Safe food and sustainable diets take centre stage at regional Codex meeting

Under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and with guidance from the Codex Secretariat, countries from across Europe and Central Asia gathered in Berlin for five days of discussions hosted by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). Key topics included strengthening food safety, communicating risks more effectively and supporting healthier, more sustainable diets.

The Thirty-fourth Session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Europe, held from 21 to 25 September, provided a regional forum for countries to exchange experiences, identify shared priorities and contribute to the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The regional meeting, held approximately every two years, plays an important role in informing FAO’s work programme on food safety and quality. Codex brings together the knowledge and expertise of FAO, WHO and the Codex Secretariat through standards, guidelines and codes of practice that protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade.

A central theme of the session was how to translate technical knowledge about food-related risks into information that people can understand, trust and use. A keynote address by Dr Barbara Gallani, Head of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)’s Communication and Partnerships (ENGAGE) Department, on risk communication for safe food and sustainable diets in Europe, emphasized that effective communication is an essential component of food safety and public health and should ultimately lead to behavioural change. The address covered the evolution of risk communication approaches, the role of risk perception and social science research, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. Communication on food-related crises should also be timely, transparent and grounded in evidence while taking account of people’s concerns and information needs.

“Good risk communication around the topic of food is not simply about providing more information. It is about listening, building trust and helping people make informed decisions,” said Mary Kenny, FAO Food Safety and Consumer Protection Officer. “By connecting scientific evidence with clear and practical messages, countries can strengthen consumer protection while supporting safe, healthy and sustainable diets.”

This is also reflected in and supported by FAO’s work in the region. The Organization helps countries strengthen food safety governance and national food control systems, generating evidence for decision-making and promoting cooperation and communication among public authorities, food businesses, researchers and consumers. 

A changing food safety landscape

The Committee reviewed the food safety and quality situation in countries of the region, creating an opportunity to share information on national developments, persistent challenges and emerging issues.

The exchanges reflected a diverse region in which countries have different institutional capacities and priorities, but also face many common concerns. These include the need for robust food control systems, reliable data and scientific expertise, effective coordination among competent authorities and stronger communication across food value chains.

Changes in trade, consumer expectations, climate and food production are adding complexity to food safety governance. New food products and production methods, digitalization and scientific advances may offer benefits for agrifood systems, while also raising questions that require food safety authorities to make risk assessment decisions to assure the safety of all food. 

Participants underscored the value of regional cooperation in addressing challenges that do not stop at national borders. They welcomed the opportunity to share data, experiences and good practices, helping them identify emerging risks sooner, improve preparedness and make more effective use of available expertise.

Advancing work on dietary guidelines

The session also reviewed the work of the Codex electronic working group (eWG) on dietary guidelines and considered possible follow-up action.

Food-based dietary guidelines translate evidence on food, diets and health into recommendations appropriate to national circumstances. They can inform nutrition education and public policies and help people choose diets that support their health. Increasingly, countries are also considering the wider social, economic and environmental dimensions of diets when developing or revising their guidance.

The Committee advocated for continued cooperation to help countries learn from one another, including through the exchange of methodologies, experiences and examples of implementation. It was also emphasized that implementation and monitoring of national dietary guidelines should be improved to ensure healthy and sustainable diets. The Committee also acknowledged the FAO methodology supporting countries in developing food systems-based dietary guidelines. 

The Berlin meeting successfully concluded and reaffirmed the role of regional dialogue in connecting food safety, nutrition and consumer protection. Germany’s support in hosting the session and bringing together national authorities and technical experts was acknowledged as helping to ensure that the region’s needs and perspectives inform the wider work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

As Germany completes its term, the Committee unanimously agreed to recommend Azerbaijan as the next Coordinator for Europe, subject to approval at the next session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in mid-2027.