SANJAY DAVE, DIRECTOR APEDA - 1st INDIAN TO BE ELECTED AS THE CHAIRMAN OF CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION (CAC)

Sanjay Dave, Director APEDA, has become the first Indian to be elected as the Chairman of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) -- a UN body for food safety standards.

The CAC is a global inter-governmental body set up jointly by FAO and WHO to frame international food standards for protecting consumer’s health and to ensure fair practices in food trade. Rome-based CAC was set up in 1963 and currently 184 countries as well as the European Union are its members.

The Codex Alimentarius officially covers all foods, whether processed, semi-processed or raw, but far more attention has been given to foods that are marketed directly to consumers. In addition to standards for specific foods, the Codex Alimentarius contains general standards covering matters such as food labeling, food hygiene, food additives and pesticide residues, and procedures for assessing the safety of foods derived from modern biotechnology. It also contains guidelines for the management of official (i.e., governmental) import and export inspection and certification systems for foods.

Mr. Dave- a visionary himself has set his priorities and ensures that codex will continue with its leadership role and he will replenish it further by setting sound standards based on science through consensus between the member countries.In an interview with Oils and Food journal,this eminent personality, discussed his views about the present status of CAC, plans for its growth and his future plans. Dave expressed hope that countries would work towards harmonisation of their food standards with the Codex to facilitate trade.

EXCERPTS FROM THE INTERVIEW:

1. A very sincere congratulation for taking over the chairmanship of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). How do feel and what messages would you convey to all your well-wishers?       

Thank you very much for your kind Greetings.   I consider it to be a God sent opportunity to serve mankind in the area of food safety, particularly so, because there a number of food borne illnesses prevailing in the world especially in the developing countries. I am sincerely hopeful that all my well-wishers and all who are committed to food safety will support me in fulfilling my responsibility diligently.

I, therefore, think that we all need to work together to ensure that we have food standards that take care of the health of consumers and at the same time facilitate fair practices in food trade. More importantly, we need to put our acts together to ensure that these standards are followed in letter and spirit by all concerned. All will have to be honest about the work in their domain.

2. What will be your priority areas after taking over as Chairman-CAC?

I am very fortunate that we have three excellent and knowledgeable Vice-Chairs (one each from Canada, Ghana and Switzerland) and I am sure that their contribution will enhance the science based resolution of Codex in the best interest of people around the globe. I consider that we need to work collectively for the following:

(a) Enhance meaningful participation by members (particularly, the developing countries) in the Codex process. In this regard, we need to work closely with FAO and WHO for enhanced capacity building in developing countries that need this the most. I'd like to see a greater role for the developing countries.

(b) Encourage members to resolve contentious issues with a flexible approach.

(c) The CAC has approved 24 items of new work at the CAC Session this year. It would be our endeavour to encourage completion of the work on these items as soon as possible. We need to work together to further speed up our the Codex work and prove to the private standard setting bodies that Codex, while being scrupulously scientific in its work, is capable of working fast.

(d) Finalisation of the Codex Strategic Plan for the period 2014-19.

(e) Private standards are difficult for farmers to meet, particularly, in developing countries. It's a matter of great concern for them. We will closely watch the developments in the SPS Committee and also encourage the private standard setting bodies to work with the Codex.

3. What are your future strategies, as the chairman, to place India another step higher in its stature?

My role as Chairman of the CAC is that of a neutral person while facilitating consensus among countries. My impartial performance in the Commission discussions should enhance India's image as a country committed to being fair to all.

4. What is the vision of CAC for the global food industry?

 Codex provides leadership in setting science based food safety standards to face the food safety challenges before the globe with a view to protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in food trade. 

5. How do you plan to decode this vision in India?

        India is a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the FSSAI is already engaged in harmonisation of India's food safety standards with those of the Codex as these are inter-governmental international standards.

6. What particular effort has CAC put in to control and combat the recent outburst of e-coli in different parts of the world?

         Codex lays down standards and codes of practice and it is for the member countries to adapt or adopt them according to their needs and situations. Codex, therefore, does not have a direct role in combating such problems. However, based on such incidences, Codex considers development of documents for the benefit of all countries. For instance, a few years ago, there was an outbreak of E. coli in lettuce in the US. The Codex, now, has a guidance document on the hygiene aspects of leafy vegetables. Similarly, work is being initiated on other items as well.

7. What particular work is CAC doing to tackle the food borne diseases occurring especially in third world countries, where the problem especially is at an upswing?

     As stated above, Codex lays down standards and codes of practice and it is for the member countries to adapt or adopt them according to their needs and situations. Codex, therefore, does not have a direct role in combating such problems. However, based on such incidences, Codex considers development of documents for the benefit of all countries. Apart of the Codex, FAO and WHO also independently play a very important role in combating food and water borne illnesses. They provide help and support through various means and also regularly organise capacity building programmes.