world health organizationfood safety programme 1 food safety food standards food trade and...
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World Health Organization Food Safety Programme 1
Food safety Food Standards
Food Tradeand development
Jørgen SchlundtCoordinator, WHO Food Safety Programme
UNCTAD3 Oct 2002
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Public HealthPublic Health
ScienceScience Consumer ConfidenceConsumer Confidence
PoliticsPolitics
TradeTrade
Food Safety in the air
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 <~
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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1962
World Health Organization
(WHO)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO)
CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION
2002167 Member States
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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
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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
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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
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Risk Analysis
Risk Assessment Risk Management
Risk Communication
Science based+ Explanation
Policy based+ Implementation
Interactive exchange of information and opinions
concerning risks
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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:
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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
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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
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THE FAO/WHO CODEX TRUST FUND
OVERALL GOAL
Help regulators and food experts participate in Codex work.
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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
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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