38. The Committee noted that this issue had been placed on its Agenda at the request of the 20th and 21st Sessions of the Commission.
39. The Observer from Consumers International stated that a sub-regional office of that Organization for East and Southern Africa had been established in Harare and that a subregional office for West and Southern Africa was established in Dakar. The Observer pointed out that much progress had been made in the Region in increasing consumer’s participation in Codex work. However, the CI wished to see more progress in practice and requested Member governments and national Codex Committees to include one consumers’ representative in the National Codex Committee and to cover all expenses related to that participation. The Observer called for training of consumer leaders on Codex issues to assist in the application and monitoring of the use of Codex standards at the national level. The Observer also recommended that workshops for journalists be undertaken to inform them about Codex issues and help in the launching of media campaigns to promote Codex standards.
40. The Delegation of Algeria informed the Committee that in 1989 a law allowing the formation of consumers’ organizations had been passed and that at the current moment there were 25 Consumers organizations in existence operating at various levels. In order to assist these organizations, meeting facilities on government premises were being made available free of charge, and access to laboratories for the purpose of testing was provided.
41. The Delegation of Nigeria expressed the opinion that consumers should be involved in the Codex at a national level and informed the Committee that a Consumers Protection Organization of Nigeria attended meetings of the relevant technical committees and the main sessions of the Nigerian Standards Council.
42. The Delegation of Morocco stated that at present there existed two consumers associations. These associations were represented in the National Codex Committee, participated actively in its work and were assisted by the Government, whenever possible, to assume their tasks in a better manner.
43. The Delegation of Tanzania informed the Committee that the participation of consumers in Codex work was supported by the provisions of national legislation and therefore it was possible to involve consumers at different levels. The Delegation pointed out that involvement of consumers in Codex work was limited since consumers had limited expertise, infrastructure and manpower.
44. The Delegation of Uganda expressed appreciation to Consumers International for establishing the regional office for Africa. The Delegation noted that many of the interventions made by consumers, when standards were being discussed, were not made on a scientific basis and that sometimes these interventions seemed to be only in conflict with industry. It was noted that both industry and consumers organizations lobbied the government, but that consumers had fewer resources. The Delegation requested Consumers International to assist in training of the association bodies which they established in different countries so that they could work in harmony with industry.
45. The Delegation of Kenya informed the Committee that consumer bodies in Kenya were involved but did not always participate to the fullest extent in Codex work due to limited technical “know how”.
46. The Delegation of Zimbabwe pointed out that the Consumers Council of Zimbabwe was involved in various areas of activities such as development of national food laws, and the work of Standards Association of Zimbabwe. It was also pointed out that consumers were represented as part of the Delegation of Zimbabwe at this Session of the Committee.
47. The Delegation of Cameroon pointed out that consumer unions should not be seen as a second government but should be involved with other stakeholders at the national level. The delegation called for clarification of the role of consumer organizations in Codex work.
48. The Delegation of Côte d’Ivoire stressed the importance of consumer participation in standards setting process in order to ensure much better application of standards. The Delegation stated that notion of quality was based on consumers’ satisfaction. It was also stated that consumer associations in Côte d’Ivoire were independent associations not funded by government.
49. The Delegation of Botswana stated that the participation of consumers was guaranteed by the Food Control Act and that consumers were represented on the National Codex Committee; in fact the current chair of the Committee was the consumer representative. The Act establishing the Botswana Bureau of Standards also provided with opportunities for the participation of consumers.
50. The Committee recognized the important role of consumers at national level in elaborating national standards and developing national positions on Codex issues. The Committee noted that involvement of consumers in Codex was inhibited by lack of resources and scientific expertise. The Committee also noted that the workshops organized by FAO to develop or strengthen national Codex structures always recommended the involvement of consumers organizations, but it was pointed out that technical assistance provided by FAO was normally directed to support government structures.
