The Codex Online Commenting System (OCS) is an innovative tool that will revolutionise the way Codex develops standards. Moving from a paper based system to an online platform will encourage greater global participation in the work of standard setting and faster, simpler solutions for forumlating Codex texts and building consensus on the standards themselves. The platform was launched at the 39th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, held in Rome from 27 June to 1 July 2016 where delegates had the opportunity [...]

Building Codex Globally At the 39th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission the Director General of FAO José Graziano da Silva took part in the opening ceremony that signalled the launch of the new Codex Trust Fund. Over the next 12 years over 100 countries will be able to seek up to 3 years' support to strengthen their capacity for full and effective engagement in Codex. In his opening address DG José Graziano da Silva stated that by "assisting developing countries in strengthening national food [...]

Here is a summary of the main decisions taken today at #CAC39. Guidelines for the control of Salmonella in beef and porkAGREED - 27 June 2016Beef and pork meat can be contaminated with various bacteria including non-typhoidal Salmonella. Salmonella, which causes diarrhoeal disease, is one of the most frequent causes of foodborne illnesses around the world, with tens of millions becoming sick each year. Although most cases are mild, Salmonella causes an estimated 60 000 deaths annually. The guidelines adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission focus on practices [...]

The Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission met in Rome this week at FAO Headquarters. This committee is tasked with strategic planning and programming. It is also responsible for carrying out a critical review of the standards proposed by Codex committees to the Commission for adoption. The review is non technical and guarantees that proposals to undertake work are based on priorities and needs. Full details of the standards to be discussed are available here under agenda items 3-7. The Executive Committee also monitors progress [...]

Codex Alimentarius launches the #CodexCAC39 Instagram contest Post a photo, raise awareness on the importance of Codex.  At the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Rome this June we would like to give our Codex Community the opportunity to highlight why Codex is important in their country.  We are launching the #CodexCAC39 contest on Instagram to share photos related to the work of Codex regarding #foodsafety and fair practices in #foodtrade and to help draw attention to our work globally.  How to participate:  Take a photo of something you want to draw attention [...]

Representatives of government departments and bodies and the food industry attended a training course organised by the Department of Trade Commerce and Industry (DTCI) in Port Moresby with the support of the European Union. The training aims to strengthen national capacities for food safety and controls, in line with the international requirements. The training course took place from February 02 - 05, at the request of DTCI, and covered topics that are essential for risk and quality management of public laboratories [...]

CCAFRICA has been involved in strengthening National Codex Committees in Lesotho,Swaziland and Zimbambwe. This has empowered CCAFRICA to participate in the global standard development process and reap the benefits of implementing Codex Standards. CCAFRICA acknowledges the support of FAO in this endevour. A workshop sponsored by the AU-IBAR was held in December 2015 in Senegal on Strengthening of National Codex Committees in the ECOWAS region block.

A camera crew from Flooded Cellar are currently in Lebanon making a video for Codex that looks at the relevance and importance of Codex standards, guidelines and codes of practices to the Near East region. The video will include interviews with government representatives, technicians from the national food safety committee, representatives from research and the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as those involved in food production, right along the food chain to restaurants and consumers. The video will examine Good Hygienic [...]

CCAFRICA was central in development of WHO :Safer Food For All document which is aimed to simplify application of the HACCP Principles in Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs). CCAFRICA closely collaborated with WHO in the exercise.

Chilean Agency for Food Safety and Quality ACHIPIA Thursday May 14, 2015 - Santiago, Chile The Codex training workshop was organized by the Secretariat of the National Committee of Codex, in response to a request that emerged in the National Codex Committee (NCC), based on the need to reaffirm the knowledge on the functioning of Codex, both for members of the CNC and for the coordinators of the the National Codex Subcommittees. Download details (Sp)