Metrology and Organization Functions Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the Director-General within the organization?

To manage the daily operations of the laboratory.

To develop and implement financial strategies for the organization.

To oversee the quality assurance processes for all products.

To formulate, implement and review national policies pertaining to standardization, quality control, and metrology, as well as coordinate director activities and represent the organization nationally and internationally. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a directorate within the organization?

Metrology

Quality Assurance

Marketing (correct)

Standards

What is the fee structure for the organization's services?

A set fee is charged for all services, regardless of cost.

A fee is sufficient to cover the entire cost of the service, except for those performed for the government or approved public bodies. (correct)

Fees are only charged for international clients.

Services are always free of charge.

Which of these is NOT a responsibility of the Director-General?

Overseeing the collection of fees for all services. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How long is the term of office for the Director-General?

4 years, with a maximum of 2 terms. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the council in relation to metrology standards?

To designate, establish, and approve metrology standards. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a function of the organization regarding quality control?

To set the overall policy of the organization. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the organization primarily responsible for concerning reference standards?

Ensuring reference standards for calibration and verification. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which action is part of the organization's duties regarding product registration?

To register all manufactured products distributed throughout Nigeria. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides creating standards, what else is the council tasked with concerning the national policy?

Advising on quality control and metrology (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the organization required to compile in regards to products in Nigeria?

An inventory of products requiring standardization. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What type of scheme is the organization tasked with establishing for both imports and exports?

A conformity assessment scheme. (B) Signup and view all the answers

For locally manufactured products, the organization's conformity assessment program is:

Mandatory. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON)?

Standardizing and regulating the quality of all products in Nigeria. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which international organization is SON a member of?

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Standards Council of Nigeria (SCN) play within SON?

It is the policy-making body that supervises the administration of SON. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a listed objective of SON?

Promoting political stability within the region (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who appoints the Chairman and members of the Standards Council of Nigeria (SCN)?

The President, on the recommendation of the Minister. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A member of the Standards Council of Nigeria (SCN) can be removed by the president if they are deemed to be?

Not acting in the national/organization's interest. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason for a member of the Standards Council of Nigeria (SCN) to cease holding office?

Failing to attend four consecutive meetings (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term length for a member of the Standards Council of Nigeria (SCN)?

4 years, renewable once (C) Signup and view all the answers

The day-to-day running of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is the responsibility of the:

Director general/ chief executive (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), with respect to metrology, standards, testing and quality control (MSTQ)?

Developing national policies for MSTQ (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct concern of the Codex Alimentarius?

Regulations on food production worker safety (C) Signup and view all the answers

Codex standards are intended to serve as:

Requirements for ensuring safe food products that are free from adulteration. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in a Codex standard for any food, in accordance to the Format for Codex Commodity Standards?

Sections that are appropriate according to the prescribed format. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why are Codex standards and related texts subject to revision?

To ensure consistency with and reflection of current scientific knowledge. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of each Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) member regarding the revision of standards?

To present new scientific and other relevant information that may warrant revisions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The process for creating new Codex standards starts with:

Approval of new work based on a Project Document and recommendation of the Executive Committee. (C) Signup and view all the answers

After a proposed draft food standard is prepared by the Codex Secretariat, what is the next step?

It is sent to Codex members and observers for review and comment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the comments received by the Codex Secretariat regarding a draft standard?

They are sent to the body assigned the work for consideration. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial step after a proposed draft standard is amended?

It is submitted to the Executive Committee for critical review. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which body provides scientific advice on maximum limits for pesticide residues?

Joint FAO/WHO Meetings on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of members currently in the Codex Alimentarius Commission?

189 (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an objective of the Codex Alimentarius Commission?

Managing international food trade tariffs (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are the Chairperson and Vice-chairpersons of the Codex Alimentarius Commission selected?

Elected to a maximum of 2 year terms (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the Coordinators of the Codex Alimentarius Commission?

To represent specific geographic regions or groups of countries. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals is the Executive Committee primarily composed of?

The Chairperson, Vice-chairpersons, Coordinators, and 7 elected members (A) Signup and view all the answers

Who determines the place of the annual Codex Alimentarius Commission session?

The DGs of FAO and WHO (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a main function of the Executive Committee?

To manage the Commission’s standards development program (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a main role of Scientific Risk Assessment Bodies?

To advise on maximum limits for food additives and other food safety matters (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum notice that members must receive before a Commission session?

2 months (B) Signup and view all the answers

What serves as the Secretariat of the Codex Alimentarius Commission?

