FAO GM Foods Platform: Are we effectively evaluating food safety?
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In order for Members of Codex Alimentarius (Codex, 2019a) to share information on Codex-aligned Genetically Modified (GM) food safety assessment, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) maintains an online database entitled “FAO GM Foods Platform”. As of September 2019, 172 Codex Members out of 189 (91 percent) officially designated national focal points to the Platform to participate, however, only 28 percent have been able to share the results of their own GM food safety assessments. Most of the remaining Members still struggle to conduct the assessment, mainly due to technical and institutional capacity and/ or situational issues. This document aims to assist such focal points, particularly those in developing nations, as the document illustrates various Platform community members’ situations regarding the required knowledge and expertise, desired institutional set-ups, and effective communication mechanism. Some of the good practices are highlighted. The document serves as a fundamental basis for many key discussions to be held during the Global Community Meeting on the FAO GM Foods Platform to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 10 to 13 September 2019. Together with the physical meeting, the paper provides a unique opportunity for both experienced and less experienced Codex Members to understand the challenges that many countries face, and the opportunity to improve current situations. The annex of the document provides the contact information of all Platform community members, which is an invaluable resource for many focal points to establish technical networks and the community of practice together.