The SPS Agreement & International Standards Codex standard - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The SPS Agreement & International Standards Codex standard setting procedures Current activities of International Standard setting

• Ms. Shashi Sareen

Senior Food Safety & Nutrition Officer FAO Regional Office for the Asia & the Pacific E-mail: shashi.sareen@fao.org

at Inception Workshop: Principles & further activities for Codex implementation (17-19 September 2012, Bangkok, Thailand)

under

Project:Support to Capacity Building & Implementation of International Food Safety Standards in ASEAN Countries (GCP/RAS/280/JPN)

Outline

• SPS Agreement and link to Codex
• Codex standard setting procedures
• Current activities of International Standard

setting

• Current activities of FAO projects in the region

in relation to Codex

Objectives of the SPS Agreement

• To protect & improve the current human health,

animal health & phytosanitary situation of all Member countries

• To protect Members from arbitrary or unjustifiable

discrimination due to different sanitary & phytosanitary standards

• To maintain the sovereign right of any Government to

provide an appropriate level of protection ie allow countries to set their own standards for health & safety

SPS Art rtic icle le 3 Harmonization

• Encourage use of international standards

Food safety & Animal health Plant health Animal health & zoonoses

Codex dex OI OIE IP IPPC

• SPS permits higher standards based on risk

assessment

• An Intergovernmental body
• Founded in 1962 to implement the Joint FAO/WHO Food

Standards Programme

• Programme Objectives
• protect the health of consumers
• ensure fair practices in international food trade
• coordinate all food standardization work at the

international level

• Membership - 184 countries + 1 member org (EC) –

representing 99% of world population

• Observers: 208 international organizations:- 48 IGOs, 144

NGOs, 16 UN (representing scientific, industry, trade, consumers)

Codex Alimentarius Comission

Codex Documentation

• Standards – relate to product characteristics
• Codes of Practice – hygiene codes (define

practices)

• Guidelines – 2 categories
• Principles that set out policies in certain key areas
• Guidelines for interpretation of these principles

Codex Documents(Standards/ Guidelines/ Recommendations)

• Food safety & hygiene
• Nutrition
• Labelling
• Import & export inspection & certification
• Quality of foodstuffs

Codex Documentation breakup

• Commodity standards – 186
• Commodity related texts – 46
• Food labeling – 9
• Food Hygiene – 5
• Food safety risk assessments – 3
• Sampling and analysis – 15
• Inspection and Certification procedures – 8
• Animal food production – 6
• Contaminants in foods (max levels, detection & prevention) – 12
• Max limit for pesticide residues – 2930; covering 218 pesticides
• Limits of veterinary drug residues – 441, covering 49 vet drugs
• Food additives provisions – 1112, covering 292 food additives
• Food additives related texts – 7
• Regional Guidelines - 3

Codex General Subject Committee

• General Principles – France
• Food Hygiene – USA
• Contaminants in food – Netherlands
• Food Additives – China
• Pesticide Residues – China
• Residue of Vet Drugs in Food – USA
• Food Labeling – Canada
• Methods of Analysis & Sampling – Hungary
• Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems

– Australia

• Nutrition and Food for Special Dietary Use - Germany

Codex Commodity Committees

• Commodity Committees that meet regularly:

– Fats And Oils – United Kingdom – Fish And Fishery Products - Norway – Fresh Fruits And Vegetables - Mexico – Milk And Milk Product – New Zealand – Processed Fruits and Vegetables - USA

• Commodity Committees that meet through

correspondence or are in recess :

– Cereal, Pulses and Legumes - USA – Natural Mineral Water - Switzerland – Meat Hygiene – Sugars - United Kingdom – Cocoa Products And Chocolates - Switzerland – Vegetable Proteins - Canada

Standards Setting Procedure

• Step Procedure
• Total 8 steps are involved in the final adoption of

standard, guideline or other text.

• Sometimes text is considered to be ready for final

adoption at Step 5 – often called Step 5/8.

• Principles of Codex Elaboration Procedure
• Inclusiveness - Step by step, by consensus. Every

member is included. Every members concerns are considered before taking a decision.