A group of staff located in Rome (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the membership of the Codex Alimentarius Commission?

It is open to all Member nations and Associate Members of FAO and/or WHO (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the coordinators?

To directly amend existing standards (D) Signup and view all the answers

For which specific purpose would a majority of the Commission's members be needed for a quorum?

To make amendments to the statutes of the Commission (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what is the primary responsibility of the Council in relation to the organization's staff?

To determine the appointment, remunerations, and other conditions of service, in consultation with the Federal Civil Service Commission (B) Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may the Director-General or an authorized person use reasonable force to enter premises?

When gaining entry to any place where they believe an industrial or commercial undertaking is being carried out. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum time an article/product/material/goods can be seized and detained without a court order, according to the document?

90 days (A) Signup and view all the answers

What action constitutes an offense?

Failing to provide the required information after receiving written notice. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the literal meaning of 'Codex Alimentarius'?

Food law or code (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a stated aim of the food standards and related texts of the Codex Alimentarius?

Reducing the number of required food safety inspections. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Director-General (DG) in relation to the duties of the directors?

To determine the duties of the directors. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, a person who obstructs an officer or employee in the execution of their duty:

Commits an offense. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of publishing the Codex Alimentarius?

To establish and promote the harmonisation of definitions and requirements for foods for the purpose of international trade (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the powers, rights, privileges, and protection given to officers of the organization?

They are equivalent to that of a police officer for carrying out duties under this Act (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pharmacy Laws and Ethics (SAP 401)

Course code: SAP 401
Course name: Pharmacy Laws and Ethics
Units: 2

Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON)

Established by SON Act No. 56 of 1971
Responsible for National Policy on Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality Control (MSTQ)
Maintains standards and regulates product quality in Nigeria
Acts as custodian of product, process, and metrology standards
Governed by a Standards Council, but day-to-day operations are managed by the Director-General/Chief Executive
Member of: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), African Regional Organization for Standardization (ARSO), Codex Alimentarius Commission, World Standards Services Network (WSSN), International Electro-technical Commission (IEC), Southern African Development Cooperation in Measurement Traceability and Legal Metrology (SADCMET and SADCMEL)
Also participates in programs and activities of international bodies and UN agencies (UNIDO and UNICEF)

Aims and Objectives

Prepare standards for products, measurements, materials, processes, and services
Promote standards at national, regional, and international levels
Certify products
Assist in producing quality goods and services
Improve measurement accuracy and disseminate standard-related information

Standards Council of Nigeria (SCN)

SON's governing body.
Consists of:
- A chairman
- Representatives from Ministries(agriculture & rural development; defence; trade & investment; finance; works; Health; science & technology)
- Representatives from various fields of activity (university education & research; chambers of commerce, industry & mines; engineering & engineering consultancy; services; processing & manufacturing; construction industry; employers' association; and consumers' association)
- One person not employed in the public service and of unquestionable integrity.

Tenure and Removal of Members

Members serve 4-year terms, maximum of 2 terms.
President can remove a member if deemed not in national/organizational interest.
Members cease to hold office if they become unsound of mind, bankrupt, convicted of felony, guilty of serious misconduct, or professionally disqualified.
Members can resign by written notification.

Functions of the Council

Advise the federal government on national policy on standards
Designate, establish, and approve standards in metrology, materials, commodities, structures, and processes for product certification
Provide measures for quality control of raw materials and products
Set overall organizational policy, particularly financial, operational, and administrative programs
Carry out other functions as outlined in relevant acts

Functions and Duties of the Organization

Organize tests and ensure compliance with designated and approved standards
Investigate quality of facilities, systems, services, materials, and products (imported and manufactured)
Evaluate quality assurance activities
Establish reference standards for calibration and verification of measuring instruments
Compile inventory of products requiring standardization

Other Information

SON maintains a library of books, publications, and other relevant standard materials.
Fees are charged for services like comparisons, tests, and investigations.
SON is structured into directorates, departments, and units.
- Includes directorates for: standards, quality assurance, laboratory, metrology, technical services, human resources, finance and supplies, legal
Staff includes Director-General, chief executive, and accounting officer.

Staff of the Organization

Director-General (appointed by the president)
- Chief executive and accounting officer
Holds office for 4 years (maximum 2 terms)
Responsibilities include: Advising the council, coordinating activities of directors, initiating investigations, representing the organization nationally and internationally, enforcing the standards, and discharging the organization's duties.

