Goal 3 of the Codex Strategic Plan 2020–2025 calls for increased impact through the recognition and use of Codex texts, including  the development of a mechanism to monitor the use and impact of Codex standards. The Codex surveys of 2022 and 2023 form the first part of this work.

To collect more qualitative data that will feed into this M&E framework, a case study approach is now being deployed. A pilot case study for this phase will take place in Brazil during March 2024, with a multi-faceted strategy for understanding Brazil’s successes and challenges in applying the Codex Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CXC 51-2003).

“This is the first case study, and it is being used as a proof of concept in order to replicate the methodology in other settings” – said Farid El Haffar, Technical Officer, Codex Secretariat – “We chose Brazil because of its active commitment to controlling mycotoxins in cereals and in particular fumonisins in maize. We believe that this case study will provide useful information to encourage other countries to apply the Code of Practice”.

A thorough review of documents relevant to fumonisins contamination in maize in Brazil will be carried out, together with analysis of data to identify trends and correlations in relation to the prevention and reduction of such contamination in the country. A third input to this case study will come through multistakeholder interviews and focus groups.

This case study, as all other work on use and impact of Codex texts, is made possible thanks to the generous contribution of the Republic of Korea.

Read more

Codex Strategic Plan 2020–2025
Use and Impact of Codex Texts - Report of the Codex Survey 2022 (publication)

Photo ©FAO/Aline Czezacki

Caption: Codex's Technical Officer, Farid El Haffar (right) inspects freshly-picked corn in a field