SON HOSTS FIRST QUARTER CODEX COMMITTEE MEETING ON FOOD ADDITIVES
As part of its commitment to ensuring food safety and quality in Nigeria, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) hosted the inaugural quarterly Codex Meeting on Food Additives (NCC-TC FA) at its Operational headquarters in Lagos recently.
The engagement underscores SON’s dedication to aligning national standards with global best practices, fostering consumer protection, and enhancing food industry regulations across the country.
Addressing the Committee members, the Director General/ Chief Executive of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, noted that the primary objective of the meeting is to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to global food standards.
He went on to explain that the meeting aims to align the national food regulatory framework with international best practices and equip Nigeria’s delegates (CCFA55) for the upcoming 55th Codex Committee Meeting in Seoul, South Korea.
Represented by the Head, Food Group, Mr. Y.B. Mohammed, the SON Chief Executive highlighted the pivotal role that food additives play in contemporary food production. He stated that additives not only extend shelf life and enhance nutritional value but also improve sensory attributes and ensure consistent product quality.
He went on to explain that it was essential for Nigeria to seize this opportunity to align its food safety policies with the highest global standards.
The SON helmsman stressed that Nigeria’s active engagement in the International Codex Committee on Food Additives, along with the integration of its national position on the committee’s recommendations, will strengthen the country’s
Regulatory framework, facilitate standard harmonization, and enhance competitiveness in the global food market.
Furthermore, he emphasized that standards are an evolving process that requires continuous dialogue between stakeholders and regulatory bodies. Therefore, stakeholder participation is crucial, as collective efforts and expertise contribute to the development of robust, implementable, and globally recognized food standards.
Concluding his address, the Director General expressed gratitude to the Association of Food, Beverages, and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) for their pivotal role in organizing the meeting. He commended their dedication to fostering meaningful discussions and facilitating Nigeria’s active participation in Codex activities. He also urged all attendees to engage in substantive deliberations to ensure that Nigeria’s voice is heard and respected within the global food regulatory landscape.
