Resource Mobilization

Strengthening the FAO/WHO Scientific Advice Programme

FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) scientific advice is essential for Codex Alimentarius Commission and member countries. The demand for this advice has increased in line with rapid technological and trade developments. It was therefore necessary to mobilize technical, financial and human resources to support FAO/WHO activities on the provision of scientific advice in food safety and nutrition, and to promote its timeliness, while ensuring the continuation of the highest level of integrity and quality.

What did the project do

Regional training workshops significantly strengthened the capacities of scientists from developing countries in the techniques of pesticide evaluation for the establishment of maximum residue limits, and in updating their knowledge of the assessment of risks associated with dietary intake of pesticide residues for promoting food safety and international trade of agriculture products. This was fundamental to enhancing the contribution of experts from developing and transition countries. The training activities supported by the project directly built the capacity of 91 national experts from a total of 38 countries in the African, Asian, and Central and South American regions. The scientific information provided by the FAO/WHO scientific advice programme for the development of internationally agreed food standards is being used to help protect the health of all consumers, and ensure fair practices in the international food trade. Awareness and resources concerning the importance of the use of science in decision-making was enhanced at national, regional and global levels.

Impact

The provision of scientific advice on food safety issues contributed to improving trade, and providing access to safe food through the preparation and implementation of effective food related policies, regulations and control programmes along the food chain. More specifically, activities implemented during the project in Angola, Madagascar, Mozambique and Namibia established the basis for national bivalve mollusc sanitation programmes for domestic consumption. These can be easily adapted for export markets, fostering the availability of an important source of protein in domestic markets, and helping to create employment and income in developing countries.

Activities

  • Reports produced on salmonella and campylobacter in chicken meat; and the application of nanotechnologies in food and agriculture sectors.
  • FAO/WHO technical meeting organized to review and test a web-based model for a decision support tool for the control of salmonella and campylobacter in poultry, and a web-based tool to assess the impact of microbiological sampling plans.
  • Scientific expert rosters updated with experts from each Codex region.
  • Three workshops on risk assessment of pesticide residues in foods and the establishment of maximum residue limit conducted for Central and South American, African, and Asian Countries.
  • International training workshop organized on the establishment of maximum residue limits and risk assessment of pesticide residues.
  • Training manual developed on the evaluation of pesticide residues for the establishment of maximum residue levels, and calculations of dietary intake.
  • Guidance material developed on the implementation of shellfish sanitation systems.
  • Three new Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives databases developed on flavourings, veterinary drug residues and food additives respectively. 
Project symbol: GCP/GLO/209/MUL
Project title: FAO/WHO Global Initiative for Food-Related Scientific Advice Facility (GIFSA)
Contact: Mary Kenny (Lead Technical Officer)
Email: [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/I8802EN/i8802en.pdf