Sri Lanka has embarked on a capacity building exercise to contribute to and utilize Codex standards for improving the health of its consumers and better market access. The Food Control Administration Unit (FCAU) of the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka concluded a 3-day workshop on 12 June in preparation for an active role in Codex. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr P. G. Mahipala,  Secretary of Ministry of Health. The group ,comprising of more than 100 experts from different Ministries, scientific institutions, universities and the industry, assembled and finalized the National Codex Manual. The group also concluded work on developing the composition of the National Codex Committee and six subcommittees that will contribute effectively to Codex work.

The participants also finalized a strategy for harmonization of national standards with Codex. A list of 26 working groups was agreed upon for initiating the mammoth task of aligning vertical (commodities) and horizontal standards (general subjects) with Codex. It is expected that the drafts standards will be ready by the end of 2024.

It is now planned to organize an intensive training on the Codex process in Colombo in August followed by a Mock Codex Session and a quiz competition on Codex. This will be a 5-day training for about 35-40 members of the National Codex Committee and subcommittees of Sri Lanka.

The programmes are provided technical support by FAO under the European Union (EU)-funded Best Standardized Practices for the Agrifood Sector (BESPA) project. The officers of FCAU coordinated and supported the engagement of a wide stakeholder group, making the sessions productive. The workshop was conducted by Sanjay Dave, former Chairperson of Codex Alimentarius Commission.

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Photo © Sanjay Dave