Ensuring Codex remains the foundation of the global food system

As 2024 draws to a close, the newly elected Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Allan Azegele, Kenya, looks back on the outcome of the 47th Commission meeting and shares his view on the future of Codex.

Allan, congratulations on your election.

Thank you for the congratulatory message. I feel deeply honored and humbled to have been elected to the role of Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all members for placing your trust and confidence in me. I am keen to lead our collective effort towards fulfilling the mission of Codex to Protect consumer health and promote fair practices in the food trade by setting international, science-based food safety and quality standards.

How would you describe the outcome of the Commission?

In my view, the 47th session of the Commission was successful. Just to highlight some of the achievements, the commission adopted the strategic plan 2026-2031paving the way for the secretariat to develop the monitoring and evaluation framework; adopted several text such as the Guidelines for food hygiene control measures in traditional markets for food, the Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of ciguatera poisoning in foods, and the General principles for the establishment of Nutrient Reference Values – Requirements (NRVs-R) for persons aged 6 – 36 months. Finally and most significant we were able to complete our agenda on time.  

What worked well?

What stood out for me was the spirit of collaboration and compromise by Members which played out during the discussion on saffron. I also appreciated the contribution of our Observers during discussions on this topic. I want to extend the appreciation of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Members to FAO and WHO for their ongoing support for advancing food safety and nutrition globally: I want to reaffirm the vital importance of the Joint FAO/WHO scientific advisory bodies to underpin the work of Codex. I also wish to acknowledge the outstanding leadership of Steve Wearne and Vice Chairs Diego Varela and Raj Rajasekar for their commitment and teamwork we had in the last three years.

As you take on the role of Chairperson, what will you be looking to reinforce, strengthen or change, if anything, or ultimately work on in the future?

During my acceptance speech, I said that my vision is to ensure Codex remains the foundation of the global food system. Cognizant of the rapidly changing world, we must look into the future, innovatively adapt to the evolving global land scape and harness and strengthen collaborations. As Chairperson, I will embody a participatory, inclusive and member driven approach. Building upon the foundations of my predecessor and working closely with the Vice Chairs and the Codex Secretariat, I will work to ensure every voice is heard and every contribution valued, to foster a spirit of dialogue and consensus that drives our mission forward.

What is key to the ongoing success of Codex in the decades ahead?

Codex is well equipped to face the challenges that may emerge going into the future. The theme of the 47 Session of CAC was ‘looking to the future’: with the use of artificial intelligence, the text on AMR, and the on-going work on novel foods being addressed by the relevant committees is a demonstration of how responsive Codex is to emerging issues. This reinforced by the key pillars of transparency, inclusivity, collaboration and consensus building, anchor Codex in a position to deliver on its statutory purpose. The use of Codex text by Members when incorporated into national legislation and the need to enhance awareness of Codex text through support by our observer organizations contribute to ensuring that food is safe and can be traded. The scientific basis that underpins Codex texts is fundamental to ensuring that Codex maintains its pre-eminence as the international reference for food safety and fair practices in food trade, as well as the primary source of science-based food standards for many countries.

Any final thoughts?

I look forward to working with all members, united in purpose and dedication. Together, with the Vice Chairs and Codex Secretariat we will plan Codex related activities scheduled for 2025 especially the remaining work on developing the monitoring and evaluation for the strategic plan 2026-2031. So let’s continue to support one another, embrace new challenges, and keep building the Codex family that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual respect. Wishing each of you a new year 2025 filled with inspiration, growth, and success.

Read more

CVCs letter to Codex Members and Observers (EN, FR, SP, AR, CH, RU)