• Transparency- Open discussion & communication,

free to all interested.

Elaboration procedures (8-step normal)

Step 2 Step 3 Step 7 Step 4 Step 6 Step 5 Step 8 Step 1

 Commission decides to elaborate a

standard & assigns work to a committee

 Secretariat arranges

preparation of proposed draft standard  Proposed draft standard sent to governments & Int orgs for comments  Secretariat forwards comments to committee  Proposed draft standard is send to commission for adoption as a draft standard  Draft standard send to government & international

• rganization for comments

 Draft standard is submitted through commission for adoption as a Codex Standard  Secretariat forwards comments to committee

Some latest Approaches (Policy) in Codex

• Scientific basis (Measures conform to

international standards or based on risk assessment)

• Food chain approach
• Risk-based approach
• Preventative systems approach
• Effective food control systems

Science-based documents/ decisions

• Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food

Additives (JECFA)

• Joint FAO/WHO Meetings on Pesticide Residues

(JMPR)

• Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meetings on

Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA)

• Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide

Specifications (JMPS)

• Joint FAO/WHO Committee on Nutrition (JECN)
• Scientific advise through scientific expert bodies

Current Areas of Focus in CAC

• Some priority areas include:
• MRLs for bovine somatotropin in cattle tissues
• Draft MRLs for Ractopamine
• Proposed draft guidelines on the approval of General Principles
• f Food Hygiene to the control of viruses in food
• Principles & GL for National Food Control Systems – draft

discussed at 18th Session of CCFICS held in March 2010

• Proposal for establishment of a Committee on spices, aromatic

herbs and their formulations

• Other issues
• Traceability - Definition (adopted in 2004 at 27th CAC) and

Principles (adopted in 2006 at 29th CAC) – food recall

• Risk analysis
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• New Technologies of Production Systems: Nanotechnologies

Other Issues

CAC Strategic Plan 2008-2013 : Strategic Goals

• Promoting sound regulatory frameworks
• Promoting widest and consistent application of

scientific principles and risk analysis

• Strengthening Codex work management

capabilities

• Promoting cooperation between Codex &

relevant international organizations

• Promoting maximum and effective participation
• f members

CAC Strategic Plan 2014-2019:

• Presents the vision, goals, objectives for the CAC & is

supported by a more detailed work plan that includes activities, milestones, & measurable indicators to track progress toward accomplishment of the goals.

• Underpins the high priority placed on food safety &

quality by FAO/ WHO & ensures that CAC will carry out responsibilities given to it by FAO/ WHO.

• Informs Members, inter-governmental & international

non-governmental organizations, & other stakeholders

• f how CAC intends to fulfill its mandate to meet the

needs & expectations of its Members during the period 2014-2019.

Draft Codex Strategic plan 2014-2019

• Vision: The CAC should be the pre-eminent international

food standards –setting body to protect the health of the consumers & ensure fair practices in the food trade

• Core values - In fulfilling its strategic vision, Codex adheres to

core values that include, but are not limited to:

• collaboration
• inclusiveness
• consensus building
• transparency
• Strategic goals: 4
• Work Plan - objectives, activities, responsible parties, time

lines, expected milestones, measurable indicators/ outputs

• Finalize mid March 2013

Strategic Goal 1: Establish international food standards that address current & emerging food issues.

• Objective 1.1: Establish new & review existing food

standards, based on priorities of the CAC

• Objective 1.2: Proactively identify emerging issues &

member country needs &, where appropriate, develop relevant food standards.

• Objective 1.3: Strengthen coordination &

cooperation with other international standards- setting organizations seeking to avoid duplication of efforts & optimize opportunities.

Strategic goal 2: Ensure the application of risk analysis principles in the development of Codex standards

• Objective 2.1: Ensure consistent use of scientific

advice and risk analysis principles.

• Objective 2.2: Achieve sustainable access to

scientific advice

• Objective 2.3: Increase scientific input from

developing countries

Strategic goal 3 Facilitate the effective participation of all Codex members

• Objective 3.1: Increase the effective participation of

developing countries in Codex.

