Food production, processing and trading technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Consequently the Codex Alimentarius Commission is expanding its set of standards to ensure that consumer health remains protected, while practices in the trade of food are fair.

Today FAO/WHO are announcing the launch of a completely new series of multilingual eLearning courses on Codex accessible free of charge online and in downloadable format. “The new courses have been meticulously developed to make sure we a have an up to date interactive series of lessons that are framed to improve your understanding of Codex Alimentarius based on individual needs and interests,” explained Dirk Schulz, FAO Food Safety Officer and Coordinator of the global technical team from FAO Headquarters and Regional office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP). “The format allows you to study at your own pace, anywhere and at any time to develop capacity to engage in and benefit from Codex work”, he said. The course development was supported by Annamaria Bruno and Panpilad Saikaew, FAO Project Coordinator of the Codex capacity building project for 12 countries in Asia, and benefited from funding by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Government of Japan.

• The first course explains what Codex is and why it is important. Users will see the benefits of being involved in Codex and using Codex standards. Available in English, French and Spanish.
• The second course guides the learner in how to establish a national Codex programme and make it function properly. It also explains how to engage effectively in Codex at international level. Available in English, with French and Spanish versions planned for 2023.
• The third course explains the role of science and risk analysis in Codex, as well as introduces the Joint FAO/WHO Scientific Advice Programme, covering the experts bodies JECFA, JEMRA, JMPR, JEMNU and ad hoc expert consultations. Expected in 2023.
• The fourth course gives an overview of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committees, and describes the roles, functions and responsibilities of Regional Coordinators and Members of the region. Expected in 2023.

A final evaluation at the end of each course certifies the acquisition of competencies by granting a digital badge.

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Access the courses at the FAO eLearning Academy