Geneva, Switzerland, 19-20 June 2000 World Trade Organization (WTO) Workshop on Risk Analysis and the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Geneva, Switzerland, 19-20 June 2000

Risk Analysis and the Codex Alimentarius Commission David H. Byron Food Standards Officer Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme Food and Nutrition Division Rome, Italy

Recent Decisions of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Related to Risk Analysis in Codex Programmes that contribute to risk analysis should have high priority Relevant Codex committees should continue to develop and apply risk analysis principles and methodologies appropriate to their specific mandates Risk management should take into account the economic consequences and the feasibility of risk management options in developing countries

Adopted Work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Related to Risk Analysis Statements of Principle Concerning the Role of Science in the Codex Decision Making Process and the Extent to Which Other Factors Are Taken Into Account Statements of Principle Relating to the Role of Food Safety Risk Assessment Definitions of Risk Analysis Terms Related to Food Safety

Statements of Principle Concerning the Role of Science in the Codex Decision Making Process and the Extent to Which Other Factors Are Taken Into Account The food standards, guidelines and other recommendations of Codex Alimentarius shall be based on the principle of sound scientific analysis and evidence, involving a thorough review of all relevant information, in order that the standards assure the quality and safety of the food supply. When elaborating and deciding upon food standards Codex Alimentarius will have regard, where appropriate, to other legitimate factors relevant for the health protection of consumers and for the promotion of fair practices in food trade.

Statements of Principle Concerning the Role of Science (continued) In this regard, it is noted that food labelling plays an important role in furthering both of these objectives When the situation arises that members of Codex agree on the necessary level of protection of public health but hold differing views about other considerations, members may abstain from acceptance of the relevant standard without necessarily preventing the decision by Codex

Statements of Principle Relating to the Role of Food Safety Risk Assessment Health and safety aspects of Codex decisions and recommendations should be based on risk assessment, as appropriate to the circumstances Food safety risk assessment should be soundly based on science, should incorporate the four steps of the risk assessment process and should be documented in a transparent manner

Statements of Principle Relating to Risk Assessment (continued) There should be a functional separation of risk assessment and risk management, while recognizing that some interactions are essential for a pragmatic approach Risk assessment should use available quantitative information to the extent possible and risk characterizations should be presented in a readily understandable and useful form

Definitions of Risk Analysis Terms Related to Food Safety Hazard Risk Risk Analysis Risk Assessment Hazard Identification Hazard Characterization Dose-Response Assessment Exposure Assessment Risk Characterization Risk Management Risk Communication

Definitions of Risk Analysis Terms Related to Food Safety Risk Analysis: A process consisting of three components: risk assessment, risk management and risk communication Risk Assessment: A scientifically based process consisting of the following steps: (i) hazard identification, (ii) hazard characterization, (iii) exposure assessment, and (iv) risk characterization

Definitions of Risk Analysis Terms Related to Food Safety (continued) Risk Management: The process, distinct from risk assessment, of weighing policy alternatives, in consultation with all interested parties, considering risk assessment and other factors relevant for the health protection of consumers and for the promotion of fair trade practices, and, if needed, selecting appropriate prevention and control options

Definitions of Risk Analysis Terms Related to Food Safety (continued) Risk Communication: The interactive exchange of information and opinions throughout the risk analysis process concerning hazards and risks, risk-related factors and risk perceptions, among risk assessors, risk managers, consumers, industry, the academic community and other interested parties, including the explanation of risk assessment findings and the basis of risk management decisions

Resources for Risk Assessment: International Evaluations FAO/WHO Expert Committees JECFA and JMPR National Studies : Governments, Institutions, Universities Hazard Identification Risk Characterization Exposure Assessment

Expert Consultations Related to Risk Analysis Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on the Application of Risk Analysis to Food Standards Issues (Geneva, 13-17 March 1995) Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on the Application of Risk Management to Food Safety Matters (Rome, 27-31 January 1997) Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Food Consumption and Exposure Assessment of Chemicals (Geneva, 10-14 February 1997)

Expert Consultations Related to Risk Analysis (continued) Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Risk Communication to Food Standards and Safety Matters (Rome, 2-6 February 1998) Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Risk Assessment of Microbiological Hazards in Foods (Geneva, 15-19 March 1999) Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Risk Assessment of Microbiological Hazards in Foods (Rome, 17-21 July 2000)

FAO Publications Related to Risk Analysis Biotechnology and Food Safety (FAO/FNP 61) Risk Management and Food Safety (FAO/FNP 65) Animal Feeding and Food Safety (FAO/FNP 69) The Application of Risk Communication to Food Standards and Safety Matters (FAO/FNP 70)

Technical Assistance and FAO: FAO Technical Cooperation Programme Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme National and Regional Seminars on Risk Analysis Externally Funded FAO Projects

Contact Details Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme Food & Agriculture Org. of the United Nations Viale delle Terme di Caracalla 00100 Rome Italy codex@fao.org http://www.codexalimentarius.net tel: +39 (06) 57051 fax: +39 (06) 5705.4593