The extended 44th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC44) came to a close on 14 December 2021 with the adoption of the outstanding agenda items in the final report. The Commission operates with simultaneous interpretation in six languages to guarantee an equitable forum for all delegations and work was interrupted on 18 November when the period of interpretation scheduled could no longer be extended. The Codex Secretariat subsequently arranged for delegations to provide written comments on the report and those texts were then finalized in a brief online session hosted from Rome.

All the standards adopted at CAC44 will now be published on the Codex website and seven new items of work will begin development at working group and then technical committee level.

• Highlights of standards adopted at CAC44

The delegation of the United States of America expressed the sentiment of all those in Codex who have seen Guilherme Da Costa hold the Chairperson office for a record period of over four years, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, presiding over two virtual Commissions. “[We] congratulate you … in particular … for your leadership and commitment during some difficult times as Codex adjusted to the global pandemic … and we very much appreciate your commitment to the fundamental principles and pillars of Codex,” said Mary Frances Lowe.

Thanking all Members and Observers and his Vice-Chairpersons for their contribution during his leadership, Da Costa acknowledged the Brazilian government in supporting his role in Codex and finally, movingly, he thanked his extended family. “They are the ‘statements of principal’ of my life,” he said.

A new team of elected officers now takes over, led by Chairperson Steve Wearne, United kingdom.

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CAC44 / Steve Wearne, United Kingdom elected as 20th Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission

CAC44 / Three new Vice-Chairpersons elected in a single round of voting in Geneva

Video: Guilherme Da Costa and Steve Wearne on chairing Codex