Latest news with #CodexAlimentarius
Borneo Post
8 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Company in Kuching fined for importing, selling mandarin oranges with excessive pesticide
Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan imposed the fine after the company via a representative pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 397(1) of the Food Regulations 1985 and sentenced under Regulation 397(2) of the same law. — Pexels photo KUCHING (June 9): A food importing company was fined RM4,000 by the Magistrates' Court here today for importing and selling mandarin oranges containing pesticide residue exceeding the permitted limit. Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan imposed the fine after the company via a representative pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 397(1) of the Food Regulations 1985 and sentenced under Regulation 397(2) of the same law. According to the facts of the case, a fresh sample of the mandarin oranges was taken on Dec 20, 2024 and sent for a laboratory analysis. The test results revealed the presence of 0.02mg/kg of Organophosphorus/Chlorpyrifos pesticide residue, which exceeded the permissible limit under Regulation 41(3)(c) of the Food Regulations 1985. The Regulation stipulates that no person shall prepare for sale any food containing 0.01 milligrammes or more per kilogramme of any pesticide residue, unless that pesticide is specified for that food in the Sixteenth Schedule or the Codex Alimentarius. During court proceedings, prosecuting officer Mohd Fairos Ibrahim from the Inspectorate and Legal Unit of the Kuching Division Health Office informed the court that exposure to pesticides in excessive or prolonged amounts could pose health risks and harm human organs. He urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence to serve as a deterrent to the accused. Mohd Fairos added that an appropriate sentence would also serve as a warning to other importers to exercise greater caution when bringing food products into Malaysia, and to ensure proper measures are taken before importing samples. company exceed oranges permitted limit pesticide residue
Borneo Post
29-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Kuching farm operator fined RM5,000 for excessive pesticide residue in vegetables
Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali imposed the fine after the accused pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 397(1) of the Food Regulations 1985 and was sentenced under Regulation 397(2) of the same law. KUCHING (May 29): The Magistrates' Court here yesterday fined a vegetable farm operator RM5,000 for selling vegetables containing pesticide residue exceeding the permitted limit. Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali imposed the fine after the accused pleaded guilty to a charge under Regulation 397(1) of the Food Regulations 1985 and was sentenced under Regulation 397(2) of the same law. According to the case facts, a sample of kailan taken on Dec 2, 2024, was sent for laboratory analysis, which revealed that the vegetable contained 0.198 mg/kg of the pesticide residue Pencycuron—exceeding the permissible standard set under Regulation 41(3)(c) of the Food Regulations 1985 The regulation states that no person shall prepare for sale any food containing 0.01 milligrams or more per kilogramme of pesticide residue if the pesticide is not listed for that food in the Sixteenth Schedule or the Codex Alimentarius. During the court proceedings, prosecuting officer Mohd Fairos Ibrahim from the Inspectorate and Legal Unit of the Kuching Division Health Office urged that a fitting punishment be imposed as a lesson to the accused. He added that this would also serve as a warning to other operators to comply with the established regulations in the interest of public health. excessive pesticide residue fined lead vegetable farm operator
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE National Codex Committee and ADAFSA host workshop with international and local experts
Abu Dhabi: The UAE National Codex Committee (NCC), under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (the Codex Contact Point), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS), has inaugurated a two-day workshop titled 'Evaluation of National Codex Programmes in the United Arab Emirates.' This event, taking place on 14–15 May in Abu Dhabi, aims to assess and strengthen the UAE's alignment with Codex Alimentarius standards. The workshop convenes members of the UAE NCC, international and local experts in food safety, consumer protection, and trade, as well as representatives from various sectors within ADAFSA. In his opening remarks, H.E. Engineer Ahmed Khalid Othman, Deputy Director-General for Operational Affairs at ADAFSA, emphasised the significance of national collaboration in supporting Codex programmes. He highlighted that the workshop underscores the significance of the self-assessment tool endorsed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This tool serves as a strategic mechanism for evaluating the UAE's achievements in Codex-related initiatives, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and ensuring that national programmes remain aligned with scientific and legislative developments, in line with the country's leadership vision. The workshop features detailed presentations on the methodology and procedures of the self-assessment tool, providing a comprehensive and practical framework for evaluating national Codex programmes. Key components include institutional mechanisms for managing Codex activities, effective consultation processes, enhanced understanding of Codex work, policy frameworks, and the optimal utilisation of related activities. Interactive working groups have been established to discuss assessment criteria, scoring mechanisms, consistency in evaluations, and the provision of supporting documentation. These sessions aim to foster consensus and ensure a thorough understanding of the assessment process among all participants. Organisers underscore the critical importance of the workshop's outcomes in bolstering the UAE's national strategies for food security and agricultural sustainability. By aligning national Codex activities with international standards, the UAE aims to enhance the application of Codex guidelines as the foundation for national food safety regulations and standards. Established in 2020, the UAE National Codex Committee represents a strategic initiative to fortify the country's food security framework. This aligns with the UAE's ambitious goal of achieving a leading position in the Global Food Security Index by 2051, as outlined in its national food security strategy. The UAE places significant emphasis on adopting the highest international standards and practices in food safety and quality, aiming to protect consumer health and foster confidence in the food products available in domestic markets. Harmonising national legislation and standards with Codex principles is pivotal in achieving these objectives and ensuring the seamless and safe movement of food products across supply chains.
