FAO and WHO call for a participative evaluation of the food standards programme

After 40 years in existence, the Codex Alimentarius (international food code) will be subjected to its first evaluation. The increasing food safety threats in recent times, both in developed and developing countries, has made it urgent to review the international food standards programme so that it responds to the concerns of all countries regarding health, safety and trade in food.

For this, FAO and the World Health Organization, are undertaking a joint evaluation, which is to be completed in early 2003, whereby a team of experts will carry out a series of surveys of the member countries as well as interested parties, visit various countries, conduct detailed interviews, make literature reviews, etc.

A number of aspects will also be open for public opinions in order to give the evaluation a broad perspective. For example, the opportunities to participate in the Codex process, including for developing countries and how the interests of these countries can be adequately represented, could be an issue for public comment. Debates will also include the implications for future international systems of food safety and food standards developments relative to public health, food trade and economic development in general.