• Objective 3.2: Promote capacity development

programs that assist countries in creating sustainable national Codex structures.

Strategic goal 4: Implement effective & efficient work management systems & practices

• Objective 4.1: Ensure an effective, efficient,

transparent, & flexible standard setting process for the timely adoption of standards.

• Objective 4.2: Enhance capacity to arrive at consensus

in standards setting

Codex - Golden jubilee

• 50th anniversary of the Codex during 36th session during

2013

• 1st session in 1963 - 120 delegates from 30 countries +
• bservers from 16 International organizations
• 35th session in 2012- 37 international & Non Governmental
• rganizations
• Current number of member countries 185; Observers 205
• Unique opportunity to increase awareness about Codex
• Celebrate key achievements
• Look ahead and consider emerging issues and future

challenges and envisage how CAC could address them

• To promote Codex as the only acceptable form of

international food safety standards

Codex Logo

• 35th session of CAC held during 2-7 July 2012

decided to proceed with the development of a Codex Logo

• Why Logo?
• Establish recognizable visual identity
• increase visibility of CAC globally
• help promote the use of codex standards
• helps in the promotion of other codex activities

Trust funds

• Codex trust fund operated by FAO/WHO for support

participation of LDC/ Developing countries

• Trust fund activities in the biennium
• Training workshop on “Improving regional standards setting

process in CCASIA & enhancing collaboration in the region on agreed priority areas”, 4 November 2012, Tokyo, Japan immediately prior to CCASIA

• Workshop on chemical risk assessment in food chain, Beijing,

China (Jan 2013)

• GIFSA (Global Initiative for food related Scientific advice)

multidonor trust fund – main focus will be to facilitate the extra budgetary resources for scientific advice activities

CCASIA meeting

• 18th session of CCASIA, Tokyo, Japan, November 5-9, 2012.
• TORs of Regional Coordinating Committees
• defines problems & needs of the region on food standards & control;
• promotes contacts – for mutual exchange of information on

proposed regulatory initiatives; problems arising from food control; stimulates strengthening of food control infrastructures;

• Recommends (CAC) development of worldwide standards for

products of interest to region, incl those with int market potential;

• develops regional standards for intra regional trade;
• draws attention of CAC to its work of specific significance to region;
• promotes coordination of all regional food standards work

undertaken by international governmental/ NGOs within region;

• exercises a general coordinating role for the region and such other

functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission;

• promotes use of Codex standards & related texts by members.

FAO Initiatives

• Provide scientific basis to Codex through

independent scientific expert Committees, meetings & consultations

• Development of guidelines & documents
• Communication & information Exchange

mechanisms

• Capacity Building Initiatives

Guidance/ Tools– Some egs

• Strengthening national food control systems: GLs to

assess capacity building needs -2006

• Risk-based food inspection manual (2008)
• FAO/WHO GLs for developing FSER plans (2010)
• FAO/WHO guide for application of risk analysis

principles & procedures during food safety emergencies (2011)

• Guidelines for Risk categorization of food and food

establishments applicable to ASEAN countries (2011)

• FAO/WHO Guide for developing and improving

national food recall systems (2012)

• Nano technologies - State of the art on the initiatives

and activities relevant to risk assessment & risk management of nanotechnologies in the f&a sectors”

Information exchange Mechanisms

• FAO food safety website: http://www.fao.org/ag/agn
• Codex web site: www.codexalimentarius.net
• Food safety portal:

http://www.ipfsaph.org/En/default.jsp

• Infosan:

http://www.who.int/foodsafety/fs_management/infosan /en

• RAP Agriculture Food Systems website:

http://www.fao.org/asiapacific/rap/afs/about/en/

• Approximately 150 projects on food safety & quality being

delivered (national, regional, global) & number of tools & GL finalized or in progress

• Broadly cover:
• SPS/Codex capacity building
• official food control systems (policy, legislation/ regulatory,

institutional development - e.g. Food control/ inspection, laboratory capacity)

