Codex60 / presentation of two newly published guidelines at CCFICS
In 2022 the Codex Secretariat began work on reviewing the formatting and layout of Codex texts to ensure consistency, to meet FAO and international publishing standards and to enhance readability. A digital object identifier has also been added to standards as they are published, providing a unique reference that can support tracking and citation of each text. The project is part of the Codex Secretariat’s contribution to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
As the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) drew to a close on 5 May 2023 in Hobart, Australia, the Codex Secretariat spoke to two of the countries responsible for leading the work on Guidelines for design, production, issuance and use of generic official certificates and Principles and guidelines for the assessment and use of voluntary third-party assurance programmes.
(l to r) Erik Bosker (The Kingdom of the Netherlands), Nicola Hinder, Chairperson CCFICS (Australia), Mike O’Neill (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
Erik Bosker (Nertherlands, kingdom of the), who chaired the working group on certificates said: “The new format is a real improvement of the readability of the text and the contents provides a helpful overview of this guidance.”
“I think the new format and layout looks great,” said Mike O’Neill (United Kingdom) commenting on the guidance on third-party assurance programmes. “It’s much cleaner and should help those considering the implementation to better understand the content and approach set down. There’s been a lot of interest with pilot projects underway in Latin America, Africa and the Near East so I’m sure all of the pilot countries will appreciate seeing the guidelines in the new format.”
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Guidelines for design, production, issuance and use of generic official certificates (CXG 38-2001)
Photo credit ©FAO/Codex