Food Law News - FAO/WHO/WTO/Codex - 2002

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 17-20 September 2002

Regional Co-ordinating Committee for Asia (13th Session)

The summary and conclusions of the 13th session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia are as follows:

Matters for Consideration by the Commission

• The Committee agree to nominate the Republic of Korea for appointment as Regional Coordinator by the 26th Session of the Commission
• The Committee agreed to forward Proposed Draft Standard for Instant Noodles to Step 5 for consideration by the Commission and further elaboration within the Step Procedure

Matters of Interest to the Commission

The Committee:

• considered “Trust Fund for Participation of Developing Countries in Codex and Standard-Setting Procedures” and proposed to amend the concept paper drafted by WHO
  
• exchanged opinions on the specific issues raised by member countries that had been considered in the relevant Codex Committees
  
• agreed that the Regional Coordinator together with the elected regional Member of the Executive Committee should consult with the Members of the Region immediately after the issuance of the Evaluation report with a view to obtaining input from all Members of the Region at the special meetings of the Executive Committee and the Commission in February 2003
  
• noted the proposals made by member countries to amend the Draft Medium Term Plan 2003-2007
  
• noted many views on traceability/product tracing and recognized criteria to be considered when implementing traceability/product tracing
  
• recommended that FAO and WHO organize an Expert Consultation on functional foods and include Asian experts among those invited to participate
  
• expressed its appreciation for the capacity building activities undertaken by FAO and WHO in this region and fully
• supported continuous activity from FAO and WHO
  
• exchanged information on food control and food safety issue, consumer participation in food standard setting reported by member countries
  
• recommended that FAO and WHO jointly organize an Asian Forum of Food Safety Regulators in 2003