African countries urged to participate in work of Codex

Uganda (November 27, 2002) - African countries were Tuesday urged to participate actively in the work of the Codex so that their interests are taken into account in the formulation and application of the international standards.

The call was made by Ugandan Vice President Specioza Wandira Kazibwe when she was opening the 15th session of Codex Cooperating Committee for Africa (CCCA) at the International Conference Center in Kampala, capital of Uganda.

Kazibwe pointed out that "since the coming into effect of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Codex standards have assumed unprecedented importance in countries involved in world food trade. This is because Codex standards have been recommended by the WTO to be used as the benchmark for food safety to protect consumers' health and to be used as reference in international trade in food. "

"Outbreaks of foodborne illness can damage trade and tourism, and can lead to loss of earnings, unemployment and litigation," the vice president noted, saying that "poor quality food can destroy the commercial credibility of suppliers both nationally and internationally, while food spoilage is wasteful and costly and can adversely affect trade and consumer confidence."

"Through Codex these issues are addressed through food standards, codes of practice and various guides. The work so far done is encouraging and commendable and needs to be continued through participation of all stakeholders," she stressed.

She told the meeting that Uganda is in the process of finalizing the review of the food law and have also enacted the food and nutrition policy.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), with a total of 165 member countries, is the international body responsible for elaborating the Joint Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (WHO) worldwide food standards.

The four-day session will focus on food safety in relation to food security and international trade.

Source : Xinhua News Agency