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FAO Initiates Global Facility on Food Safety for Least Developed Nations
The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has initiated a global facility on food safety and quality for the least developed countries, according to a press release available by the Nigerian Ministry of Agriculture on Monday.
The global move is a joint initiative between the FAO and the World Health Organization under the aegis of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the global body charged with the responsibility of setting standards for food quality.
The initiative will strengthen the national food regulatory systems among the least developed countries and enhance the competitiveness of their food products in the international food trade, the document said.
According to the United Nations, the numbers of the least developed countries have amounted to 49, most of which are from Africa and Asia. While the FAO warned that the a total of 17 African countries currently are facing food emergencies.
The document pointed out that the commission adopted a strategic framework that places greater emphasis on food safety in these countries.
"Members welcomed the global effort and noted that it will enable developing countries to build their own food quality and safety systems," it said.
It said the Codex Commission further reached agreements on new guidelines for organic livestock production, adding that organic livestock framing should use natural breeding methods.
"Animals should be mainly fed with high quality organic feed, not with meat and bone meal, however fish and milk products are acceptable," it added.
Though Codex standards, guidelines and recommendations are voluntary, they are recognized by the World Trade Organization as reference points in international trade disputes.
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