At the 47th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, held from 25 to 30 November 2024 in Geneva (Switzerland), the Director General of the OIV, John Barker, took the floor to congratulate the new Chairman of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Dr Allan Azegele from Kenya and to deliver a message on the 100th anniversary of the OIV.
Barker welcomed the decisions taken by the CAC 47, in particular the Commission's decision to amend the General Standard for Fruit Juices and Nectars to include a specific Brix level for Vitis labrusca This new standard for grape juices and nectars from Vitis labrusca will facilitate international trade in these products and ensure convergence with the OIV's scientific works on the subject.
The Director General indicated that as an Observer to Codex Alimentarius since its creation, the OIV is proud to contribute to its important works. He noted that the work of the OIV is highly complementary to that of Codex, offering objective and science-based recommendations for all food products derived from grapes.
He emphasised that the importance of the relationship between the OIV and Codex was recognised by the Ministers of 37 OIV Member countries in their Ministerial Declaration of 13 October 20241.
On the occasion of the OIV’s centenary, the OIV conveyed its firm commitment to continuing and building cooperation with Codex Alimentarius. The OIV shares key values and objectives with Codex Alimentarius, including the importance of protecting consumers through science-based standards, and the need to build relationships across international organisations to promote an harmonised approach to global challenges.