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 [...]

Elections for the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) have seen the officers re-elected for a second term. In short statements responding to the election results, all four officers have expressed their sense of honour at having been re-elected and their commitment to the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission: Allan Azegele (Kenya), Chairperson“I am truly honoured to be re-elected as Chairperson of CAC. The most exciting part of this renewed mandate is the opportunity to continue working [...]

The 48th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has opened at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Over the week of 10–14 November, delegates will deliberate on the work that has been forwarded to CAC by the Codex subsidiary bodies, which include consideration of hundreds of Codex texts, the issues that have been brought to the attention of the Commission, and the monitoring framework for the upcoming Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031. The meeting was opened by the Directors-General of the Codex [...]

The annual CODEX magazine has launched just ahead of the 48th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which will take place in Rome 10–14 November. Taking the theme that has been adopted also for CAC48, the magazine is titled “Together”, and touches on some of the ways in which the development and adoption of Codex texts depend on and benefit from a collective approach by Members. The magazine is comprised of articles written from diverse perspectives, including those of some [...]

The 89th Session of the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC) has concluded at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy with adoption of the report after “a good and productive session,” according to Allan Azegele, Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Azegele commended the delegates for their “extreme commitment to Codex”. He said: “It’s not easy for the work to get where it does without your commitment.,” and referring to next week’s Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting, he continued: “We should be ready to engage [...]