International Standard-Setting Activities
Federal RegisterJun 4, 1996
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
[Docket No. 96-018N]
International Standard-Setting Activities
AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and
phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (Codex), in accordance with section 491 of the Trade
Agreements Act of 1979, as amended by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act,
Pub. L. 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809 (1994), and seeks comments on standards
currently under consideration and recommendations for new standards. It
also lists other standard-setting activities of Codex, including
commodity standards, guidelines, codes of practice, and revised texts.
This notice covers the time periods from June 1, 1995, to May 31, 1996,
and May 31, 1996, to June 1, 1997.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to: FSIS Docket Clerk, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room
4352, South Agriculture Building, Washington, DC 20250-3700. Please
state that your comments refer to Codex and, if your comments relate to
specific Codex committees, please identify those committees in your
comments and submit a copy of your comments to the Delegate from that
particular committee. All comments submitted in response to the
standard-setting activities of Codex will be available for public
inspection in the Docket Clerk's Office between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.,
and 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joan Mondschein, Confidential
Assistant to the Administrator, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, Room 1763, South Agriculture Building,
14th & Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700; (202) 720-
7323. For information pertaining to particular committees, the delegate
of that committee may be contacted. (A complete list of U.S. delegates
and alternate delegates can be found in Appendix 1 to this notice.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1,
1995, as the common international institutional framework for the
conduct of trade relations among its members in matters related to the
Uruguay Round Agreements. The WTO is the successor organization to the
General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). U.S. membership in the
WTO was approved by Congress when it enacted the Uruguay Round
Agreements Act, which
[[Page 28133]]
was signed into law by the President on December 8, 1994. Pursuant to
section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, the
President is required to designate an agency to be responsible for
informing the public of the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standard-
setting activities of each international standard-setting organization,
Codex, International Office of Epizootics, and the International Plant
Protection Convention. The President, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6780
of March 23, 1995 (60 FR 15845), designated the U.S. Department of
Agriculture as the agency responsible for informing the public of
sanitary and phytosanitary standard-setting activities of each
international standard-setting organization. The Secretary of
Agriculture is delegating to the Under Secretary for Food Safety the
responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standard-setting
activities of Codex. The Acting Under Secretary for Food Safety has, in
turn, assigned the responsibility for informing the public to the
Office of U.S. Codex Alimentarius in the Food Safety and Inspection
Service (FSIS).
Codex was created in 1962 by two U.N. organizations, the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Codex is the major international organization for encouraging fair
international trade in food and protecting the health and economic
interests of consumers. Through adoption of food standards, codes of
practice, and other guidelines developed by its committees and by
promoting their adoption and implementation by governments, Codex seeks
to ensure that the world's food supply is sound, wholesome, free from
adulteration, and correctly labeled. In the United States, the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA); the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manage and carry out U.S.
Codex activities.
As the agency responsible for informing the public of the sanitary
and phytosanitary standard-setting activities of Codex, FSIS will be
publishing a notice in the Federal Register annually, setting forth the
following information:
1. The sanitary or phytosanitary standards under consideration or
planned for consideration; and
2. For each sanitary or phytosanitary standard specified:
a. A description of the consideration or planned consideration of
the standard;
b. Whether the United States is participating or plans to
participate in the consideration of the standard;
c. The agenda for United States participation, if any; and
d. The agency responsible for representing the United States with
respect to the standard.
TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THOSE STANDARDS LISTED IN THIS NOTICE THAT ARE
UNDER CONSIDERATION BY CODEX, PLEASE CONTACT THE CODEX DELEGATE OR THE
OFFICE OF U.S. CODEX ALIMENTARIUS. This notice also solicits public
comment on those standards that are under consideration and on
recommendations for new standards. The delegate, in conjunction with
the responsible agency, will take the comments received into account in
participating in the consideration of the standards and in proposing
matters to be considered by Codex.
