Mr. LEI Haichao, Vice Minister of the National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China, opened the 53rd session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA), taking place from 27-31 March 2023, in China Hong Kong SAR. In underlining the great importance the Chinese government has always attached to food safety, the Vice Minister highlighted how the committee had served as a communication platform for countries and international organizations to exchange views on the management of food additives. CCFA plays a key role in “enhancing understanding and trust in food safety work, as well as promoting the development of the food additive industry and playing a positive role in safeguarding consumer health and improving food safety management,” he said.

One of the key efforts to maintaining a reliable and healthy food supply is the continuous review and updating of food safety standards. Mr. TSE Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong, SAR said: “Here in Hong Kong, when formulating our standards in regulating food safety, we adhere as closely as possible to Codex’s standards.  As an international trading hub, this is particularly important for Hong Kong to facilitate international food trade.”

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The meeting can be followed via webcast.

All working documents on the CCFA53 meeting page.

Photo credit © Centre for Food Safety, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Hong Kong SAR, China

Mr LEI Haichao (left) with CCFA Chairperson FAN Yongxiang and Codex Secretary, Tom Heilandt – 27 March 2023