2. Mr. Walter Franco, the FAO Representative in Brazil, addressed the Committee on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The speaker highlighted the international approach of Codex standards within the SPS and TBT Agreements of WTO as well as the establishment of the Ad Hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Fruit and Vegetable Juices to address issues relating the standardization of these products.
3. Remarks on behalf of WHO/PAHO were presented by Mr. Jacobo Finquelman, the WHO/PAHO Representative in Brazil. He emphasized the importance of having international standards to assure the safety of the food supply.
4. Mr Marcus Vinicius Pratini de Moraes, Minister of Agriculture and Supply, opened the Task Force on behalf of the Government of Brazil. He underlined the importance of fruit juice production in Brazil and the need to protect consumers´ health while ensuring international fair trade in these products. The Minister wished the participants the utmost success in its deliberations as well as a most enjoyable stay in Brazil.
