South Sudan becomes 187th Codex Member
The 16th of October (or "World Food Day") is a well known date in FAO as it is the anniversary of the foundation of the Organization. It was an especially important date this year as FAO celebrated its 70th birthday.
What may be slightly less well known, but equally important to Codex, is that on October 16th this year, Dr Makuei Malual Kaang - Undersecretary at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Industry in Juba, South Sudan, signed the 'notification of membership form' which effectively makes South Sudan the 187th member of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme: Codex Alimentarius.
The Codex Secretariat contacted its newest Codex Contact Point, Dr David Solomon Adwok, Director of Veterinary Public Health and Food Safety, to ask about the importance for South Sudan of joining Codex:
"We hope to participate in the work of the Commission and subsidiary bodies of the Commission and through our participation build our capacity regarding Codex standards on food safety and food trade" Dr Adwok said.
Dr Adwok explained that South Sudan would be seeking to develop scientific and internationally accepted national standards for food and trade using Codex guidelines, codes and procedures - adopting Codex standards as minimum national food standards for South Sudan. Membership of Codex would also protect the rights and the interests of consumers and traders, he said.
Risk assessment, scientific advice, public health and fair trade practices
Dr Adwok went on to describe the importance of being able to benefit, as a Codex Member, from the scientific advice provided by the joint FAO/WHO expert scientific committees. He highlighted the specific interest of South Sudan in working on food import control, risk analysis, management and communication. "We seek to protect consumers, public health and ensure fair trade practices in our country" he said.
First steps towards National Codex Committee
A major first step towards being able to adopt Codex standards in South Sudan and raise awareness about the role of Codex will be setting up a National Codex Committee to begin working practically with all aspects of Codex both nationally and internationally.
"Recognizing the fact that there are many stakeholders within South Sudan dealing with issues of food, and whose interests and concerns need to be taken on board while taking decisions at the Codex Alimentarius Commission meetings, it is essential that a National Codex Committee be established" confirmed Dr Adwok.
Closer to 100%
Codex Secretary Tom Heilandt said "I feel excited about having one more member, bringing Codex membership even closer to covering 100% of the planet and look forward to working with South Sudan and to their active participation in Codex."
Information on all Codex Members and Observers is available on the Codex website.
Photo credit
©FAO/Samir Bol / FAO - Yei Town, South Sudan