Directors (appointed by Council)

Number determined by the council
Duties determined by the DG
Other staff as needed to assist the Director-General

Financial Provision, Nigerian Industrial Standards , and Evasion of Fees

Read-up topics related to financial resources, industrial standards, and compliance with fees and levies

Power to Enter Premises

The DG or any authorized officer has the power to stop and search vehicles or premises suspected of contravening the Act.
They can enter premises, use necessary force, seize and detain items, and investigate undertakings for specified time (up to 90 days).
The officer can also demand information from organizations.

Offences

Failure to submit required returns as per the Act is an offense.
Providing false statements in returns constitutes an offense.
Willfully obstructing, interfering, assaulting or resisting a SON officer is an offense.
Aiding, inviting, inducing or abetting others is an offense.
Offenses committed by a corporate body and attributable to negligence by officers are also punishable.

WHO/FAO CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION

An intergovernmental body focused on food standards.
Formed in 1963.
Open to all member nations and associate members of FAO and/or WHO.
Currently has 189 members.
Headquartered in Rome.
Established in 1963 (current membership of 189 members).
Nigeria joined in 1969

Codex Alimentarius

A collection of internationally adopted food standards and related texts, presented uniformly.
Latin for "food law or code"

Purpose of the Codex Alimentarius

Protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade.
Guide and promote the elaboration and establishment of definitions and requirements for foods to facilitate international trade.

Scope of the Codex Alimentarius

Standards for all processed, semi-processed, or raw foods distributed to consumers
Food production materials and processing standards
Food hygiene provisions, including food additives, pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, contaminants, labeling, and presentation.

Nature of Codex Standards

Codex standards are not a substitute for or alternative to national legislation
Every country must comply with their own food laws and standards.
Codex standards aim for a safe, wholesome, correctly labeled, and unadulterated food product, facilitating international food trade

Revision of Codex Standards

The CAC and its subsidiary bodies continuously revise standards to align with current scientific knowledge.
Revised or removed based on the procedures for the elaboration of Codex standards and related texts.
New scientific data presented to appropriate committees warrants revisions

Definitions

Codex Alimentarius' definitions for various purposes, found on pages 23-26

Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex Standards

New standards based on the Project Document and the Executive Committee recommendations
Codex Secretariat prepares a proposal for a draft standard, distributing it to relevant bodies for assessment
Circulated to Codex members and observers for comment
Received comments are sent to assigned bodies for review and consideration.
The draft is then amended and resubmitted to the executive and main committees before adoption by the Commission.
Standard is published on Codex website

Scientific Risk Assessment Bodies

Provide advice on maximum limits for food additives, pesticide residues, pathogens, and other scientific issues related to food safety

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

Principles, structure, membership, place, and date, established, open to all member nations.

Objectives

Protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade.
Coordinate international food standards work.
Set priorities for and guide development of draft standards.
Finalize and publish Codex standards.
Amend existing published standards.

Officers of the Commission

Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, Secretary, and other officers appointed by the FAO and WHO Directors-General.

Coordinators

Appointed by the Commission from among its members, based on geographic location or group of countries
Responsible for coordinating tasks concerning the work of Codex Committees

Executive Committee

Comprises the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, Coordinators, and 7 other members from specific regions
Responsible for: Making proposals to the Commission regarding general orientation and work; studying problems; helping manage the Commission's program; considering specific matters; estimating expenditures; establishing sub-committees as needed

Sessions of the Commission

The Commission holds one principle session annually at the headquarters of FAO or WHO (or elsewhere when deemed necessary).
Dates and locations determined after consultation with relevant authorities.
Notice of date and location communicated to all members at least two months in advance.

Meeting Procedures

Commission meetings are held publicly unless otherwise decided.
A majority of Members constitutes a quorum.
For some matters, a specific quorum (minimum number) need to be met.
Quorum in specific cases involving regional concerns is more specific (at least one-third of Members belonging to region).

Codex Committees

Various committees focusing on contaminant standards, additives, hygiene, food labeling, and others related to special dietary needs.

Commodity Committees

Various active and adjourned committees specializing in food products such as cereals, pulses, fats, fruits, vegetables, sugars, spices, cocoa, fish, meat, milk, and natural waters.

Ad-hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces

Various active and dissolved task forces for topics such as antimicrobial resistance, animal feeding, foods, derived from biotechnology, fruit juices, and quick-frozen food processing.

Additional Readings

Format for Codex Commodity Standards (page 55)
Functions of other Codex Committees (page 206)

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Description

Test your knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of the Director-General and the organization related to metrology and quality control. This quiz covers various aspects including fee structures, term lengths, and the council's functions. Ideal for students and professionals interested in standards and regulatory processes.