Codex to mirror growing food safety fears

For the first time in its 40 years of existence, Codex Alimentarius​, the international food code, is to be evaluated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation ( WHO​). The two international organisations announced this week that they have launched a joint evaluation of FAO​ and WHO food standards programme in order to ensure that the programme best serves the concerns of all (the rich and poor) regarding health, safety and trade in food.

The two organisations said in a statement that they are calling for public comments to ensure that all those with a stake in the use of these food standards could make their views known.

"In both developed and developing countries, the number and variety of food safety threats are on the increase. We need to ensure that international food standard work responds to the challenges of the new millennium in order to meet more effectively the needs of the world's people and we therefore welcome this timely review,"​ said Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, WHO Director-General.

Dr Jacques Diouf, FAO's Director-General, said: "Every day food safety and quality issues vary dramatically from country to country. National capabilities to use and apply food standards must be enhanced if global food safety is ever to be realised and I am pleased that this timely evaluation will be looking at the wider aspects of applying food standards at a practical level."​

The world has changed dramatically since the Codex Alimentarius Commission was established 40 years ago, wrote the FAO in a statement this week. Public concern over food safety issues is now widespread, and consumers are much more aware of what they regard as threats to their health, and of their rights to full information on foods.

The link between safe food, a balanced diet and the overall health and productivity of the population is increasingly recognised. In addition, the need for standards agreed through open and transparent processes has been highlighted as a result of the recognition by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of Codex standards as the reference point for trade in foodstuffs.

The evaluation of FAO's and WHO's food standards programme will be carried out by an independent Evaluation Team and an Expert Panel. The evaluation process began in April 2002 and is scheduled to be completed in early 2003, with a report that will include recommendations for consideration by the governing bodies of both FAO and WHO.

To produce the report, the Evaluation Team will conduct the widest possible consultations with the member countries of FAO and WHO and other stakeholders. In addition to a formal questionnaire on key issues to Member States and stakeholders through official channels, the evaluation process will comprise a variety of methods including country visits, in-depth interviews, literature reviews et al.

Interested stakeholders and the public are invited to send their comments by 13 May to "Programme Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation", World Health Organisation, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland; fax: +41 22 791 4807; email: pbqrkerivrj@jub.vag​