Afrigather Port Louis. With the goal to repeatedly bettering meals security for larger well being outcomes, Mauritius has made a leap of progress in attaining management within the Codex Alimentarius Fee by way of the implementation of the Codex Belief Fund (CTF) “Constructing Codex Mauritius” Undertaking. Mauritius is the one African Nation chosen by the CODEX Belief Fund for help in 2019.
This 3-year mission administered by World Well being Group (WHO) and Meals and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) goals to construct sturdy, strong and sustainable nationwide capability to interact in Codex Alimentarius Fee at world and regional ranges.
This mission was formally launched in June 2023 by the Minister of Agro-industry and Meals Safety within the presence of the WHO Consultant in Mauritius, different Companions and nationwide stakeholders. WHO supported the nation to (i) adapt the Codex Procedural Handbook and set up procedures for submission of feedback, nationwide positions, and participation/follow-up in Codex committees; (ii) enhance understanding and consciousness of the significance of Codex amongst high-level coverage and decision-makers, {industry} and scientific neighborhood, authorities officers and shopper activists and (iii) improve dissemination of data on the relevance of Codex and preparedness to generate knowledge to contribute to the fitting stage of data in growth of worldwide, regional and nationwide meals security requirements.
A excessive stage assembly with key ministers and determination makers in July 2023 offered invaluable insights to draft the Nationwide Codex paperwork which had been validated earlier than the capability constructing periods held in August 2023.
The new Codex procedural guide specifies the construction, mandate, actions, price range line, and all vital procedures for the efficient administration and functioning of the Codex Contact Level, the Nationwide Codex Committees, and Technical Committees. As well as, a doc on the method for monitoring outcomes of Codex conferences and planning for the following steps was additionally elaborated in addition to a coverage temporary for top officers to information the authorized recognition of the construction established for Codex actions in Mauritius.
Subsequent to the drafting of latest procedural paperwork, a four-day in-depth coaching was held in August 2023 to empower nationwide stakeholders and members of the Nationwide Codex Committee on the ideas and ideas of meals security and notably on the Codex Alimentarius requirements. The coaching, facilitated by excessive stage worldwide consultants engaged on Codex Alimentarius with the help of the Meals Security Requirements Authority of India (FSSAI), additionally aimed toward empowering nationwide stakeholders to take part in Codex work at native, regional and world ranges.
The detailed coaching programme features a mock-drill train, creating the circumstances of a typical Codex Committee for a sensible understanding of the Codex session processes and the means to create consensus amongst nations on meals security requirements. Throughout this train, the contributors had been divided into three nations and took part within the mock Fourth Session of the Codex Committee on Meals Security in Mauritius. They discovered how you can evaluate requirements, proposed new ones and urged amendments topics of curiosity to the nation like salted fish, spices and curry leaves. The Mock session gave the contributors a sensible understanding of the style Codex Classes are carried out. It enhanced the contributors’ understanding of the conduct of the Codex Committee and helped to construct the required drive and confidence to take part in an actual Codex Session.
For a rustic like Mauritius which imports 75% of its meals and meals merchandise and which has noticed an rising introduction of processed meals in addition to quick meals up to now many years, worldwide commerce negotiations and meals security are vital imply to affect wholesome dietary habits and tackle the rising burden of non communicable illnesses within the nation.
“As a member of the Nationwide Codex Committee, the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Business has the privilege of collaborating within the digital working group of Codex and getting first-hand data on new draft Codex requirements, upcoming modifications within the present ones, and the rising issues by shoppers,” stated Mrs Yanessa Hurree- High quality, Security, Atmosphere and sustainability/Nationwide Codex Committee member
Mr Jayen Chellum , Common Secretary of the Affiliation des consommateurs de l’Île Maurice (ACIM) expressed satisfaction as participant to this coaching on Codex. “The Codex Alimentarius holds nice significance for shoppers worldwide because it serves because the essential hyperlink between producers and shoppers which allows us to realize information concerning the merchandise we eat, their contents, and ensures that buyers obtain correct data”. ACIM actively participates within the Codex committee along with native scientists, which permits stakeholders to have a say within the Codex Alimentarius, he stated.
