Importance of Food Safety for Consumer Protection and International Trade

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1 Shenzhen China Food Safety Risk Communication Forum 2016 Guangdong Shenzhen Importance of Food Safety for Consumer Protection and International Trade Awilo Ochieng Pernet, Lic. in Law, MSc, Cert. Human Nutr. Chairperson, Codex Alimentarius Commission 1

2 Contents Risk analysis: Basis for Codex food safety standards Importance of Codex food safety and quality standards Global burden of foodborne diseases Questions & Discussion

3 Risk analysis: Basis for Codex food safety standards

4 The CAC has developed two sets of risk analysis documents 1. Working principles for risk analysis for application in the framework of the Codex Alimentarius (When developing Codex food safety standards) 2. Working principles for risk analysis for food safety for application by Governments

5 WORKING PRINCIPLES FOR RISK ANALYSIS FOR APPLICATION IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS (2003)

6 Working Principles for risk analysis for application in the framework of the Codex Alimentarius The objective of these Working Principles is to provide guidance to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Joint FAO/WHO expert bodies and consultations, so that food safety and health aspects of Codex standards and related texts are based on risk analysis.

7 Risk analysis principles in Codex When developing Codex standards and related texts, Codex food safety committees apply risk analysis principles and they rely on the scientific advice provided by the independent FAO/WHO Expert bodies e.g. JECFA, JMPR, JEMRA, etc.

8 Risk Analysis A process consisting of three components: Risk assessment Risk management Risk communication

9 Risk analysis in Codex Risk Managers: The Commission and its subsidiary bodies Risk Assessors: Joint FAO/WHO expert bodies and consultations Effective communication and consultation with all interested parties should be ensured throughout the risk analysis process.

10 Codex food safety committees which develop standards based on risk analysis principles 1. Codex Committee on Food Additives (Hosted by China) 2. Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (Hosted by The Netherlands) 3. Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (Hosted by China) 4. Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (Hosted by the United States of America) 5. Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (Hosted by Germany) 6. Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (Hosted by the United States of America)

11 Specific guidance on risk analysis developed by the relevant committees

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14 WORKING PRINCIPLES FOR RISK ANALYSIS FOR FOOD SAFETY FOR APPLICATION BY GOVERNMENTS

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17 Risk Communication in Codex The interactive exchange of information and opinions throughout the risk analysis process concerning risk, risk-related factors and risk perceptions, among risk assessors, risk managers, consumers, industry, the academic community and other interested parties, including the explanation of risk assessment findings and the basis of risk management decisions.

18 Risk Communication in Codex (please refer to paragraphs 37 to 41, Working Principles on Risk Analysis) Risk communication should: 1) promote awareness and understanding of the specific issues under consideration during the risk analysis; 2) promote consistency and transparency in formulating risk management options/recommendations; 3) provide a sound basis for understanding the risk management decisions proposed; 4) improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the risk analysis; 5) strengthen the working relationships among participants; 6) foster public understanding of the process, so as to enhance trust and confidence in the safety of the food supply; 7) promote the appropriate involvement of all interested parties; and 8) exchange information in relation to the concerns of interested parties about the risks associated with food.

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20 Importance of Codex food safety and quality standards

21 The Codex Alimentarius Commission: Food safety and quality along the entire food chain!

22 Mandate of the CAC: to develop harmonised international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and to ensure fair practices in the food trade Art. 1 (a);

23 Mandate of the CAC: Promoting the coordination of all food standards work The CAC also has the mandate of promoting the coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organisations. Art. 1 (b) 23

24 Implementation of Codex standards: whole food chain approach Codex standards can be applied at various stages of the food chain in order to ensure food safety and quality, from primary production to consumption.

25 Implementation of Codex standards in international trade In international trade, Codex standards can be used for compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and for trade negotiations. In addition, all along the value chain, various Codex principles such as traceability/product tracing may be applied.

