Food regulators from around the world are gathering this week in Cairns for the 27th Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS). The meeting focuses on harmonizing food import and export standards to enhance international trade and global food security. Chaired by Australia, CCFICS develops standards to ensure food safety and reduce trade barriers for food exporters and importers worldwide. The committee’s work aims to benefit farmers, food businesses, regulators, consumers, and other stakeholders in the supply chain.
Deputy Secretary for Agricultural Trade and Regulation Tina Hutchison noted that over 220 delegates from more than 60 countries are participating in the Cairns session. Hutchison emphasized that CCFICS standards are crucial for designing and operating national food control systems to ensure food safety and promote fair international trade practices.
Key topics under discussion this week include developing guidelines on food fraud prevention and control, harmonizing food control systems, and enhancing traceability in national food control systems. The committee will also explore new proposals on information exchange in food inspection and certification, including digital technologies and AI, electronic certification, food establishment listings, and guidance on imported food rejection.
CCFICS operates under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), the international food standards program of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Codex food standards serve as a benchmark under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, with WTO members expected to align with Codex guidelines. Australia is hosting the 27th CCFICS session from September 16–20, 2024, having hosted and chaired 26 sessions since the committee’s inception in 1992.
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