New Delhi, India, 21 September 2024

India recently hosted a Regional Conclave on “Enhancing Regional Collaboration and Harmonization in Standard Setting” as part of this year’s Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS24). The summit saw food regulators from around 70 countries exchange perspectives on ways to strengthen food safety systems and regulatory frameworks across the food value chain. The event included panel discussions on critical aspects such as food safety, risk assessment, analytical competence, and capacity-building initiatives, which impact the food safety ecosystem worldwide.

Organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the event featured representatives from Codex contact points of ten Asian countries including all the Codex-related ministries and stakeholders from India. The primary goal of the regional conclave was to discuss ways to enhance collaboration and harmonization of food safety standards among Asian nations particularly in the Codex standard setting process.

Mrs Anupriya Patel, the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, underscored the need for enhanced regional collaboration and increased participation in Codex, emphasizing that by investing in capacity building, Asia can ensure a strong, unified, and influential presence on the global stage. Mr Steve Wearne, Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), highlighted Codex's inclusivity principle, stressing that the voice of every Codex Member Country is equally important. Dr Vincent Arbuckle, Deputy Director-General of New Zealand Food Safety, shared insights on the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code and the uniform trade practices and food system they have adopted. Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of FSSAI, highlighted the unique challenges faced by the Asian region and stressed the need for ongoing dialogue among Asian countries to ensure proper representation on the global stage.

The round-table discussions, moderated by Ms Awilo Ochieng Pernet, former CAC Chairperson, included commendation of India’s efforts to strengthen the Asian region's position in Codex. During the deliberations, countries shared their unique challenges and priorities, yet a common call for greater collaboration emerged. Mr Lham Dorji, a representative from Bhutan emphasized the need for regional standards development, raising awareness and enhancing collaboration and financial support mechanisms. Indonesia, represented by Dr Tepy Usia, stressed the importance of aligning regional agendas on longstanding World Trade Organization (WTO) issues and generating data for regulatory coherence. Ms Aya Orito-Nozawa from Japan advocated for consensus-building among Members, development of science-based standards, capacity building, and addressing concerns related to heavy metals, residues, contaminants, and sustainable packaging.

Dr Bounleaune Phalathsagnotha, representing Lao People's Democratic Republic, pointed out the challenges of food safety in a landlocked country, advocating for capacity building in human resources and regional regulations. Malaysia represented by Ms Zailina Abdul Majid highlighted the importance of the risk assessment within the Asian region for effective participation in Codex, and underscored the critical need for harmonization of national legislation with Codex standards. Mr Sateesh Moosa from Maldives sought cooperation in developing standards for traditional products and enhancing capacity to monitor pesticides and antibiotics, alongside the regulation of nutraceuticals. Ms Undariya Zulzagabaatar from Mongolia pointed out the issues of food security, traceability, and fair pricing, while calling for regional standards development and capacity building.

Dr Ulysses M. Montojo from the Philippines highlighted the shared interests of developing countries, focusing on fair trade practices, capacity building, and standardization of regional commodities, with particular concern for organic food standards and risk analysis for contaminants. Sharing success stories of traditional Korean products, namely kimchi and Gochujang, Ms Keum-young Jeong of the Republic of Korea emphasized the desire for inclusion of more Asian food standards in Codex and the need to address issues such as labelling, antimicrobial resistance and maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides.

Dr Alka Rao, Codex Contact Point for India and advisor, FSSAI, highlighted the proposal to establish a joint risk assessment centre and make joint investments in advanced assessment tools like digital artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. She also highlighted the opportunities for Asian countries to co-host the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), promoting greater regional collaboration and shared leadership in Codex activities. Overall, the discussions underscored a shared commitment to enhancing collaboration, harmonizing standards, and building capacity to ensure food safety and fair trade within the region.

Dr Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative to India, stressed that the collective contribution of each country is vital to ensuring food safety not just for the region but also on a global scale. Dr Sarah Cahill, Secretary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, also highlighted the significance of harmonization and the impact of Codex standards, calling for a focused approach towards advancing the proposals currently under development within Codex. Ms Maria Daniela Garcia, Chair of the WTO’s Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Committee), praised and encouraged the concept of synergistic working between WTO and Codex Members.

The round table discussion was concluded with recommendations from Dr Sridhar Dharmapuri, Senior Food Safety and Nutrition Officer at FAO, who highlighted the ongoing capacity-building initiatives by FAO in the region and assured participants of the organization's commitment to intensifying these efforts further.

The conclave also included break-out sessions moderated by Mr Sanjay Dave, former CAC Chairperson. These sessions brought together country delegates, experts from the Scientific Committee of FSSAI, industry representatives, and international Members to explore critical topics. Participants focused on developing standards for nutraceuticals, establishing regional standards, addressing emerging food safety issues in the Asian region, and implementing risk-based inspection protocols, as well as standards and codes of practice (CoPs) related to import controls.

A key recommendation of the break-out session was the preparation of a discussion paper or development of a new work proposal on nutraceuticals to submit to Codex, which would provide clear definitions and allow only scientifically backed claims, supporting Codex’s mission to protect consumer health and remove trade barriers. It was also highlighted that countries in the Asian region should share best practices for addressing misleading claims and food advertisements, enhancing consumer protection and regulatory coherence. Additionally, the pending Codex agendas on setting standards for cashew kernels and dehydrated sweet potatoes should be prioritized and advanced. Other recommendations included enhancing risk-based food safety monitoring, consumer education, and international collaboration, while adopting an integrated One Health approach and leveraging emerging technologies.

This conclave marks a significant step toward enhancing food safety standards and fostering collaboration among Asian nations, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes globally.

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GFRS 2024

Photo © FSSAI
Caption: Regional Members, Codex leaders, WTO, WHO and FAO representatives with the host, Shri G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO FSSAI, at the GFRS 2024 Regional Conclave, New Delhi, India