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan food industry opposes proposed front-of-pack warning labels
LAHORE: Stakeholders from Pakistan's packaged food industry expressed serious concerns over a recent proposal 'adoption of nutrient profile models and front-of-pack warning labelling for public health in Pakistan', and urged the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to initiate meaningful consultations with industry representatives before implementing the proposal. According to industry sources, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, through the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) under the MoST, has introduced a proposal mandating front-of-pack warning labels on all packaged food and beverage products sold in the country. Industry bodies including the Pakistan Association of Food Industries (PAFI), Pakistan Dairy Association, and the Fruit Juice Council, among others, have expressed their reservations in formal letters addressed to the Ministry. They argue that packaged food accounts for only 10–15% of the market in Pakistan, while the remaining majority consists of unpackaged, non-traceable, often adulterated, and unsafe food products. The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) and the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) also in their separate correspondence with the Ministry supported the plea of the industry to sort out the issue through consultations. They emphasize that the packaged food industry in Pakistan delivers safe, high-quality, nutritious, and traceable food in accordance with international standards. Labels on packaged products already include detailed nutritional information - such as fat, carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, proteins, sodium, energy, vitamins, and minerals - per 100g/100ml or per serving, aligned with international benchmarks like the Codex Alimentarius. This transparency, they said, is not available with loose or unpackaged food items, leaving consumers less informed about their dietary choices. The PAFI, which represents a significant segment of Pakistan's food and beverage industry, stated that its members collectively generate an annual turnover exceeding PKR 1,000 billion, contribute over PKR 200 billion in taxes, and provide employment to more than 100,000 individuals across the country. The sector also supports allied industries such as packaging, logistics, and retail, and plays a key role in earning foreign exchange through exports. The industry stakeholders contend that the proposed Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FOPWL) policy could have unintended consequences—potentially discouraging the consumption of regulated, safe, and traceable packaged foods in favour of unregulated and potentially hazardous alternatives. They stress that Pakistan's primary food-related challenges lie in ensuring food security, safety, and quality, and argue that penalizing the regulated segment of the market could undermine public health goals and foster unfair trade practices. The industry sources alleged that change of label requires at least six months so as industry can consume its previously printed labels and go for the new ones. While change of label also requires consultation with the stakeholders but the government quarters are trying to ignore all the legal requirements and wanted to implement the proposal. They stated that two meetings were held on this topic but industry was not given proper time to deliberate on this matter and put forth its point of view. 'We believe that collaboration is essential,' stated a representative. 'We request a meeting with the Ministry at the earliest opportunity to discuss our concerns and work together on developing effective, science-based solutions that prioritize consumer well-being without jeopardizing the growth and integrity of the packaged food industry.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Food industry opposes proposed front-of-pack warning labels
LAHORE: Stakeholders from Pakistan's packaged food industry expressed serious concerns over a recent proposal 'adoption of nutrient profile models and front-of-pack warning labelling for public health in Pakistan', and urged the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to initiate meaningful consultations with industry representatives before implementing the proposal. According to industry sources, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, through the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) under the MoST, has introduced a proposal mandating front-of-pack warning labels on all packaged food and beverage products sold in the country. Industry bodies including the Pakistan Association of Food Industries (PAFI), Pakistan Dairy Association, and the Fruit Juice Council, among others, have expressed their reservations in formal letters addressed to the Ministry. They argue that packaged food accounts for only 10–15% of the market in Pakistan, while the remaining majority consists of unpackaged, non-traceable, often adulterated, and unsafe food products. The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) and the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) also in their separate correspondence with the Ministry supported the plea of the industry to sort out the issue through consultations. They emphasize that the packaged food industry in Pakistan delivers safe, high-quality, nutritious, and traceable food in accordance with international standards. Labels on packaged products already include detailed nutritional information - such as fat, carbohydrates, sugar, fiber, proteins, sodium, energy, vitamins, and minerals - per 100g/100ml or per serving, aligned with international benchmarks like the Codex Alimentarius. This transparency, they said, is not available with loose or unpackaged food items, leaving consumers less informed about their dietary choices. The PAFI, which represents a significant segment of Pakistan's food and beverage industry, stated that its members collectively generate an annual turnover exceeding PKR 1,000 billion, contribute over PKR 200 billion in taxes, and provide employment to more than 100,000 individuals across the country. The sector also supports allied industries such as packaging, logistics, and retail, and plays a key role in earning foreign exchange through exports. The industry stakeholders contend that the proposed Front-of-Pack Warning Labelling (FOPWL) policy could have unintended consequences—potentially discouraging the consumption of regulated, safe, and traceable packaged foods in favour of unregulated and potentially hazardous alternatives. They stress that Pakistan's primary food-related challenges lie in ensuring food security, safety, and quality, and argue that penalizing the regulated segment of the market could undermine public health goals and foster unfair trade practices. The industry sources alleged that change of label requires at least six months so as industry can consume its previously printed labels and go for the new ones. While change of label also requires consultation with the stakeholders but the government quarters are trying to ignore all the legal requirements and wanted to implement the proposal. They stated that two meetings were held on this topic but industry was not given proper time to deliberate on this matter and put forth its point of view. 'We believe that collaboration is essential,' stated a representative. 'We request a meeting with the Ministry at the earliest opportunity to discuss our concerns and work together on developing effective, science-based solutions that prioritize consumer well-being without jeopardizing the growth and integrity of the packaged food industry.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
