Kenya is a major player in international food exports, especially in fruits and vegetables. This means that products must always be strictly adhered to in order to be accepted in the domestic and international markets.
Known as the “Food Code”, it is a collection of standards, guidelines, and code of conduct approved by the Codex Alimariarius Commission.
Dr. Benot Gnolonfin, an international expert on food safety standards and hygiene and hygiene issues, spoke to the nation’s Rachel Kibui.
Dr. Benoit is working as a consultant on Codex issues with Kenya in the EU-backed Market Access Program.
It explains what the codex is and why it is important.
Question – What is a codex in your own words and why is it important?
A codex is a food code. Codex Almenterius is part of a set of international standards that establish international food standards, guidelines, and regulations that contribute to the safety, quality, and fairness of the global food trade. In addition, it aims to protect the health of consumers.
Codex standards are based on independent international risk assessment bodies or on healthy food developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Codex Recommendations are voluntary in the application of members, and these standards serve as the basis for national law in many cases. Inter / regional, international trade is based on codex standards in accordance with the WTO SPS.
Q – Who should participate to ensure compliance with the codex?
A. Food safety is everyone’s business. Therefore, everyone must participate in the codex. However, it is the responsibility of senior decision makers, national competent authorities, scientists, researchers, academics, and private sector actors to ensure compliance with the Codex. There is a National Codex Committee as well as a Codex access point to ensure better coordination at the national level.
Question In 2019, the Markep Kenya program was launched to support market access and competitiveness locally, regionally and internationally for Kenyan production. What is Mordec Kenya doing to promote codec?
Markup supports member states to improve market access for agro-food products to the EU and local markets. Contribute to the economic development of the selected vegetable sub-sectors: peas and peas, mangoes, interest fruits, peppers, leafy greens and spices, nuts – both in addition and the value of regional agricultural expenditures.
Recent studies have analyzed the reasons for low productivity and competitiveness in these value chains, such as the need for special extension services and a lack of knowledge on appropriate agricultural practices. These value chains for export are also in line with market standards and standards. National quality infrastructure has the highest quality infrastructure. However, some compatibility assessment services are not yet fully recognized in the targeted international markets. In particular, Mark Kenya is providing support to the Kenyan government through international food security and codex experts.
Q: What are the expected results?
This technical support is intended to enhance the codex profile at the national level, especially in Kenya. It also aims to improve Kenya’s food security coordination mechanism by providing technical support for better coordination at national and regional levels and for effective participation in codecs processes.
Q: What are your words of separation?
One of the key drivers for better coordination is stakeholder consultation at regular meetings to discuss and prioritize actions. Funding for regular national consultative meetings as well as regional support is challenging. It is therefore advisable to support the advocacy activities of senior decision makers and relevant private sector actors on the overall financial importance of the Codex and Sanitation and Hygiene Activities.
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