world health organizationfood safety programme 1 food safety food standards food trade and...

World Health Organization Food Safety Programme 1

Food safety Food Standards

Food Tradeand development

Jørgen SchlundtCoordinator, WHO Food Safety Programme

UNCTAD3 Oct 2002


Public HealthPublic Health

ScienceScience Consumer ConfidenceConsumer Confidence

PoliticsPolitics

TradeTrade

Food Safety in the air


WHO Surveillance Programme WHO Surveillance Programme for Control of Foodborne Diseases in Europefor Control of Foodborne Diseases in Europe

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England & Wales

Denmark

Switzerland

Israel

Iceland

Finland

Sweden

Norway

Slovakia

Scotland

Campylobacteriosis trendsCampylobacteriosis trends

BgVV; BerlinBgVV; Berlin


FBD increaseFBD increase- evidence ?- evidence ?

Exact evidence difficult

Indications in many countries

New decrease evidence from some countries

However, the more important issue : Is presently realized high level correct Is there a potential for reduction from presently realized high level


Food safety

Increasing burden of disease linked to foodborne hazards

One of the top seven WHO priorities

Food safety is a a public health function


WHO GlobalFood Safety Strategy

Surveillance of foodborne diseases Improving risk assessments Safety of new technologies Public health role in Codex Risk communication International cooperation Capacity building


Capacity Building in Food Safety Systems

Building food safety systems rather than segments

Using country’s intersectoral approach

Learn from developed countries experiences - take shortcuts

~> Leap-frog <~


Improved Food Safety Developing countries Win-Win

Improved food safety less illness, medical and social costs, poverty

Improved health improved participation in development

Trade accessdevelopment and wealth, better health

Health-based Standards protect public health

international trade capability

Development


Macroeconomics and HealthInvesting in health for economic development

Health is a priority goal in its own right

- as well as a central input into economic development and poverty reduction

Commission on Macroeconomics and Health

Report of December 2001


Macroeconomics and HealthNew estimations

The importance of investing in health has been greatly underestimated

by analysts

by developing country governments

by the international donor community


Macroeconomics and HealthInvestment returns

Increased investment in health would translate into

massive economic returns in low-income countries

large social benefits to all parts of society


Biotechnology, GM Foods: is it safe?

Biotech products should not be evaluated as one common group - they are not inherently safe or inherently unsafe

Each product should be evaluated in its own right - case by case -looking into both the specific benefits or risks


BiotechnologySafety and nutrition

Can increase the quantity and quality of available food and may have consequences for public health(+): decrease allergenicity, natural toxicity or nutritional deficiencies(-): change diversity, transfer genes, allergenicity, unintended effects


The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

convenes international meetings to discuss specific aspects of food production and food trade based on expert advice

Its mandate:to develop scientifically sound international standards and norms for consumer health protection and fair food trade practices


1962

World Health Organization

(WHO)

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

(FAO)

CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION

2002167 Member States


The Codex Alimentarius

Food standards for commodities 237

Codes of Practice 41

Limits for pesticide residues 3 274

Limits for contaminants 25

Limits for veterinary drugs 289


The Codex Alimentarius Commission has already identified 6 strategic objectives

1. Promoting a sound regulatory framework

2. Promoting widest and consistent application of scientific principles and risk analysis

3. Promoting linkages between Codex and other multilateral regulatory instruments and conventions

4. Enhancing capacity to respond effectively and expeditiously to new issues, concerns and developments in the food sector

5. Promoting maximum membership and participation

6. Promoting maximum application of Codex standards


New challenges for Codex and national governments are due to:

Growth in world food trade

Increasing concern regarding foodborne diseases

New food technologies and products in the marketplace

Risk of food bioterrorism

Status of Codex standards under WTO agreements


Risk Analysis

Risk Assessment Risk Management

Risk Communication

Science based+ Explanation

Policy based+ Implementation

Interactive exchange of information and opinions

concerning risks


Codex Alimentarius Commission Strategic Vision

“The Commission envisages a world afforded the highest attainable levels of consumer protection, including food safety and quality. To this end, the Commission will develop internationally agreed standards and related texts for use in domestic regulation and international trade in food that are based on scientific principles and fulfil the objectives of consumer health protection and fair practices in food trade.”


THE SITUATION TODAY

There is broad international recognition that Codex’s role will be more important than ever;

The process of strengthening Codex’s effectiveness, management, efficiency and timing has begun; and

Important planning for Codex’s future work is under way, with particular emphasis on the needs of developing countries.


CODEX EVALUATION

In 2001, the governing bodies of WHO and FAO and the Codex Alimentarius Commission called for a review.

The review, jointly conducted by the Evaluation Services of WHO and FAO, began in March 2002.


Visits to selected countries

A formal questionnaire to all Member States of WHO, FAO and CAC

A questionnaire to all organizations with observer status in CAC and all NGOs in official relations with FAO and WHO

A questionnaire to all national organizations concerned with food safety

A public call for comments

A comprehensive data gathering effort, including:


Timetable for the evaluation

First meeting of Evaluation Team

First meeting of Independent Expert Panel

Second meetings of both groups (incl. joint meeting)

Analysis of data collected

Third (joint) meeting of both groups to discuss results

Writing of report

Finalization of report

March 2002

April 2002

June 2002

Aug. 2002

Sept.2002

Sept./Oct. 2002

Nov. 2002


Jan 2003:

Feb 2003:

May 2003:

Nov 2003:

Submission of report and recommendations to the governing bodies of WHO and FAO and the CAC

WHO Executive Board (preliminary)

Codex Alimentarius Commission

World Health Assembly

FAO Conference


THE FAO/WHO CODEX TRUST FUND

OVERALL GOAL

Help regulators and food experts participate in Codex work.


THE FAO/WHO CODEX TRUST FUNDOBJECTIVES

Assist countries to effectively govern their food standards systems

Strengthen capacities to build strong and compatible food control systems

To enhance the effective participation of all countries in Codex

Expand the number of food experts, regulators and other specialists

Sharing of essential information

Create opportunities to decrease foodborne disease on a global basis


THE FAO/WHO CODEX TRUST FUNDOUTCOMES

Increase country ability to participate in the establishment of global food safety

standards

Ensure that experts understand the current goals and objectives

Enable countries to develop useful information for Codex, as well as prepare

papers containing important information

Reinforce participation in Codex

world health organizationfood safety programme 1 food safety food standards food trade and...

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