At the conclusion of 2025, the Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Allan Azegele (Kenya), sat down with the Codex Secretariat to review the outcomes of the 48th Session of the Commission, providing his observations and hopes regarding the future of Codex. Allan, thanks for your time. Having just chaired your first Commission meeting, what are your initial reflections on the experience? Chairing my first Codex meeting has been both an honour and a profound responsibility. Guiding discussions that impact food safety [...]

The FAO project “Action to support implementation of Codex AMR Texts (ACT)” contributed to the 6th edition of the AMR international course “A One Health Challenge”, held 10-14 November, 2025 in Veyrier-du-Lac, France. The course was jointly organized by the Mérieux Foundation and Université de Paris and supports the implementation of the Global Action Plan (GAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by translating its five strategic objectives into practical, action-oriented approaches. Designed as an intensive residential training program, the course brought together [...]

The 55th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH55) concluded in Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America, marking another important milestone in the development of international food safety standards. After years of science-based discussion and international collaboration, delegates concluded work on the Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing, with the new annexes providing, inter alia, a critical framework for assessing water "fit-for-purpose", particularly in the fish and fishery sectors, where water safety [...]

Codex delegates have gathered in Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America, to discuss and further develop global food hygiene standards. Opening the 55th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH55) on Monday, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering described the committee's work as the "anchor" upon which farmers and families rely. In her opening address, Bekkering drew a personal connection between the technical negotiations in Nashville and the realities of rural agriculture. Recounting [...]

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) was celebrated 18–24 November 2025, bringing renewed attention to the urgent global challenge posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This year’s theme, “Act Now: Protect Our Present, Secure Our Future”, underscored how AMR is already affecting human, animal and environmental health, and how coordinated, immediate action is essential to preserve the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobial treatments. AMR is no longer an emerging threat, but a reality. A recent WHO analysis shows that between 2018 and 2023, antibiotic [...]

The 55th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) will close the cycle of Codex meetings for 2025. As delegates prepare to meet in Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America, we sat down with Chairperson Evelyne Mbandi to discuss the Committee's achievements, the texts under revision, and how CCFH contributes to the aims of the Commission. Evelyne, thanks for your time. CCFH is responsible for developing texts that have a direct impact on consumer health and food trade. As [...]

A workshop and training event is being carried out in the Republic of Korea this week, hosted by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in collaboration with the Codex Trust Fund (CTF), with the participation of delegates from El Salvador, Guatemala, Kenya, Mali, Timor-Leste and Zambia. The workshop brings together government officials, Codex contact points, and food safety experts to enhance capacities for effective participation in Codex work. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants are learning how to [...]

During World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), taking place from 18 to 24 November under the theme “Act now: protect our present, secure our future”, it is worth remembering the value placed in Codex AMR texts by global leaders, and the prominence they have been given in high-level declarations and calls to action on addressing the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). When it comes to foodborne AMR, the United Nations General Assembly has called on the international community to use and implement [...]

The 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has concluded after a productive and smooth week of work. Upon adoption of the report, Allan Azegele, CAC Chairperson, congratulated Members for their work. “Distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues, representatives of Observer organizations and members of the Codex Secretariat,” he said, “as we conclude this session of the 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission, I would want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of you for your active participation, your thoughtful engagement, and your steadfast commitment [...]

A side event held in the margins of the 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting in Rome has discussed the topic of “Strengthening the foundations of Codex: contributions from, and opportunities and challenges for, Observers”, with a range of Codex Observers contributing to discussions. The conversation was opened by the Chairperson of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF), Sally Hoffer, who addressed the issue of data, which is so important to Codex generally and CCCF particularly. “Data is at the [...]