26 Codex Strategic Plan Strategic vision statement: To be the preeminent international food standards-setting body to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. Codex core values: Collaboration Inclusiveness Consensus building Transparency Strategic goals: 1. Establish international food standards that address current and emerging food issues. 2. Ensure the application of risk analysis principles in the development of Codex standards. 3. Facilitate the participation of all Codex Members. 4. Implement effective and efficient work management systems and practices.

27 Universality of Codex Standards Codex food safety and quality Standards, Guidelines, Codes of Practice, etc. are developed in an inclusive, transparent, collaborative and consensual manner by the 188* Codex Members with the participation of 240* Observer Organisations. * Status:

28 Universality of Codex Standards Codex Standards are science-based. Codex commodity standards also have food safety components e.g. Sections on food additives, food hygiene, contaminants in foods, etc. These sections are forwarded to the relevant horizontal committees for endorsement prior to the adoption of the commodity standard by the CAC.

29 Universality of Codex Standards Protecting the health of the consumers by ensuring food safety should be a top priority in every country! A holistic food chain approach where relevant stakeholders ensure food safety from primary production to consumption is the most effective way to ensure food safety.

30 Universality of Codex Standards All Codex Standards and related texts are accessible free-of-charge from the Codex website (24 hours, 365 days/year) in order to ensure their universal consultation and application by all interested parties. Available at:

31 Codex standards and food trade All Codex Members engage in the food trade either as food exporters and/or food importers. Compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and technical requirements is a prerequisite for access to the food trade.

32 Importance of effective implementation of Codex standards by relevant stakeholders along the entire food chain The effective implementation of Codex Standards, Guidelines, Codes of Practice, MRLs, etc. by the relevant stakeholders along the entire food chain as well as effective national food control and management systems ensure food safety and quality for both the domestic and export market consumers.

33 Codex standards and food trade Codex standards can be applied at the international, regional or national levels in order to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. Codex Standards serve as THE reference in case of a food-related trade dispute within the WTO system.

34 Codex and the WTO Since 1995, the CAC is the international reference for food safety recognised by the World Trade Organisation s Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement).

35 Codex and the WTO The WTO Agreement on the Application of the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) explicitly recognises the competence of the CAC in setting international food safety standards, whilst the food quality, nutrition and labelling aspects of Codex standards are covered by the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement).

36 Global Burden of Foodborne Diseases

37 FOOD SAFETY AN ISSUE OF GREAT CONCERN TO THE ENTIRE WORLD S CONSUMERS Food safety is an issue of great concern to the entire world s consumers, as we all need to have access to safe and nutritious food everyday. In most cases, consumers enjoy safe domestically-produced and imported food. Unfortunately, foodborne diseases still occur all over the world in both developed and developing countries.

38 Published in 2015

39 WHO estimates of foodborne diseases (FBD) The WHO Report estimates that FBD caused by 31 agents bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals affect approximately 600 million people/year. Almost 1 in 10 people in the world, fall ill after consuming contaminated food. FBD cause deaths/year, including children under the age of 5 years.

40 WHO estimates of foodborne diseases Burden of FBD in developing countries The risk of FBD is most severe in low- and middle-income countries, linked to preparing food with unsafe water; poor hygiene and inadequate conditions in food production and storage; lower levels of literacy and education; and insufficient food safety legislation or implementation of such legislation.

41 WHO estimates of foodborne diseases Burden of FBD in developing countries While the burden of foodborne diseases is a public health concern globally, the WHO African and South-East Asia Regions have the highest incidence and highest death rates, including among children under the age of 5 years.

42 WHO estimates of foodborne diseases By incorporating these estimates into policy development at both national and international levels, all stakeholders can contribute to improvements in safety throughout the food chain. These results will also help to direct future research activities.

43 From farm to plate, make food safe! Source:

44 WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY At its 39 th Session (Rome, July 2016), the Codex Alimentarius Commission supported the establishment of a World Food Safety Day on a permanent basis.

45 QUESTIONS / DISCUSSION