The United States delegate will facilitate public participation in
the United States Government activities relating to Codex Alimentarius.
The United States delegate will maintain a list of individuals, groups,
and organizations that have expressed an interest in the activities of
the Codex committees and will disseminate information regarding United
States delegation activities to interested parties. This information
will include the current status of each agenda item, the United States
Government's position or preliminary position on the agenda items, and
the time and place of planning meetings and debriefing meetings
following Codex committee sessions. Please notify the appropriate U.S.
delegate or the Office of U.S. Codex Alimentarius, West End Court
Building, Room 311, Washington, DC 20250-3700, if you would like to
receive information about specific committees.
The information provided below describes the status of Codex
standard-setting activities by the Codex Committees for the two year
period from June 1, 1995 to June 1, 1997. In addition, the following
information is included with this Federal Register notice:
Appendix 1. List of U.S. Codex Officials (includes U.S. delegates and
alternate delegates).
Appendix 2. Timetable of Codex Sessions (June 1995 through June 1997)
Appendix 3. Definitions for the Purpose of Codex Alimentarius
Appendix 4. (A) Uniform Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex
Standards and Related Texts; (B) Uniform Accelerated Procedure for the
Elaboration of Codex Standards and Related Texts
Appendix 5. Nature of Codex Standards
Appendix 6. Provisional Agenda of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards
Program, Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission, 43rd
Session. Geneva, Switzerland--June, 1996
Appendix 7. List of Standards and Related Texts Adopted by the 21st
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, July, 1995
Done at Washington, DC.
Michael R. Taylor,
Acting Under Secretary for Food Safety.
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods was
established in 1986. The Committee determines priorities for the
consideration of residues of veterinary drugs in foods and recommends
Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for veterinary drugs. A Codex Maximum
Limit for Residues of Veterinary Drugs (MRLVD) is the maximum
concentration of residue resulting from the use of a veterinary drug
(expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis) that is
recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be legally
permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on a food.
An MRLVD is based on the type and amount of residue considered to
be without any toxicological hazard for human health as expressed by
the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)*, or on the basis of a temporary ADI
that utilizes an additional safety factor. An MRLVD also takes into
account other relevant public health risks as well as food
technological aspects.
When establishing an MRLVD, consideration is also given to residues
that occur in food of plant origin and/or the environment. Furthermore,
the MRLVD may be reduced to be consistent with good practices in the
use of veterinary drugs and to the extent that practical and analytical
methods are available.
[[Page 28134]]
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Status of US participation/
Codex committee Standard consideration agenda Responsible agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Levamisole........ MRL under Yes................ HHS/FDA
Foods (to be considered at consideration at
twenty-second Session of the step 8.
Codex Alimentarius Commission)
(CAC) Ref. Alinorm 97/31.
Triclabendazole... MRLs under Yes................ HHS/FDA
consideration at
step 8.
Carazolol......... MRLs under Yes................ HHS/FDA
consideration at
step 5.
Ceftiofur sodium.. MRLs under Yes................ HHS/FDA
consideration at
step 5.
Bovine MRL under Yes................ HHS/FDA
Somatotropin. consideration at
step 8.
Doramectin........ MRLs under Yes................ HHS/FDA
consideration at
step 5.
Moxidectin........ MRLs under Yes................ HHS/FDA
consideration at
step 5.
Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Spiramycin........ MRLs under Yes................ HHS/FDA
Foods (to be considered at consideration at
twenty-second Session of the step 5.
Codex Alimentarius Commission)
(CAC) Ref. Alinorm 97/31.
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* Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI): An estimate by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of
the amount of a veterinary drug, expressed on a body weight basis, that can be ingested daily over a lifetime
without appreciable health risk (standard man=60 kg).