• commodity issues (e.g. meat, seafood, fresh fruits and vegs –

safety, quality & value chains) – implementation of GP/FSMS

• food safety emergency management
• good food safety & agricultural practice guidelines - linkage of

primary production

FAO’s Food safety Capacity Building

Regional Focus

• 31st FAO Regional Conference for the Asia & the Pacific

(March 2012) FAO was requested to assist member countries to – enhance capacity for participation in the design of animal health and food-safety standards – harmonize food safety and quality standards in value chain development – strengthen legal and institutional frameworks that govern food safety and quality in value chain development

Some Recent & Ongoing CD activities in Asia Regional projects:

• ASEAN - Support to CB & Implementation of

International Food Safety Standards in ASEAN Countries”(WS, training course, case studies, guidance documents)

• GMS – Core Agricultural Support Programme (case

studies, WS, e-learning material)

• Promotion of rural development through development
• f Geographical indications at regional level in Asia

Country Projects

• Country Projects:
• Improving food safety in Bangladesh - Strengthening

standard formulation based on risk assessment

• Enhancing food safety lab capacity in primary production

(Thailand)

• Policy assistance for bio-secure agro-food supply chain for

enhanced market access & food security for small holding rural sector (Nepal)

• Developing food law in Laos
• Strengthening of Food Safety and Standards in Bhutan
• Strengthening capacity of Mongolia to implement Codex
• Cambodia : FAO /WHO project on control of microbial and

antimicrobial resistance (AMR) hazards along the poultry food chain in Cambodia

CD Activities of FAO on Food Safety in Asia

Bangladesh: Strengthened Capacity for Standards Formulation based on Risk Assessment

• Activity 2.1 Strengthening National Codex Contact

Point with effective participation by various governments/stakeholders

• Activity 2.2 Strengthening the capacity of national

standards development with single standard for specific product/process & clear access/availability

• Activity 2.3 Establishment & strengthening of a

risk-analysis capacity across Government agencies to be able to support the development

• f food safety measures & standards

Bhutan: Strengthening of food safety & standards

• Output 1: Standards for prioritised foods in harmony with Codex
• Standardization structure developed, food commodities/ areas

prioritized for standardization, draft standards developed

• Output 2: Food Safety Policy Document & revised Food Rules & Regns
• Output 3: Capacity of BAFRA strengthened in risk-based food inspection
• System for risk based inspection developed – protocols/ manual, etc
• Food safety database system developed
• Food Handlers Training manuals – various food businesses
• Training of inspectors on food handlers training
• Consumer awareness (material & trainings)
• Output 4: Enhanced Capacity of BAFRA to supervise, certify & accredit

various certification systems.

• System of approvals & certification developed
• Awareness for targeted food industries & officials on FSMS impln

Mongolia:Strengthening capacity to implement Codex

• Outcome - Codex standards/ codes implemented at national level &

Mongolia actively participates in CAC activities

• Outputs
• 1. National Policy & Strategy for Codex implementation
• 2. Institutional capacity for Codex improved – NCC restructured &

Subcommittees/ Secretariat/ Technical advisory groups & working procedures established. Stakeholders involved in Codex activities on continuous basis.

• 3. Technical capacity of NCC members improved - training on

identified subjects to enhance participation of Mongolia in Codex activities.

• 4. Importance of Codex standards for stakeholders improved -

identifying & translating priority standards for food production/ control system & organizing WSs for food producers/traders.

• Regional consultation on Guidelines for Development of Food Safety

Policy for countries in Asia

• Regional Training Workshop on Implementing GAP in Fruit and

Vegetable Sector, its Certification and Accreditation

• Pre CCASIA Training WS on “Understanding Regional Standards”
• Technical workshop on chemical risk analysis in the food chain
• Private standards - FAO Food Safety/ Quality programme in the age
• f Private food standards
• ASEAN – Principles & activities for Codex Implementation (17-19

September)

• Traceability and recall
• Urban and peri-urban agriculture
• Others - retail sector (India), INFOSAN

Workshops/ seminars

THANK YOU Any Questions?