enhanced coordination among key national stakeholders, improved awareness of Codex standards, and reinforced technical capacity to contribute to international food standard-setting processes.  A key achievement highlighted in the country story was the adoption of the Maldives’ first Food Safety Act, [...]

Temarama Anguna-Kamana, Coordinator for North America and the South West Pacific. The Third Codex and Food Regulatory Forum for North America and the South West Pacific (NASWP), held from 29 to 31 March 2026 in Nadi, Fiji, brought together regional stakeholders to advance priority Codex work, strengthen coordination mechanisms, and enhance the participation of Pacific Island Countries in international standard-setting processes. The Forum convened 28 participants representing 10 countries.   Over three days of structured discussions and technical working sessions, the Forum delivered [...]

by the Codex Contact point of Uganda Twelve CCAFRICA Member Countries, including Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania, participated in the 56th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA56) in Chongqing, China. This marked a clear shift in Africa’s engagement from participation to strategic influence, actively contributing to aligning CCAFRICA’s efforts with Goal 2 of the Codex Strategic Plan (2026–2031), which focuses on enhancing Codex [...]

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is set to reach another significant milestone as the joint Electronic Working Group (EWG) of the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) and the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) meets virtually on 28–29 April 2026. This first‑ever virtual joint working group brings together CCPR and CCRVDF in a coordinated effort to advance the harmonization of maximum residue limits (MRLs) for dual‑use compounds - chemicals that may be used either as [...]

Natural disasters have caused around USD 3 trillion in agricultural losses over the past 30 years and continue to trigger public health crises linked to unsafe food and water. To address these risks, FAO is hosting a webinar on 7 May 2026, focused on managing food safety in natural disaster settings.  The event will feature country representatives sharing practical experiences and will highlight key challenges and lessons learned that can serve as models for others. Additionally, new FAO infographics and guidance for consumers facing natural disasters will be officially introduced.  Taking place [...]

The 56th session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) has concluded in Chongqing, China, having seen discussions on a wide range of topics. These included the regular agenda items of endorsement, alignment, changes to the General standard for food additives (GSFA, CXS 192-1995) and International Numbering systems and the priority list, as well as additional items such as a standard for baker’s yeast. Upon report adoption, the Chairperson, Dr Fan, thanked all those involved in the smooth running of [...]

The 56th session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) has opened in Chongqing, China. The CCFA Chairperson, Dr Fan Yongxiang, welcomed the more than 200 people from around 50 countries to the meeting as he introduced the guests of the opening ceremony, who included Li Mingzhu, Commissioner of the Department of International Cooperation at the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China and Gong Guoqiang, Deputy Director of the Food Safety Department of the National Health [...]

Two survey templates have been published under the Action to support implementation of Codex AMR texts (ACT) project. The templates, one in English and one in Spanish, include appropriate questions aimed at four different stakeholder groups, in order to gauge the extent of understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and related issues among animal producers, veterinarians and veterinary technicians, plant/crop producers and plant/crop technicians. The survey was prepared by the ACT Regional Team in Latin America, with technical contributions from the National [...]