|
|
|
You can get e-magazine links on WhatsApp. Click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
CCAsia must focus on standardisation of Asian cuisines, states Nadda
|
|
Wednesday, 28 September, 2016, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
|
|
Ashwani Maindola, New Delhi
|
|
fiogf49gjkf0d Health minister J P Nadda stated that while India was committed to adhering to international food safety standards, the World Health Organisation (WHO)/Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Coordinating Committee of Asia (CCAsia) needed to focus on the standardisation of cuisines of Asian origin, popularising them internationally and facilitating their global trade.
Speaking at the 20th session of CCAsia, which commenced in New Delhi and will conclude on September 30, 2016, he added that Codex had developed important standards and guidelines for different categories of food, while national standards needed to be harmonised with those of Codex to achieve an appropriate level of human health protection and fair practices in international trade.
“We, in India, have already embarked on this harmonisation process,” the health minister informed, adding that there was a great need for coordinated action in the region on food standard-related issues. “And for that, the Codex member nations should pool their resources and provide support to the least developed countries in the region,” Nadda said.
He added, “CCAsia should work on the communication strategy and standardisation of processes. There is an urgent need for enhancing awareness about the work of Codex in different countries and amongst key stakeholders. The benefits of the work done by Codex Alimentarius could be further spread among member countries, especially the developing ones, that are home almost 70 per cent of the world’s population.”
Focusing on greater collaboration amongst the member countries in the Asian region vis-a-vis food safety and standards, CCAsia will deliberate on issues pertaining to strengthening national food control systems in the region, prioritisation of the region’s needs and possible approaches to address them. The committee will also deliberate upon the use of Codex standards in the region, the relevance of existing regional standards and the need for new standards.
Faggan Singh Kulaste, minister of state, health and family welfare, said, “It is imperative to lay down standards for food, so that food safety is ensured and the difficulties in the trade of safe food are eliminated.”
“The standards developed by Codex are accepted worldwide, as these are science-based and developed in an inclusive and transparent manner. In essence, Codex Alimentarius has reached every continent, and its contribution to the protection of public health and fair trade practices is immeasurable,” he added.
Members of the food fraternity, the scientific community, industry and industry association, consumer and citizen organisations, international organisations, foreign missions, experts, government officials from Central ministries and states and other key stakeholders were also present at the function.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|