Kenya’s Director of Veterinary Services Dr Allan Azegele was, on Tuesday, November 26, unanimously elected as the 21st Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) in Geneva Switzerland.
Azegele previously served as one of the vice chairpersons in the commission alongside Raj Rajasekar and Diego Varela. He will take over from Steve Wearne.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to accept this role and I am committed to serving Codex with inclusivity and transparency,” he said following his appointment.
“Together we will build on Codex’s legacy as the global standard-bearer for food safety and food trade, whilst ensuring no one is left behind. As Chairperson, my vision is to ensure Codex remains the foundation of the global food system.”
Director of Veterinary Services Allan Azegele speaking during the 8th Africa Animal Welfare Conference on October 2, 2024.
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The Codex Alimentarius, also known as the ‘food code’, is a collection of standards, guidelines, and codes of practice aimed at protecting consumer health and promoting fair practices in the global food trade.
The governing commission consists of United Nations officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Taking to social media to share the news, Jonathan Mueke, the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, congratulated Azegele and thanked FAO, WHO, and the European Union for giving the mantle to Kenya.
“Thanking all 188 Member States of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the European Union for electing Dr. Allan Azegele, Kenya’s Director of Veterinary Services, as Chairman of the Codex Alimentarius Commission,” he stated.
“We appreciate the confidence you have shown in Kenya and assure the Codex Commission of our support as they continue to ensure global food safety and quality.”
He described Dr Azegele as someone who has consistently demonstrated exemplary professionalism throughout his career, earning widespread respect from his peers and international colleagues.
On the appointment’s implication to Kenya, PS Mueke stated that it demonstrated Kenya’s commitment to global food safety and quality standards.
“Kenya endeavours to support the seamless flow of food products through fair trade, and this can only be achieved through Codex standards,” his statement read.
“We wish to assure all members of our unwavering support for the continued working of Codex as we continue to address emerging challenges and enhance food security.”
Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke during a meeting at his office on November 11, 2024.
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Jonathan Mueke