ACT project: Building networks is critical to achieving project goals
Representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety reviewed the progress and priorities of the project “Action to support implementation of Codex AMR Texts (ACT)” at a consultation meeting earlier this March.
Attending the session, Tom Heilandt, Codex Secretary, said: "We are happy to implement the ACT project with the support from the Government of Korea. This year Codex is turning 60. This project is one of the best gifts we could expect."
The ACT project is supporting the implementation of Codex standards related to the containment and reduction of foodborne AMR and monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance. It will lead to better management of foodborne AMR in Bolivia, Cambodia, Colombia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Pakistan.
“We are living in difficult times, not only the global Covid pandemic but also AMR is a big issue for the world. The ACT project is very important, and we are happy to be part of this,” said Yong-jae Kim, Director General of the Food and Consumer Safety Bureau from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Jeffrey LeJeune, FAO Food Safety Officer, said the project served as a foundation for all work at FAO on foodborne AMR. “We have established a network of collaboration at the global, regional, and country levels, which is critical to achieving project goals. All the project countries have completed their assessments, and based on this, have developed priority areas and next steps to address foodborne AMR," he said.
The six project countries have identified veterinarians, farmers, and government representatives as their main target groups for the remainder of the project. The activities in 2023 will focus on raising awareness on antimicrobial use (AMU) and AMR; improving collaboration between governments and the private sector; improving the national AMR surveillance systems through capacity development and engagement with the data platform InFARM, and strengthening the regulatory framework to stop using the use of growth promoters. Working with the key stakeholders, especially governments, will be instrumental in ushering the Codex texts through the regulatory processes.
Foodborne AMR is a food safety issue. The implementation of Codex standards reduces the emergence and transmission of AMR in food systems, thereby protecting consumer health and ensuing fair trade practices.
By improving access to international markets and protecting consumers against the risks posed by foodborne AMR, the project will contribute to more inclusive, safe and efficient food systems.