The Impact of Hybridization of Food Governance in Developing Countries

Private standards have become increasingly important in global agri-food value chains. There is a dynamic interchange between the public and private sectors. Private standards use to go beyond the requirements of public standards. Developing countries typically find it extremely difficult to provide input in both public and private standards. It is evident that a number of developing countries, and exporters and producers therein, face challenges in complying with private food safety standards. There are concerns about the impact on small producers, the compliance costs, transparency and inclusiveness of standard-setting processes, not only in private standards organisations but also in Codex. Codex should engage with private food safety standards and support the development of national food control capacity in developing countries.