FSIS Reports on Meeting of Codex Executive Committee to Discuss 2013-2019 Plan

February 14, 2012 by Brian Feito|Other U.S.

The Food Safety Inspection Service reports that the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission concluded its 66th Session on February 9, 2012, in Geneva, making progress on the 2013-2019 Strategic Plan and agreeing to develop a discussion paper for the Codex Commission on the need for enhanced funding for the expert committees that provide scientific advice to Codex.

Draft Vision Statement and Goals for 2013-2019 Plan. For the Strategic Plan, the Committee completed the draft vision statement and strategic goals including: (1) establish international food standards that address current and emerging issues; (2) ensure the application of risk analysis principles in the development of Codex standards; (3) ensure the effective participation of all Codex members; (4) implement effective and efficient work management systems and processes.

Strategic objectives and activities will be added to the Plan, and it will be circulated to the Codex membership for discussion at the 2012 Codex Commission meeting. Final approval is expected at the 2013 Commission meeting.

Critical Funding Situation for Expert Groups. The representative from Europe proposed that the Commission consider at its next meeting the critical situation for funding the expert groups (JECFA, JMPR, JMRA) that provide scientific advice needed to set Codex standards. A discussion paper will be prepared by the Europe representative (France) with assistance from the United States.

Applications for Observer Status. The Committee reviewed five applications for Codex observer status from international non-government organizations and recommended that FAO and WHO approve four of them including the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention.

50th Anniversary. Discussions of proposals for an observance of the 50th Anniversary of Codex in 2013 and for development of a Codex logo were postponed until the next Executive Committee meeting in June.

Leading Role of the US. The United States is the elected representative to Executive Committee from North America and is leading the drafting of the Strategic Plan.