In this interview with the Codex Secretariat, the new Chairperson of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL), Dr Parthi Muthukumarasamy, talks about his background, his experience with Codex and the agenda of the 48th session of CCFL which gets underway in Quebec City, Canada on 27 October 2024.

Parthi, thanks for your time. This is going to be the first time for you to chair CCFL. For those who don’t know you, could you please introduce yourself?

First of all, let me say that I am honoured to take on the responsibility of chairing my first CCFL and I also want to acknowledge the excellent leadership provided by former Chairperson of CCFL, Ms Kathy Twardek. I am currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) International Programs Directorate within the Government of Canada. I have been working with the CFIA for most of my career, in roles related to food safety and trade. I was also fortunate to represent Canada at both the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) and the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) and understand firsthand the importance of Codex work and the development of international standards and guidance.

Why and when did you become interested in food safety and trade?

I first became interested in food safety when studying veterinary medicine, and this interest led to furthering my knowledge in these areas by choosing safety and dairy science as options for my graduate studies. Within my work with the Government of Canada I have been fortunate to have held a number of different positions and functions related to food regulation, consumer protection, food safety and trade, including my time representing Canada abroad as a senior trade commissioner for agriculture trade.

Talking about this session of the Committee: what do you see as highlights on the CCFL48 agenda?

This CCFL has a very full agenda but I’m looking forward to advancing work and participating in some very interesting discussions. We have four items in the step process – allergen labelling, guidelines on e-commerce, use of technology in food labelling, and joint presentation and multipack. Allergen labelling is a particularly large piece of work, but with two (virtual) working groups with a focus on allergens I hope to see progress. We also have several papers under discussion - which I expect will form the future CCFL agenda - including those on alcohol labelling, food labelling provisions in emergencies, trans fatty acids, sustainability labelling claims, and a definition for added sugars. The highlight for me at all Codex meetings is the interactions we have with our fellow delegates from all corners of the world and the sense of collaboration in working towards a common goal, that has a profound impact on health, safety and protection of people.

In a rapidly changing world, how is CCFL looking to the future and dealing with emerging issues?

The current items on CCFL’s agenda highlight the future direction of food labelling in many ways. For example, providing food information through technology such as a QR code, and guidelines on food sold on the internet. We’re also applying the latest scientific advice from FAO and WHO in support of the work on allergens and precautionary allergen labelling to address unintended allergen presence in foods. All these items will help Member Countries develop labelling regulations that enhance food safety and increase consumer accessibility and awareness.

And what are your expectations?

We have a packed agenda, so we will need to manage our time wisely. We have added an additional day this session, which will help, so we will begin the plenary sessions on Sunday, 27 October. There has been excellent progress made between sessions on a number of items – a big thank you to all the electronic working group (EWG) chairs and co-chairs for their hard work. I would like to see completion of a few agenda items and I am hoping the Committee will show collective will to move these items forward so that we can tackle some important new work.

You are not new to the Codex world, having attended both CCFH and CCFICS on several occasions. Based also on your experience as a delegate, do you have any recommendations for Codex Members and Observers attending CCFL48?

It makes a big difference when all participants come to a meeting well-prepared. This includes reviewing all the documents and comments on the CCFL48 webpage, consulting on these documents with experts at home, preparing focused interventions, and offering suggestions and proposals for constructive ways forward. I encourage delegates to send written comments in advance, even if it means tabling a conference room document, and I encourage delegates to read others’ comments and suggestions. Active participation in the working group meetings on e-commerce and food allergen labelling taking place virtually before the session is incredibly helpful. I believe that representing your country or organization at Codex meeting is a privilege and honour. I encourage Member Countries, particularly countries that have not traditionally chaired or co-chaired development of new guidance to consider taking on this role.

Anything else you would like to add?

I hope everyone takes the opportunity to meet and talk to other delegates at breaks and during lunch, as it is a wonderful chance to learn from each other and collaborate. We are one big Codex family. I look forward to welcoming you all to Quebec City!

Read more

CCFL48 webpage