MAKING BEST USE OF THE FAO/WHO CODEX DIAGNOSTIC TOOLA FOOD SAFETY TECHNICAL NETWORK (FSTN) WEBINAR/SEMINAR – 24 MARCH 2017

In collaboration with FAO Regional Office, PAHO, IICA

Webinar Structure

Introduction

Welcome by FAO, PAHO and IICA

Facilitators: Mary Kenny and Renata Clarke

Information sessions

Topic 1: Content, sections, and methodology Q&A

Topic 2: Tips on using the tool at country level Q&A

Topic 3: Analysing the results of the self-assessment Q&A

Please be advised that we are recording this webinar, and planning to share it through the FAO webpage.

We are joined online by

• Marisa Caipo, FAO Regional Food Safety Officer for Latin Americaand the Caribbean

• Dra. Simone M. Raszl, Especialista en Gestión de Laboratorios, PAHO

• Lisa Harrynanan, Agricultural Food Safety SpecialistInter-American Institute forCooperation on Agriculture (IICA)

• Codex Contact Points: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Lucia

• IICA Offices: Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Bahamas, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana.

• Chile, Costa Rica.

We know this list may not be complete,

and we welcome you all on line!

Webinar objectives

•To guide participants through the content and methodology of the FAO/WHO Codex Diagnostic Tool;

•To re-confirm how it is intended to be used at country level and suggest good practice.

By the end of the webinar, we hope you will have a deeper knowledge of the FAO/WHO Codex diagnostic tool, and be motivated to use it in your country.

Topic 1

Information sessions

Topic 1: Content, sections, and methodology Q&A

Topic 2: Tips on using the tool at country level Q&A

Topic 3: Analysing the results of the self-assessment Q&A

Countries asked FAO and WHO to develop a tool to help them:

• Understand what constitutes a robust national Codex programme (elements and capacities)

• Undertake a self-assessment to examine strengths and weaknesses, benchmark the programme and chart a way forward to address any weaknesses.

Application of the Tool is an essential pre-requisite for applications to the FAO/WHO Codex Trust Fund.

Embedded in the national food control system

A “robust national Codex programme and capacities”

Policy framework + Using Codex outputs

Using Codex texts to

improve food safety and

quality

Knowledge and Capacities to support work in Codex

Scientific and technical

High level recognition

and support of Codex

Well managed work on Codex at national level

Well functioning National Codex Office

Sound consultation processes

Pathway for self-assessment using the tool

• Getting familiar with tool

• Starting assessment

Initial steps

• Multisectoral group

• Assess all elements and document results

Undertaking the assessment • Analysing results and

determine priority weaknesses

• Plan improvement activities

• Identify resources to implement

Making the best use of results

Elements to be assessed – Quick Overview

Element 1, with sub-elements

ELEMENT 1

Mechanism and process for consultation, communication & management of Codex work

CCP Structure + processes

Consultation Mechanism + processes

Management of Codex work

Element 2, with sub-elements

ELEMENT 2

Knowledge and understanding of Codex work

Knowledge base + awareness

Scientific and technical capacity

Element 3, with sub-elements

ELEMENT 3

Policy framework and maximising use of Codex work at the national level

National Policy Objectives and Priorities

Harmonisation and use of international Codex texts at the

national level

Methodology, consistent

Notes: question

prompts to help you

decide your score

Self-scoring - current level of capacity

Level 1

Aspiring – at the initial stage and keen to develop national capacity

Level 2

Emerging-developing national capacity but need more guidance and support

Level 3

Consolidating –progressing well and consolidating capacity but need more targeted guidance

Level 4

Well established-good national capacity and in a position to guide and support others

Assessment results – Codex Contact Point, Structure and Processes (sub-element)

Document, keep notes

Remember to include notes as you self-assess, score etc.

This will provide justification for different level scoring 1-4.

Do you have any questions??

[please write them in the chat box]

Topic 2

Information sessions

Topic 1: Content, sections, and methodology Q&A

Topic 2: Tips on using the tool at country level Q&A

Topic 3: Analysing the results of the self-assessment Q&A

Topic 2: Tips on using the tool at country level

• Countries interested in improving their engagement in Codex work are encouraged to use the tool (current status, benchmark)

• Ownership of process is essential (should be lead by the country)

• Select a manageable, but cross-sectoral group of experts to contribute to the self-assessment

• CCP can play a facilitator role, or other lead person in Codex

• The process will take some time, and we suggest a few meetings –• getting started, • an interim phase of collecting data, talking to the right people, • and one final meeting to agree on the final self-assessment

• It is important to include any notes on your self-assessment and rationale for score

• You can repeat the self-assessment after some time to chart progress

Do you have any questions??

[please write them in the chat box]

Topic 3

Information sessions

Topic 1: Content, sections, and methodology Q&A

Topic 2: Tips on using the tool at country level Q&A

Topic 3: Analysing the results of the self-assessment Q&A

You will remember that once you had completed the self assessment, you will have tables with ticked boxes

…. And another table showing ticked boxes, results from the self assessment …..

Use table 5.1 to prioritise what to address once the individual assessment tables are complete

Element Sub-element Level assigned Strengths/weaknessesidentified in the assessment of the sub-element

Priority areas for action

ELEMENT 1 CCP structure and processes

• Strengths: ... • Weaknesses: ....• Gaps: ...

1. First2. Second3. Third

Consultation Mechanism + Processes

• Strengths: ... • Weaknesses: ....• Gaps: ...

1. First2. Second3. Third

Management of Codex work

• Strengths: ... • Weaknesses: ....• Gaps: ...

1. First2. Second3. Third

ELEMENT 2 Knowledge base, awareness

• Strengths: ... • Weaknesses: ....• Gaps: ...

1. First2. Second3. Third

Scientific and technical capacity

• Strengths: ... • Weaknesses: ....• Gaps: ...

1. First2. Second3. Third

ELEMENT 3 ...

...You may address all weaknesses or a sub-group of them

Taking action to address weaknesses

Weakness:

Inadequate preparation of national positions on Codex matters

Action to address weakness:

• Consult with Codex office and experts to agree on procedure to prepare national positions

• Document the agreed procedure and work process

• Identify priority issues upon which you want to comment

• Receive input from the experts to prepare position

Expected results:

Improved written feedback and input to Codex discussions. Consistent, transparent, inclusive process.

What are the indicators of success?

Moving ahead

• Ensure the results of the self-assessment are used to plan improvements within relevant ministry, ensure national funds are

made available, or talk with partners and interested donors

• The FAO/WHO Codex Trust Fund is one possible option for support

Do you have any questions??

[please write them in the chat box]

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING

SEND COMMENTS/QUESTIONS TO MARY.KENNY@FAO.ORG, MARISA.CAIPO@FAO.ORG

MAKING BEST USE OF THE FAO/WHO CODEX DIAGNOSTIC TOOL – 24 MARCH 2017