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Codex
Pesticides
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| MRL's | Maximum Residue Limit's |
| What is Codex? | International organization for setting food safety standards |
| What is the scope of codex? | Biotechnology, pesticides, food additives and contaminants are some of the issues discussed in Codex meetings. |
| What are Codex standards based on? | Codex standards are based on the best available science assisted by independent international risk assessment bodies or ad-hoc consultations organized by FAO and WHO. |
| Are Codex standards mandatory? | Sometimes. While being recommendations for voluntary application by members, Codex standards serve in many cases as a basis for national legislation. |
| How does Codex relate to the WTO and trade? | WTO members that wish to apply stricter food safety measures than those set by Codex may be required to justify these measures scientifically. |
| What is the WTO agreement that mentions Codex? | Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS Agreement). Means that Codex has far reaching implications for resolving trade disputes. |
| Who founded Codex? | World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
| How does codex benefit producers? | By increasing access to international markets |
| How dies codex benefit consumers? | By protecting them from food borne hazards |
| How are decisions made in Codex? | Voted on and passed only with concensus |
| What is JMPR? | Joint FAO/WHO Meetings on Pesticide Residues |
| What does JMPR do? | Provide independent scientific expert advice to the Commission and its specialist Committee on Pesticide Residues. |
| What is CCPR? | Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues |
| What does CCPR do? | Primarily establish maximum limits for pesticide residues in specific food items or in groups of food |
| What is the MRL problem in Codex? | Codex processes for setting MRL's are structured in a way that MRL's are not established for years after the active ingredient is registered for use in crops. |
| What is CAC? | Codex Alimentarius Commission |
| What does CAC do? | Develop and maintain guidelines and overseeing various committees. Overall to protect consumers and ensure fair trade. |