Foodlaw-Reading
Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK
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Codex News Item, 20 November 2023
In welcoming participants to the 85th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC85), taking place in Rome on 20-24 November 2023, Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of FAO stressed the central role Codex can play in promoting agrifood systems transformation "by developing international food standards that protect consumer health and ensure fair trade practices while supporting the uptake and implementation of policies and programmes that make agrifood systems more sustainable". Recalling the 60th anniversary of the Commission, the DDG reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to Codex.
Ailan Li, WHO Assistant Director-General, welcomed the participants recalling earlier celebrations of Codex@60 at the previous CCEXEC, noting that Codex must be proactive, agile, and prompt in reacting to developing concerns affecting food safety and quality. "Such an approach will ensure Codex protects consumers’ health and ensures fair trade practices in changing societies and environments", said ADG Li requesting CCEXEC Members to consider how Codex can best help the transformation of food systems so they promote health and not harm it.
Raj Rajasekar, CAC Vice-chairperson, highlighted the important milestone of 60 years of Codex stating that “As I reflect on our journey through 2023, I have been deeply impressed by the reach and impact of the work of Codex and how the members have all marked 2023 in their own unique and special ways. We all have a story to tell”.
Corinna Hawkes, Codex Secretary ad interim, concluded the opening session by saying that CCEXEC "is different from the other committees in Codex" highlighting its role in providing an overarching perspective and advice to the Commission.
This week CCEXEC85 will discuss the new Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031 which will chart a path for Codex to work as part of the multilateral system on food and trade through 2030 and beyond.
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