CCNASWP17 / Indigenous foods dominate a productive regional meeting
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The 17th meeting of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific (CCNASWP) has successfully concluded in Nadi, Fiji.
The meeting discussed a range of food safety issues, new work proposals for regional standards, Codex strategic plans and nominated a new Coordinator. Food safety concerns under discussion that are relevant to the region included foodborne illnesses caused by microbiological pathogens, food fraud and adulteration, contaminants in food from multiple sources, and food labelling and allergens. The region’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change and to natural disasters was identified as a factor impacting agriculture and the safety and security of food supplies in the region.
As net food importers, the Pacific Island nations of this region are particularly impacted by food imports that are non-compliant with national food safety regulations. For these nations, ensuring seafood safety, and overcoming the challenges of food regulatory gaps are also of concern.
Indigenous foods was a subject that ran through the meeting. The keynote address on the first day heard from Dr Vincent Lal, Manager, Analytical and Laboratory Services, University of the South Pacific, about “Indigenous foods – food safety and one health considerations,” and this was followed by a panel discussion. Indigenous foods were considered key to cultural preservation and sustainable food systems, including food security.
The subject of indigenous foods also arose in discussions around proposals for new work. A proposal for a regional standard for galip nut, submitted by Papua Guinea, and for breadfruit flour, submitted by Samoa, were forwarded to the Codex Alimentarius Commission for approval. In addition, Vanuatu presented a discussion paper proposing a regional code of practice on traditional underground oven cooking in the South West Pacific, which will be further considered as a possible new work proposal by CCNASWP18.
Progress on the implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan 2025–2030 in the region was discussed, and a regional plan for implementation of the Strategic Plan 2026–2031 was agreed.
The Committee unanimously agreed to nominate the Cook Islands as the next Coordinator.
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