Tunisia Participates in 48th Session of Codex Alimentarius Committee
The Technical Center for Food Industries (CTIA), under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, as the Tunisian contact point for the Codex Alimentarius, recently participated in the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Committee held at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome.
Recognition of Tunisian Dates
This participation enabled Tunisia to have the characteristics of its dates, particularly the Deglet Nour variety, recognized in the new international standard for fresh dates. Since 2017, Tunisia has been actively contributing to the development of this standard through the expertise of its specialists and coordination between the various national structures concerned. A series of meetings was organized to defend the particularities of Tunisian dates.
New International Standard for Fresh Dates
Until now, there has been no specific international standard for fresh dates, which are currently classified among dried fruits. The inclusion of Deglet Nour in this new standard will open up new prospects for the promotion and export of Tunisian dates, whose quality meets international standards. This recognition will also contribute to further enhancing the value of this product by diversifying its marketing and processing methods.
Strategy to Promote Tunisian Dates
This initiative is part of the ministry's strategy to promote Tunisian origin in the date sector and its derivatives, develop production, and boost exports to promising markets. It is accompanied by the strengthening of infrastructure in terms of quality, standards, certification, and accreditation, as well as laboratories and training programs offered by the various structures of the ministry.
Benefits of Recognition
The recognition of Tunisian dates in the new international standard is expected to have a positive impact on the country's date industry, including:
- Increased exports and revenue
- Improved quality and competitiveness of Tunisian dates
- Enhanced reputation and visibility of Tunisian dates in international markets
- Diversification of marketing and processing methods for Tunisian dates
Overall, Tunisia's participation in the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Committee marks an important step towards promoting the country's date industry and enhancing the value of its dates in international markets.
