During its most recent 2016 session, the Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted two key guidelines that use sound science for setting a baseline for the fair and transparent trade in food. Most importantly, once implemented, they will have immediate and long term consequences for public health. One of them has to do with the control of Salmonellosis and the other with foodborne parasites. We asked Dr Jose Emilio Esteban, Executive Associate for Laboratory Services in the Food Safety and Inspection Service at [...]

On September 25th 2015, countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. The full title of the goals is "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" and the UN declaration recognizes that: eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, including extreme poverty, is the greatest global challenge and an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. How is Codex working to achieve these goals? 6 goals for safer, better food for everyone, everywhere. The first SDG [...]

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 [...]