Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of Germany opens CCEURO34

The 34th Session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Europe (CCEURO34) has opened. Alois Rainer, Federal Minister of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity of Germany, welcomed the delegates in Berlin. Referencing the latest WHO statistics on the burden of foodborne disease on health and economies, the Minister highlighted the need for food safety to achieve food security, wellbeing and decent living. Focusing on consumers and the CCEURO working group on dietary guidelines, the Minister pointed out that the development and implementations of such guidelines was not a purely academic exercise but can have concrete positive impacts on the life and well-being of many population groups, in particular vulnerable ones. Stressing the role of Codex in agrifood systems, the Minister said that “Codex Alimentarius has been demonstrating the practical value of multilateral cooperation for more than six decades,” and urged active engagement of the region through technical expertise, concrete data, and participation in working groups: “An international standard is only as strong as Members' willingness to develop and apply it together.”

Codex Alimentarius Commission Vice-Chairperson, Betül Vazgeçer, also highlighted the value of multiple viewpoints, stressing that this and active participation are Codex “strengths”. She reminded delegates that their work is carried out within “the broader framework of the Codex Strategic Plan which only becomes meaningful when it is translated into action.” She also invited delegates to attend the 50th meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in national dresses to “remind us that, despite our different languages, traditions and cuisines, we come together around a common purpose and a shared responsibility.”

On behalf of the Codex Secretariat, Hilde Kruse highlighted the collaborative nature of work in Codex and CCEURO, the diversity of cultures and food systems, and the “common commitment to science-based standards, transparency and collaboration.” Finally, FAO, represented by Mary Kenny, and WHO, represented by Peter Hoejskov, gave highlights of their work to strengthen official food control systems, use of Codex standards and work on dietary guidelines in the region, particularly in countries with transition economies.

Anne Beutling, Chairperson of the Session, emphasized that from the perspective of Germany as Coordinator, the region was rooted in tradition while being a motor of innovation in Codex. “For the session, she encouraged to  “look closely at how we work, ask questions, and openly share the challenges, experiences and lessons learnt in regards to food safety, quality and nutrition.”

This will be Germany’s last Session as Coordinator for the region, and this week’s agenda includes the nomination of a new coordinator for Europe.