Food Additives and Contaminants
The Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (CCFAC)
establishes or endorses permitted maximum or guideline levels for
individual food additives, contaminants, and naturally occurring
toxicants in food and animal feed. The 29th Session of the CCFAC is
tentatively scheduled for March 17-21, 1997, in the Hague, The
Netherlands.
The following matters are contained in Alinorm 97/12 and are under
consideration by the CCFAC:
Proposed Draft General Standard for Food Additives, Annex
A (Guidelines for the Estimation of Appropriate Levels of Use of Food
Additives) for adoption at Step 5;
Note: The draft standard is being developed in stages according
to food additive functional classes, beginning with antioxidants and
preservatives, and stabilizers, thickeners, and sweeteners; see
attached list.
Specifications \1\ for carmines, curcumin, nitrogen,
phosphoric acid, polydextrose, potassium bromate, potassium nitrate,
potassium nitrite, sodium nitrate, and sodium nitrite will be
recommended by CCFAC to the Twenty-second Session of the Codex
Commission for adoption;
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Not in Step Procedure.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Draft General Standard for Contaminants and
Toxicants in Food Annexes I (Criteria for the Establishment of Maximum
Levels in Foods), II (Procedure for Risk Management Decisions), and III
(Format of the Standard) to be forwarded to the 22nd Session of the
Commission at Step 8;
Proposed Draft General Standard for Contaminants and
Toxicants in Food, Annexes IV (see attached list) and V (Food
Categorisation System to be used in the GSC) to be forwarded to the
43rd Session of the Executive Committee for adoption at Step 5;
Position paper on aflatoxins at Step 1;
Draft Maximum Level for Aflatoxin M1 in Milk at Step 7;
Draft Codex Guideline Levels and Sampling Plans for Total
Aflatoxins in Peanuts at Step 6;
Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of
Aflatoxins in Raw Materials and Supplementary Feeding stuffs for Milk-
Producing Animals at Step 5;
Position Paper on Ochratoxins at Step 3;
Proposed Draft Standard for Lead at Step 3; and
Draft Guideline Levels for Cadmium and Lead in Cereals,
Pulses and Legumes at Step 6.
Agency Responsible: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Food Additives and Contaminants
For the purposes of Codex, a food additive means any substance not
normally consumed as a food by itself and not normally used as a
typical ingredient in the food, whether or not it has nutritive value,
the intentional addition of which to food for a technological
(including organoleptic) purpose in the manufacture, processing,
preparation, treatment, packing, packaging, transport, or holding of
such food results, or may be reasonably expected to result (directly or
indirectly), in it or its by-products becoming a component of or
otherwise affecting the characteristics of such foods. The food
additive term does not include ``contaminants'' or substances added to
food for maintaining or improving nutritional qualities.
The General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) will set forth
maximum levels of use of food additives in various foods and food
categories. The maximum levels will be based on the food additive
provisions of previously established Codex commodity standards, as well
as on the use of the additives in non-standardized foods.
Only those food additives for which an acceptable daily intake
(ADI) has been established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on
Food Additives (JECFA) will be included in the general Standard for
Food Additives. The draft GSFA, which is being developed in stages,
currently covers only those JECFA-reviewed food additives that are used
as antioxidants, preservatives, stabilizers, thickeners, and
sweeteners. These JECFA-reviewed food additives are listed in the table
below.
[[Page 28135]]
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Status of U.S. participation/ Responsible
Codex committee Substance consideration agenda agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Food Additives and Acetic Acid...... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Anoxomer......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Ascorbic Acid.... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Ascorbyl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Palmitate. Consideration at Step
4.
Ascorbyl Stearate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Benzoic Acid..... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Benzoyl Peroxide. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Acetylated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Distarch Consideration at Step
Phosphate. 4.
Acetylated Starch Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Acid Treated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Starch. Consideration at Step
4.
Agar............. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Alitame.......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Alkaline Treated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Starch. Consideration at Step
4.
