Compliance With Codex Alimentarius Standards Training Course in Saint Lucia
Introduction
In the increasingly interconnected global food economy, adherence to internationally harmonized food standards is not just good practice but a fundamental requirement for protecting consumer health, ensuring fair trade, and facilitating market access across diverse jurisdictions. Mastering Compliance with Codex Alimentarius Standards is absolutely critical for food manufacturers, exporters, importers, regulatory bodies, and quality assurance professionals navigating the complexities of international food commerce and seeking to align their practices with globally recognized benchmarks. This essential training course is designed to equip food safety managers, quality assurance personnel, regulatory affairs specialists, international trade managers, auditors, and technical staff with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for understanding the structure and mandate of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, interpreting key Codex texts (standards, guidelines, codes of practice), implementing Codex principles into national food safety management systems (e.g., HACCP), navigating the relationship between Codex and the WTO SPS/TBT Agreements, and preparing for successful international trade based on harmonized standards. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the scientific basis of Codex standards, the nuances of their application in various food categories, the challenges of aligning national legislation with international norms, and the critical role of Codex in promoting a safe and fair global food supply. This program emphasizes practical application, adherence to consensus-driven international guidelines, and real-world scenarios pertinent to achieving and maintaining compliance with these globally influential food standards.
Target Audience
- Food Safety Managers & Coordinators
- Quality Assurance (QA) & Quality Control (QC) Personnel
- Regulatory Affairs & Compliance Officers
- Export/Import Managers in Food Sector
- Food Manufacturers & Processors (especially those involved in international trade)
- Government Officials involved in Food Control & Trade
- Food Safety Auditors & Consultants
- Legal Professionals specializing in Food Law
Course Objectives
- Master the historical context, mandate, and organizational structure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- Learn sophisticated techniques for navigating and interpreting the various types of Codex texts (standards, guidelines, codes of practice).
- Develop proficiency in understanding the scientific principles and risk analysis methodologies underpinning Codex standards.
- Understand advanced strategies for aligning national food safety legislation and practices with Codex requirements.
- Explore best practices in implementing Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene, including HACCP.
- Grasp advanced techniques for applying Codex commodity standards to specific food products.
- Learn about robust approaches to complying with Codex guidelines on food additives, contaminants, and residues.
- Identify the critical role of Codex in facilitating international trade, particularly through the WTO SPS and TBT Agreements.
- Develop skills in preparing for and participating in Codex-related discussions and national position development.
- Understand the importance of proper food labeling and claims as per Codex guidelines.
- Formulate strategies for continuous monitoring of Codex updates and incorporating new standards into practice.
Duration
5 Days
Course Outline
Module 1. Introduction to Codex Alimentarius
- History, mandate, and objectives of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
- The role of FAO and WHO in the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme
- Structure of Codex: Commission, Executive Committee, General Subject and Commodity Committees
- Types of Codex texts: standards, guidelines, codes of practice, maximum residue limits (MRLs)
- The significance of Codex for global food safety and fair trade
Module 2. General Principles of Food Hygiene & HACCP
- Overview of the Codex General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 2020)
- Understanding prerequisite programs as foundational elements for food safety systems
- The Codex Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system: principles and application
- Steps to implementing a Codex-compliant HACCP plan
- The role of food safety culture as emphasized by Codex
Module 3. Codex General Standards: Labeling, Additives & Contaminants
- Module on Food Labeling: General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (CXS 1-1985) – mandatory information, claims, nutrition labeling.
- Module on Food Additives: General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA, CXS 192-1995) – principles for use, permitted lists, functional classes.
- Module on Contaminants: General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (CXS 193-1995) – maximum levels for various contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, mycotoxins).
- Methods of analysis and sampling as defined by Codex.
- Ensuring compliance with general standards across product ranges.
Module 4. Commodity Standards & Specific Guidelines
- Overview of Codex commodity standards for specific food categories (e.g., milk and milk products, fats and oils, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and fishery products)
- Essential composition and quality factors defined in commodity standards
- Hygiene and safety provisions specific to commodity standards
- Guidelines for specific processes or products (e.g., processed fruits and vegetables)
- Application of commodity standards in product development and market access.
Module 5. Pesticide & Veterinary Drug Residues
- Module on Pesticide Residues: Understanding Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food.
- Module on Veterinary Drug Residues: MRLs for veterinary drugs in food of animal origin.
- The role of JMPR (Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues) and JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) in setting MRLs.
- Monitoring and surveillance of residues for compliance.
- Scientific basis for setting residue limits.
Module 6. Codex & International Trade (WTO SPS/TBT)
- The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements: Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)
- Codex Alimentarius as the international reference for food safety under the SPS Agreement
- Implications of Codex standards for resolving international trade disputes
- Role of national Codex Contact Points in facilitating international trade
- Harmonization of food standards to reduce trade barriers.
Module 7. National Implementation & Future of Codex
- Strategies for national adoption and implementation of Codex standards
- Developing national positions for Codex committee meetings
- The process of revising and updating Codex texts based on new scientific evidence
- Emerging issues in food safety and quality that Codex is addressing (e.g., antimicrobial resistance, food fraud)
- The role of stakeholders (industry, consumers, academia) in Codex work and national compliance.
Training Approach
This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.
Tailor-Made Course
This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449
Training Venue
The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.
Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant
Certification
Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.
Airport Pickup and Accommodation
Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449
Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.
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| 07/07/2025 - 11/07/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 14/07/2025 - 18/07/2025 | $3500 | Johannesburg, South Africa |
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| 21/07/2025 - 25/07/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 04/08/2025 - 08/08/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 11/08/2025 - 15/08/2025 | $1750 | Mombasa, Kenya |
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| 18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 25/08/2025 - 29/08/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 01/09/2025 - 05/09/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 08/09/2025 - 12/09/2025 | $3500 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania |
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| 15/09/2025 - 19/09/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 22/09/2025 - 26/09/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 06/10/2025 - 10/10/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 | $3000 | Kigali, Rwanda |
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| 20/10/2025 - 24/10/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 03/11/2025 - 07/11/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 | $1750 | Mombasa, Kenya |
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| 17/11/2025 - 21/11/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 24/11/2025 - 28/11/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 01/12/2025 - 05/12/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 08/12/2025 - 12/12/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 15/12/2025 - 19/12/2025 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 05/01/2026 - 09/01/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 12/01/2026 - 16/01/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 19/01/2026 - 23/01/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 26/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 02/02/2026 - 06/02/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 09/02/2026 - 13/02/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 16/02/2026 - 20/02/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 23/02/2026 - 27/02/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 02/03/2026 - 06/03/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 09/03/2026 - 13/03/2026 | $3000 | Kigali, Rwanda |
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| 16/03/2026 - 20/03/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 23/03/2026 - 27/03/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 06/04/2026 - 10/04/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 13/04/2026 - 17/04/2026 | $1750 | Mombasa, Kenya |
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| 20/04/2026 - 24/04/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 04/05/2026 - 08/05/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 11/05/2026 - 15/05/2026 | $4500 | Dubai, UAE |
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| 18/05/2026 - 22/05/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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| 25/05/2026 - 29/05/2026 | $1500 | Nairobi, Kenya |
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