(Vienna, 31 August 2021) Regina Sommer from MedUni Vienna's Institute of Hygiene and Applied Immunology (Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology) has been appointed Chair of the Codex Commission on Drinking Water for the fourth time by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, with effect from 1 September 2021.
The tasks of the Austrian Codex Commission (§ 77 Food Safety and Consumer Protection Act) are to advise the Federal Minister for Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection on matters relating to all food regulations, including hygiene guidelines, and to draw up the Austrian Food Code (Codex Alimentarius Austriacus).
The Codex Commission, its sub-committees and working groups serve as platforms for the exchange of information between the various stakeholders and the authorities in the interests of crisis prevention, but also in the event of problems in the application of EU food legislation and its interpretation. It also deals with any concerns on the part of Austrian food businesses in connection with documentation from the EU or international bodies currently under discussion.
In addition to her role as Chair of the Codex Drinking Water Sub-Committee, Regina Sommer is also the Austrian representative on the Advisory Boards of the EU Commission (EMEG), which addresses matters relating to water hygiene, contributing her technical expertise in this field.