Rome: The Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization (GSO) is actively participating in the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX), held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy, from November 10 to 14. The GSO delegation is being led by Chairman Nawaf Ibrahim Al-Mana.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the session is addressing several key topics, including the chairperson’s report on the 88th and 89th executive committee meetings, the Codex strategic plan for 2026-2031, the approval of the Codex budget, and the election of the chairperson, vice-chairpersons, and executive committee members based on geographic distribution.

Additionally, the agenda features the appointment of coordinators and countries to lead Codex subsidiary bodies, reviewing coordination committee reports and outputs between the FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO), and discussing results from specialized technical committees and proposed amendments to the Codex Procedural Manual.

In terms of international standards, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, with backing from GSO member states, has approved the international standard for fresh dates. This standard aims to boost the competitiveness of Gulf and Arab exports in global markets and facilitate the smooth flow of Gulf food products in line with internationally recognized specifications.