Codex has published its Use and impact of the Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination in cereals (CXC 51–2003) in Brazil (CoP), the first in-depth case study to be carried out as part of the development of a monitoring framework on the use and impact of Codex texts.

The case study is a qualitative approach to the monitoring of Codex standards and complements the quantitative survey approach that has been established since 2022. These approaches, together with ongoing collaborative work with the World Trade Organization (WTO), respond to the call of Goal 3 of the current Codex Strategic Plan 2020–2025 to "Increase impact through the recognition and use of Codex standards," which has as one objective to "Recognize and promote the impact of Codex standards" and includes as an outcome "a mechanism/tool to measure the impact of Codex standards developed and piloted".

The case study threw up some interesting results. Through a mixed methods approach, the study demonstrates significant impact of the implementation of the CoP, with Brazil’s maize production sector clearly benefitting from the improved practices outlined in the Codex text. The sector reduced fumonisin levels in maize, resulting in notable improvements in food safety, and maize export quality and value. The study shows, however, that these positive outcomes for maize producers are clearly linked not only to the implementation of the CoP, but also to the use of relevant Codex MLs at the national level. "While fumonisins levels in maize dropped, production and export of maize dramatically increased. Brazil, from net-importer in the 1990s, is now the second exporter worldwide of maize with a countervalue of over USD 13 billion in 2023 (FAOSTAT)," says Farid El Haffar, Technical Officer in the Codex Alimentarius Secretariat. "We do not claim all this is due to implementation of Codex texts, but the CoP played an important role in achieving this result!"

The CoP provides guidelines for preventing and reducing mycotoxin contamination in cereal grains, grain-derived foods and animal feeds. "This is the first case study to monitor the use and impact of Codex texts," continues El Haffar. "We hope to be able to carry out more in the future, as they provide insightful information on how the use of Codex texts can increase trade while protecting consumer health. The case study contains important lessons learned that other countries can replicate."

The production of this publication was generously funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea.

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Monitoring of Codex texts