The Codex electronic working groups handbook has now been published in all six United Nations languages. The handbook offers guidance and insight into the work and workings of these working groups – known by their initialism, as “EWGs”.

“Electronic working groups play a key role in the standard-setting work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission,” says Codex Secretary, Sarah Cahill, in the foreword to the publication. “It is in these groups that the foundations of many Codex standards, guidelines and codes of practice are established, data and risk assessments are analysed, and proposals for the way forward are drafted.”

This publication gives basic information such as “What is a Codex electronic working group?” and then moves into the detail of when and how an EWG is established, how it is managed and how these groups report back to their respective committees.

The language versions ensure accessibility of Codex texts and related information publications, such as the EWG handbook. “We are committed to responding to the needs and requests of the membership to make publications available as quickly as possible,” says Stephanie Wright, the Digital Publications Coordinator in the Codex Secretariat. “This is one step in the right direction, and we are continuing to push for improved accessibility to not only Codex texts themselves, but to the documents and information that can help Members and Observers participate more effectively in Codex work.”

Download the handbook:

Arabic | Chinese | English | French | Russian | Spanish

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Electronic working groups