CI Food Safety and Nutrition programme 2013 Satya Sharma, Regional Project Officer Consumers International Office for Asia Pacific and the Middle East

Consumers International’s priorities for 2013 Food Safety 1.Reducing the use of antibiotics in the food chain 2.Consumer representation at Codex Alimentarius 3.Safe use of pesticides in food production Helping consumers to choose healthy diets 4.Support WHO action plan to reduce NCDs. 5.Support members work on nutrition labelling, food marketing to children and reduction of fat, sugar and salt in food. Fundraising to support the food programme 6.Evaluating and strengthening food safety systems

1. Reducing the use of antibiotics in the food chain Background Antibiotics are used in farming for growth promotion or to prevent disease (particularly in large scale industrial farming). However this non essential use of antibiotics in farming contributes to anti biotic resistance (ABR) in the food chain and is recognised as an increasingly serious public health risk. In tests by CI members and others (in the US, EU and Asia) a large proportion of meat was found to contain ESBLs indicating ABR.

Reducing the use of antibiotics in the food chain Plans for 2013 In consultation with members develop evidence based recommendations for international and national action, including where relevant WHO, FAO and national governments. Launch in preparation for the WHO international day to highlight the dangers of anti-biotic resistance (November 2013) Provide clear recommendations that CI members can use in their national lobbying.

2. Consumer representation in Codex Alimentarius Background Codex Alimentarius is the international standard setting body for food safety. Codex standards are the only food standards that can be referenced in WTO disputes. CI is represented on Codex committees by CI members that are able to attend at their own cost. CI facilitates and co- ordinates their participation. Plans for 2013 Where necessary, increase CI effectiveness by asking CI members to lobby national delegations on key issues.

3. Safe use of pesticides in food production Background The inappropriate sale and use of pesticides in low and middle income countries damages human and envrionmental health and impedes economic development. The solution includes better implementation of existing codes ; and increased local consumer demand for safer, more sustainably produced food Plans for 2013 Develop a campaign guide for members Provide Green Action Fund grants to members wishing to raise awareness or lobby on this issue. Share information about members work to increase awareness about the issue within CI membership.

Helping consumers choose a healthy diet Background It is becoming harder for consumers to choose a healthy diet. Increased consumption of processed food, means that levels of fat, sugar and salt in the diet are rising and dietary related NCDs are rising rapidly. Plans for Support the passing of the WHO action plan on non communicable diseases and lobby governments to implement the recommendations contained within it. through lobbying and coordinated national advocacy..

Helping consumers choose a healthy diet Plans for Support members national campaigns for policies such as effective nutrition labelling, restrictions on the marketing of food to children and the reformulation of food to reduce fat, sugar and salt through: an online or street survey to illustrate the need for better labelling. Providing a library of tools (such as how to guides, model regulations etc). Work with international experts to consider whether other international instruments can be used to promote action on nutrition and obesity.

CI will seek support for CI and our members work on food safety and nutrition. In addition to supporting the work outlined above CI will seek support for: 6. Strengthening national food safety systems Evaluate and lobby for improvements in national food safety systems.

APME Office GIZ : Food safety : 2 projects Workshop on Strategies for Improved Food Safety in Southeast Asia on 5-6 November 2012 at Bangkok Assessing food control measure in 4 countries of Asia comprising of Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Bangladesh

Thank you