Ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (TFAMR)

2007-2011

Objectives
To develop science based guidance, taking full account of its risk analysis principles and the work and standards of other relevant international Organizations, such as FAO, WHO and OIE. The intent of this guidance is to assess the risks to human health associated with the presence in food and feed including aquaculture and the transmission through food and feed of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance genes and to develop appropriate risk management advice based on that assessment to reduce such risk. The Task Force should attempt to put into perspective the risk of increase of antimicrobial resistance in human beings and animals, generated by different areas of use of antimicrobials such as veterinary applications, plant protection or food processing.* *The objectives were modified by the 31st Session of the Commission (2008).

Terms of reference
To develop guidance on methodology and processes for risk assessment, its application to the antimicrobials used in human and veterinary medicine as provided by FAO/WHO through JEMRA, and in close cooperation with OIE, with subsequent consideration of risk management options. In this process work undertaken in this field at national, regional and international levels should be taken into account.

NOTE: The Task Force was dissolved by the 34th Session of the Commission (2011) upon completion of its mandate.

2017

Objectives
To develop science-based guidance on the management of foodborne antimicrobial resistance, taking full account of the WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, in particular objectives 3 and 4, the work and standards of relevant international organizations, such as FAO, WHO and OIE, and the One-Health approach, to ensure that Members have the necessary guidance to enable coherent management of antimicrobial resistance along the food chain.

Terms of reference
(i) To review and revise as appropriate the Code of Practice to Minimise and Contain Antimicrobial Resistance (CAC/RCP 61-2005) to address the entire food chain, in line with the mandate of Codex. (ii) To consider the development of Guidance on Integrated Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, taking into account the guidance developed by the WHO Advisory Group on Integrated Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AGISAR) and relevant OIE documents.

NOTE: The Task Force shall complete its work within three (max four sessions), starting in 2017.