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Uruguay Assumes Regional Coordination of the Codex Alimentarius for Latin America and the Caribbean
Uruguay has been elected as the Coordinator of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean (CCLAC), a recognition of the country’s commitment to food safety and quality in the region. This appointment strengthens Uruguay’s role in promoting international standards that ensure food safety and fairness in global food trade.
Following its appointment in November 2024, the Secretariat of the CCLAC is now hosted by Uruguay’s Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mining, with Dr. Leonardo Veiga serving as the country’s representative.
What is the Codex Alimentarius?
The Codex Alimentarius is a joint program of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1963 with the goal of developing international food standards to ensure food safety, quality, and identity. Its standards, guidelines, and codes of practice are key references for national legislation and global food trade.
The Importance of Codex in Food Trade and Public Health
Codex Alimentarius standards help ensure that food sold in markets is safe and suitable for consumption, protecting consumer health and ensuring products meet quality standards. Additionally, incorporating Codex standards into national regulations helps prevent unnecessary trade barriers and facilitates the exchange of food products between countries, promoting fair and transparent trade practices.
Codex plays a crucial role in international trade agreements, particularly within the World Trade Organization (WTO), where it is used as a reference for evaluating sanitary and phytosanitary regulations. This allows countries to implement health protection measures without them becoming unjustified trade obstacles.
Regional Coordinator: A Strategic Role for Uruguay
The role of Regional Coordinator of the Codex Alimentarius for Latin America and the Caribbean involves coordinating and representing the interests of countries in the region in Codex discussions and decisions at the international level. As coordinator, Uruguay will be responsible for:
- Facilitating cooperation and information exchange among countries in the region.
- Promoting active participation of member countries in the development of Codex standards and guidelines.
- Identifying specific needs and challenges related to food safety and regulation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Ensuring that regional standards and regulations align with scientific principles and Codex objectives.
