Dr Blaise Ouattara- Food Safety and Quality Officer, was the resource person delegated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation on that occasion.  The main topics covered were:

1. Understanding CODEX: structure and functioning.
2. Scientific basis of CODEX work: Role of FAO/WHO Expert bodies.
3. Management of CODEX activities at country level: Role of Codex contact point, Codex committee and sub-committees.

Dr Shalini .A.Neeliah, the National Codex Contact Point, also gave a presentation on the activities of the Mauritius Codex Contact Point and of the National Codex Committee.  It is to be noted that the Codex Alimentarius system offers a unique opportunity for all countries to join the international community in formulating and harmonizing food standards and guaranteeing their global implementation. To facilitate continuous contact with member countries, the Commission, in collaboration with national governments, has established country Codex Contact Points, and many member countries have National Codex Committees to coordinate activities nationally. 

A National Codex Committee was set up in Mauritius in June 2010 with a diverse membership covering both public and private stakeholders. The office of the National Codex Committee (NCC) is the Food Technology Laboratory. The committee is engaged in a number of activities such as:

• Provision of comments on draft Codex documents
• Participation in Codex Committees
• Provision of access to Codex documentation
• Participation in Codex Electronic Working Groups
• Discussion of issues of national importance pertaining to food standardization.

It is hoped that the training provided will enhance the capacity of Mauritius to participate in international food standard setting activities and its contribution to the work of the Codex Committee for Africa.