The 23rd session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia has concluded in Nanning. The meeting afforded the opportunity to regional Members of discussing several issues relevant to the region, as well as to progress standards-setting work.

Wrapping up the meeting, Chairperson, Aya Orito Nozawa said “we are a family, and I hope we can continue to collaborate with each and keep in touch.” In a final intervention, the delegate from the Republic of Korea also focused on the close relationships in the Committee, saying “I believe we will leave not only with productive outcomes, but also with strong bonds across our region.”

The keynote address, a feature of coordinating committees, explored two issues of concern to regional Members, and this was followed, in a new approach, by a panel discussion. The topics were chemical food safety in the CCASIA region, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative approaches for food safety. There was then also an exchange about the FAO/WHO workshop on risk assessment of food allergens, which took place prior to the Session.

Other perspectives from the region looked at issues directly relevant to the Codex Alimentarius, participation in committee meetings, and the use of Codex texts within the region. It was noted that thanks to the Codex Trust Fund (CTF), Member beneficiaries have strengthened capacities, built sustainable Codex structures and, importantly, improved capacities to produce and/or analyse data on pesticide residues for submission to the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) for evaluation. The value of the CTF was recognized and the meeting examined ways in which Member Countries can support each other going forward.

The Committee also committed to supporting the implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031, endorsed its regional work plan 2026-2027 and encouraged Members and Observers to actively engage in the process of developing a monitoring framework for the Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031.

Regarding standards-setting work, the Committee agreed on the draft regional standard for quick frozen dumpling (Asia), which will be forwarded to CAC following endorsement of the provisions relating to food additives and food labelling by CCFA and CCFL respectively. The proposal to convert the Regional standard for laver products (Asia) (CXS 323R-2017) into a worldwide standard was also agreed, and forwarded for adoption.

Other new work proposals were discussed and, in all cases, the Committee agreed that further work was needed. These are proposals for: the development of a regional standard for canned porridge and cooked rice (Asia); a regional standard for mooncake (Asia); and novel functional ingredients, and claims.

As the meeting wound up, Masami Takeuchi, representing FAO, said FAO had been following the discussions carefully and acknowledged the expressions of interest in technical assistance from FAO and WHO. “It is important for us”, said the representative “to keep understanding with what kind of issues we can help.” The WHO representative remarked on the outstanding efficiency and professionalism of the meetings proceedings and thanked delegates for their “insightful contributions and unwavering commitment to strengthening food safety across the region” WHO, she said, was fully committed to helping Members “translate ideas into action”.

Lingping Zhang from the Codex Alimentarius Secretariat, commented on the record time in which the Session report was adopted, reflecting the efficiency and cooperation that are hallmarks of this Committee.

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CCASIA23 webpage