1. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 JOINT FAO/WHO CODEX TRAINING PACKAGE MODULE FOUR – SCIENTIFIC BASIS FOR CODEX WORK 4.2 Requesting, accessing and contributing to expert scientific advice

2. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 2 FAO/WHO scientific advice Scientific advice is provided through different mechanisms – formally established expert bodies that have a scheduled programme of work and ad hoc expert consultations that are convened to address a specific topic. They include a variety of experts from the applied sciences, as well as other disciplines as required. The purpose of these expert bodies is to provide FAO and WHO, their member countries and Codex with scientific advice.

3. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 3 Can my country request specific scientific advice? FAO and WHO member countries can request one of the expert committees to conduct a risk assessment or request an expert consultation. Countries can also work within the Codex organization to have the appropriate Codex committee refer the request. When a country makes a request for expert scientific advice, it must make a commitment to provide the necessary data in advance of the meeting.

4. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 4 Structures for providing scientific advice Long-term expert bodies – Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) – Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) – Joint Meetings on Microbiological Risk Assessment (JEMRA) Ad hoc expert consultations – e.g. foods derived from biotechnology

5. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 5 Standard procedures are followed Identification and prioritization of issues Call for data Selection of experts Distribution and subsequent use of the expert advice Scientific advice provided to Codex committees and direct to member countries Meetings coordinated by FAO/WHO Secretariat Final reports adopted at end of each session

6. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 6 Data issues Sources of data – food industry, national research and surveillance programmes Call for data is through Codex Contact Points and on the FAO and WHO Web sites Reliability and confidentiality of data

7. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 7 Selection of experts Independent experts are selected according to the following criteria: – relevant scientific and technical excellence – diversity and complementarity of scientific backgrounds – geographical and gender balance Open call for experts For standing expert bodies, FAO and WHO maintain rosters of experts

8. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 8 Scientific advice by JECFA

9. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 9 Example – Preparations for a JECFA meeting The “call for data” on the substances being evaluated is issued 10 – 12 months before the meeting. The “call for data” is posted on the FAO and WHO Web sites and sent to Codex Contact Points. The deadline for submission of data is set, normally at 6 – 7 months before the meeting. Data are to be submitted to the address provided in the call letter. Unpublished and proprietary data submitted for evaluation will be safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure.

10. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 10 Example – Preparations for a JMPR meeting The agenda of the meeting is decided by the FAO and WHO joint secretaries, based on: – the priority list proposed by the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (and approved by the Commission); – availability of sufficient data for evaluation. Data submitters are requested to supply the FAO panel with all relevant information. FAO and WHO expert groups coordinate their activities and discuss chemical and toxicological aspects (e.g. metabolism patterns, level and toxicological significance of metabolites), clarify or resolve problematic issues and issue a joint report.

11. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 11 Example – Preparations for a JEMRA meeting The agenda is based on requests from Codex committees. FAO and WHO will issue a "call for data". Governments, interested organizations, food producers/processors, academia and individuals are invited to submit risk assessments as well as any other relevant information. The purpose of this is to collate as much information as possible from all over the world relevant to microbiological risk assessment.

12. FAO/WHO Codex Training Package Module 4.2 Codex Training Package June 2004 12 Key Web sites JECFA:http://www.codexalimentarius.net/jecfa.stm JMPR:http://www.codexalimentarius.net/jmpr.stm JEMRA:http://www.codexalimentarius.net/jemra.stm