Conference on International Food Trade
Beyond 2000: Science-Based Decisions, Harmonization, Equivalence
and Mutual Recognition
Melbourne, Australia, 11-15 October 1999

PROVISIONAL AGENDA

2. Election of Officers

3. Adoption of the Agenda

4. Introduction

a) Response to the 1991 Joint FAO/WHO Conference on Food Standards, Chemicals in Food and Food Trade

b) The Codex Alimentarius Commission

a) Current Status of Food Trade, Including Food Quality and Safety Problems

b) Review of the Implementation of the SPS/TBT Agreements (Activities in the SPS/TBT Committees)

c) Challenges for Developing Countries in Meeting the Obligations of the SPS/TBT/Codex

The Purpose of Food Quality and Safety Legislation

a) Basic Approaches to Consumer Protection - FAO/WHO Model Food Act; Control Procedures

b) Harmonization of Food Regulations and Food Quality/Safety Measures Based on Codex Standards, Guidelines and Recommendations

c) Assuring Food Quality and Safety: Back to the Basics - Quality Control Throughout the Food Chain

The role of industry
The role of Governments
The role of consumers
The role of academia

a) Emerging Technologies - Ensuring the Quality and Safety of Food

b) Emerging Problems: Chemical/Biological

c) Emerging Problems: Allergens

d) Nutritional, Environmental and Sustainable Food Production Considerations

ALICOM 99/14

ALICOM 99/15

i) Changes in cultural and consumer habits

ii) Promoting science-based dialogue on emerging technologies and problems

iii) Nutrition, environment and sustainable food production

ALICOM 99/17

ALICOM 99/18

a) Expert Advice and Risk Analysis - Validity of the Process and Dealing with Uncertainty

b) Determining the Appropriate Level of Protection; Threshold of Regulations - Implementation

ALICOM 99/20

a) Harmonization/Equivalence/Mutual Recognition: How and What is Attainable?

b) Labelling and Nutritional Aspects - How much information is necessary?

ALICOM 99/22

11. Conclusions and Recommendations of the Conference

12. Adoption of the Report.