7. The Codex Secretariat and the Representatives of FAO, Dr Cheikh N’diaye (Accra), Dr Codjia (Harare) and of WHO, Dr Y. Sahara (Geneva), Dr K. Kellou (Harare), introduced the relevant document. The Committee was informed that FAO and WHO continued to provide technical assistance to member countries in the African Region as part of their regular programme of work as well as through FAO Technical Co-operation Programme.
8. The Committee noted the work of FAO in strengthening food control programmes, preparation of food composition tables, improvement of street food trade, and the establishment and strengthening of Codex structures. The Committee was informed of the FAO Partnership Programme and the need for national experts to participate in projects on a TCDC basis. In this regard countries were urged to identify national experts qualified in different areas of food control and food standards for inclusion in the roster so that the Partnership Programme could be effectively implemented in the Region. The Committee was informed that the 3rd International Conference on Mycotoxins had been postponed until 1999.
9. The Committee also noted activities of WHO in the Region and the relevant publications which were introduced in document CX/AFRICA 98/2. Regarding the cholera outbreak in African countries, the delegations of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by WHO to facilitate trade in fish between their countries and the European Union countries by providing scientific information relating to cholera. These countries also expressed their concern at the time taken to resolve this matter and remove scientifically unjustified barrier to trade. The Committee noted that a FAO Technical Cooperation Project was being developed to assist countries bordering Lake Victoria, to apply HACCP measures and to strengthen food control systems. The Committee agreed to request the CCPR to consider the problem of pesticide residues in fish with a view to establishing EMRL’s.
10. The representative of WHO informed the Committee that WHO was in the process of revising the International Health Regulations (IHR) which would require member countries to notify the Organization of outbreaks of foodborne diseases and would set up a rapid dispute settlement mechanism. The draft had been circulated to WHO member countries early this year for further consideration.
11. The Committee stressed the need for technical assistance and training in areas such as strengthening food control infrastructure, providing training for trainers on various aspects of food safety and quality especially in HACCP with particular reference to the application of HACCP in small and medium-scale enterprises. The Delegation of Uganda pointed out the problem of aflatoxins in countries with humid climate and indicated the need for assistance in this area.
12. The Committee was informed of the procedures for making requests for assistance to FAO and WHO. The Committee expressed its appreciation for the work of FAO and WHO in providing technical assistance, in organising training at national and/or Regional levels.
