42nd Session of CCPR Reviews 279 Standards for Maximum Pesticide Residues

Author: Liang Baozhong

Source: MOA website

April 19-the 42^nd Session of Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues(CCPR) was held in Xi an of Shaanxi Province, with the participation of 242 representatives from 73 member states, one member organization and 10 international organizations, to review 279 standards on maximum pesticide residues. The session was also dedicated to discussions on the principles of pesticide residue risk analysis, assessment guidelines on maximum pesticide residues of minor crops and special crops, and priority list for pesticide assessment of CCPR. Outcomes of the session will play a positive role in the construction of an international safety guarantee system of agricultural products and food.

According to Zhang Yuxiang, Chief Economist of MOA, food safety is a common challenge to the whole world. The Chinese Government has adopted a series of major measures so that the administration on the safety of agricultural products and food is law-based, regulated and scientific. So far, China s legal system on food safety has been improved step by step.

Zhang also pointed out that the levels of development of countries and regions were different from each other, hence the policies and measures on food safety. Therefore, efforts should be made on an open, fair and scientific basis, to boost exchange and cooperation, iron out disputes, enhance consensus, and promote global food safety.

China, while assuming the presidency of CCPR, will work with all parties to contribute to a coordinated standard system for agricultural products and food, promote technological cooperation in the administration of the safety of agricultural products and food, enhance the sound development of global agriculture, and protect public health.

CCPR is a professional committee of CAC, with extensive influence in promoting standard construction of pesticide residues, and act as the platform for exchange and cooperation in pesticide residue management. This session is the fourth meeting held, since the country assumed presidency of the committee.