Nanning, China, 23 September 2025

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Codex Secretariat, hosted a lunchtime side event during the 23rd Session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia (CCASIA). The session, titled “FAO’s Efforts to Support the Implementation of Codex Standards”, brought together representatives from FAO headquarters, country office, and national authorities to exchange practical experiences and lessons learned in applying Codex standards to strengthen food safety systems.

The event was moderated by Myoengsin Choi from the Codex Secretariat, who introduced two FAO initiatives that assist countries in translating Codex guidance into national action:

• The One Health for Food Safety (1H4FS) project, which helps countries apply the Codex risk analysis framework to reduce foodborne risks, and
• The Action to Support Implementation of Codex AMR Texts (ACT) project, which supports countries in addressing foodborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through Codex-aligned approaches.

“Codex standards provide the foundation for ensuring safe food and fair trade,” noted Choi. “However, effective implementation at the national level remains a challenge. FAO’s work aims to bridge this gap by supporting countries to adopt, adapt, and sustain Codex standards within their food control systems.”

Country experiences: translating Codex into action

Presentations from Mongolia and Viet Nam highlighted diverse yet complementary approaches to Codex implementation.

Batchuluun Damdinjav, National Project Coordinator of the 1H4FS from FAO Mongolia, shared how the 1H4FS and ACT projects have strengthened Mongolia’s food safety framework. Through the establishment of a National Codex Council and capacity building for laboratories and regulators, Mongolia has adopted 11 Codex-based standards and enhanced its risk communication and surveillance capacities.

“Codex texts are critical for protecting consumers and supporting trade,” Batchuluun said. “Our national laboratories now apply Codex methods to ensure meat and dairy products meet international safety requirements.”

From Viet Nam, Ta Thi Yen of the National Institute for Food Control (NIFC) highlighted progress in harmonizing national regulations with Codex. Vietnam has adopted over 200 national standards and 65 technical regulations based on Codex texts, and continues to strengthen risk-based approaches to food safety management.

“Codex standards help us protect consumers and ensure fair practices in trade,” she emphasized, adding that ongoing reforms will further institutionalize food quality and safety management in Viet Nam.

Panel discussion: from standards to sustainability

A lively panel discussion, moderated by the Codex Secretariat, explored how FAO supports countries in bridging global guidance and local realities.  Kang Zhou, Food Safety Officer at FAO Headquarters, emphasized that FAO’s approach combines science-based leadership with country-driven solutions.

“We translate Codex scientific consensus into practical programs—supporting legal frameworks, laboratory systems, and inspection services so countries can own and sustain implementation beyond project timelines,” he explained.

Panellists agreed that sustainability depends on continued national ownership, resource mobilization, and multi-sectoral coordination under a One Health approach. The discussion also highlighted the importance of engaging consumers and industry to strengthen food safety culture.

Participants appreciated the opportunity to learn from real-world experiences. Ms. Sokneang In from Cambodia remarked, “The side event was very useful to understand how to translate Codex standards into practice, and it reassured us that we are not alone in facing difficulties—FAO’s support is there to guide us.”

Strengthening collaboration across Asia

The event underscored FAO’s continued commitment to helping countries operationalize Codex standards and build resilient food safety systems.

The synergy between 1H4FS and ACT demonstrates how integrating Codex guidance within One Health approaches can reduce foodborne diseases, address AMR, and support fair trade across the region.

“Successful implementation requires effort at every level—from global standard-setting to local practice,” Dr. Choi concluded. “Collaboration is the key to ensuring that Codex standards truly protect consumers and promote safe food for all.”

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The Coordinating Committee for Asia (CCASIA)
The 23rd session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia (CCASIA23)
CCASIA23 / Members from Codex’s most populous region meet in China
CCASIA23 / Fruitful discussions and collaboration mark a productive and efficient meeting
ACT project