The Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025 incorporated a new goal on recognition and use of Codex texts. Key to achieving this goal and monitoring progress is data on the use and impact of Codex texts. To collect such data the Codex Secretariat will launch a survey to all Members in September 2022.

Previously, data on the use of Codex Standards has been collected by the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committees. Codex Secretary Tom Heilandt recalls that “we have learned a lot from these efforts, including the challenges Members face in responding to such surveys. Last year we worked with a consultant and gathered input from many stakeholders to design a new survey that is hopefully easier for Members to respond to while still providing the needed data.”

For Steve Wearne, Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, who led the preparation of the  Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025, this work is key to the delivery of the plan: “It is important for us to hear your thoughts and concerns. Do you have access to Codex texts? Is the content and presentation of Codex texts relevant to your country’s context? Are Codex texts recognized as being authoritative, credible, and timely? Do Codex texts address your country’s needs for food safety and quality standard that protect consumer health and facilitate fair trade? Those are important questions, and your answers will allow us to better understand how Codex texts are having an impact.”

Farid ElHaffar, Codex Technical Officer, who has led the re-design on the survey underlines that “There will be overall 20 questions in the survey. We simplified the format and use a software that Members know because it is also used for our post-meeting surveys. The survey will be in six languages and open for four weeks. We will of course support members in their efforts to complete the survey as much as possible”.

Responses will be managed confidentially and  information gathered from the survey will be reported at the aggregate level. Members can look forward to receiving initial feedback on this survey, which will become an annual activity, at the 45^th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Success of the survey ultimately depends on Members, Codex Secretary Tom Heilandt reminds us: “We rely very much on each Codex Contact Point (CCP) in collecting the information and sending us the replies. We know what an effort we are demanding from the CCPs, but we believe it is justified by the importance of the information for Codex as a whole. CCPs are the link between the Codex Secretariat and Codex Members and they are in the best position to answer the questions in consultation with relevant national stakeholders which could be done in a virtual or physical meeting of the Codex National committee or team.”

The survey will be launched on 20 September 2022.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact us at [email protected].