Capacity building for chemical risk analysis
Overview
WHO SEARO facilitated development of training module considering regional context including case studies on heavy metal, aflatoxin, pesticides and veterinary drug residues as these are common food contaminants in the region. Secondly, WHO worked with Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) to identify two local consultants, international experts from Canada, Germany and WHO Collaborating Center for Risk Assessment Hongkong and training was organized in Indian Institute of Toxicological Research Lucknow to ensure leadership, ownership and partnership. A selection-criteria was developed to ensure representation of multidisciplinary professionals who are engaged in risk assessment and generation of data on contaminants and exposure. Participants from Bhutan, India and Nepal have an opportunity to understand the importance of data generation and validation, total diet studies and role of FAO/WHO Expert Group (pesticides, food additives and microbiological risk assessment) in providing scientific advice to Codex. It is planned to develop standard training modules with online course followed by face-to-face discussion which will be institutionalized in India. It will be regional training center on risk assessment to run international training programme to cater the needs of Member States in WHO South East Asia Region.
