One of the most influential committees in the setting of international food standards met in Queenstown yesterday, for the eighth session of the Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products.
The committee sets the standards governing the international trade in food and comprises 172 ‘‘member nations''.
New Zealand Food Safety Authority Science Group director Dr Steve Hathaway, who is chairing the meeting, said Codex had a commendable reputation for achieving durable and acceptable standards, providing a scientific basis for fair trade and consumer safety across the world.
Since the establishment of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) in 1962, the global food trade had expanded and Codex had developed a raft of international standards for its member countries.
‘‘Because there has been an increased focus on international harmonisation through the World Trade Organisation, Codex has become more significant and has gained acceptance as the pre-eminent United Nations body for establishing international standards and norms for food safety and fair practices in food trade.
‘‘Around 50% of our exports are food related and dairy exports such as milk powder, butter and cheese make up nearly a third of total New Zealand exports, so Codex standards in the food area are vitally important to our fast growing economy.
‘‘New Zealand is proud to be hosting this important committee and the agreements that are reached here will have many positive spin-offs for our dairy exporters and new Zealand in years to come,'' Dr Hathaway said.
The meeting will run in Queenstown until Friday.
