Codex meeting begins
The Codex Task Force for Foods Derived from Modern Biotechnology started with a free discussion as 263 delegates from 53 countries have gathered here in Makuhari, Chiba for the meeting. The chairman wanted everyone to express their views on what they think needs to be addressed. For example, India mentioned that the Task Force should think about how the UN Millenium Goals of poverty reduction could be achieved. EU said "we need to be ambitious" and Kenya wanted to focus on staple foods that are important for developing coutries.
It is interesting to note that while some countries want to include ethics and environmental concerns, others want to focus on food safety as well as trade-related concerns.
FAO made an interesting intervention, noting that consumers in many parts of the world are still questioning the safety of GMO foods. GMOs have attracted intensive deabte and FAO shares some of the concerns. WHO's intervention noted that safety issues should be the basis of the work of this Task Force over the next four years.
It is interesting to note that while some countries want to include ethics and environmental concerns, others want to focus on food safety as well as trade-related concerns.
FAO made an interesting intervention, noting that consumers in many parts of the world are still questioning the safety of GMO foods. GMOs have attracted intensive deabte and FAO shares some of the concerns. WHO's intervention noted that safety issues should be the basis of the work of this Task Force over the next four years.
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