FAO is involved in providing technical assistance to enhance effective participation of member countries in Codex and in the implementation of its recommendations, guidelines, and standards. The capacity building on Codex at national, sub-regional and regional levels includes seminars, training of trainers' courses, workshops, preparation of tools, as well as field projects and experts' missions. These activities aim at highlighting specific issues, establishing or strengthening National Codex Committees or Codex Contact Points, raising awareness, and also facilitating the constructive exchange of information on Codex.

A joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on the Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Recombinant-DNA Animals was held at the Headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva from 26 February to 2 March 2007. The objective was to provide scientific advice to FAO/WHO and their Member States on two sets of questions regarding: i) marker and reporter genes; and ii) non-heritable applications. The Codex ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology had specifically requested advice on these questions. This Consultation built upon the conclusions and recommendations from the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on the Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Genetically Modified Animals, including Fish (FAO/WHO 2004). A variety of reporter and selectable marker genes are...