Aluminum Ammonium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Sulphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Ammonium Alginate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Amylose and Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Amylopectin. Consideration at Step
4.
Arabinogalactan.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Aspartame........ Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Baker's Yeast Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Glycan. Consideration at Step
4.
Bentonite........ Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Bleached Starch.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Brominated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Vegetable Oil. Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Calcium Acetate.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Butylated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Hydroxyanisole. Consideration at Step
4.
Butylated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Hydroxytoluene. Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Ascorbate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Benzoate. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Disodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Ethylenediaminet Consideration at Step
etr acetate. 4.
Calcium Hydrogen Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Sulphite. Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Propionate. Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Alginate. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Chloride. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Disodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
EDTA. Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Gluconate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Hydroxide Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
[[Page 28136]]
Calcium Lactate.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Calcium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Polyphosphate. Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Calcium Stearate. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Sulphate. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Dioxide.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Carbonates....... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Carob Bean Gum... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Carrageenan and Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Salts of Consideration at Step
Carrageenan. 4.
Carrageenan and Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
its Salts with Consideration at Step
Polysorbate 80. 4.
Carrageenan Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
(Including Consideration at Step
Furcelleran). 4.
Catalase, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Aspergillus Consideration at Step
niger. 4.
Calcium Sorbate.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Calcium Sulphite. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Citric Acid...... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Dilauryl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Thiodipropionate. Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Dimethyl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Dicarbonate. Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Diphenyl......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Disodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Ethylenediaminet Consideration at Step
etr acetate. 4.
Catalase, Bovine Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Liver. Consideration at Step
4.
Cellulase, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Aspergillus Consideration at Step
niger. 4.
Celluloses, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Modified. Consideration at Step
4.
Chymosin, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Aspergillus Consideration at Step
awamori. 4.
Chymosin, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Escherichia coli Consideration at Step
K-12. 4.
Chymosin, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Kluveromyces Consideration at Step
marxianus v. 4.
Lactis.
Citrates......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Citric and Fatty Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Acids Esters of Consideration at Step
Glycerol. 4.
Cyclamates....... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Dextrins, White Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
and Yellow, Consideration at Step
Roasted Starch. 4.
Dicalcium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Dioctyl Sodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Sulfosuccinate. Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Disptassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Diphoshate. Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Dipotassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Dipotassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Tartrate. Consideration at Step
4.
[[Page 28137]]
Disodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Diphosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Disodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Disodium Tartrate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Distarch Glycerol Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Distarch Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Edible Gelatin... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Enzyme Treated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Starches. Consideration at Step
4.
Ethyl Maltol..... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Ethylene Oxide Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Polymer. Consideration at Step
4.
Dodecyl Gallate.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Erthorbic Acid... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
p-Hydroxybenzoate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Formic Acid...... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Glucose Oxidase Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
from Aspergillus Consideration at Step
niger. 4.
Guaiac Resin..... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Hexamethylene Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Tetramine. Consideration at Step
4.
Isopropyl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Citrates. Consideration at Step
4.
Ethylene Oxide- Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Propylene Oxide Consideration at Step
Copolymer. 4.
Ferrous Sulphate. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Fumaric Acid..... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Furcelleran and Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Salts of Consideration at Step
Furcelleran. 4.
Gellan Gum....... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Glucose Oxidase, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Aspergillus Consideration at Step
niger. 4.
Glycerol......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Glycerol Esters Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
of Wood Rosin. Consideration at Step
4.
Glycine.......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Guar Gum......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Gum Arabic....... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Gum Ghatti....... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Hydroxypropyl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Distarch Adipate. Consideration at Step
4.
Hydroxypropyl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Distarch Consideration at Step
Glycerol. 4.
Hydroxyproyl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Distarch Consideration at Step
Phosphate. 4.
Hyroxypropyl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Starch. Consideration at Step
4.
Insoluble Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Polyvinylpyrroli Consideration at Step
done. 4.
[[Page 28138]]
Invertase........ Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Isomalt.......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Karaya Gum....... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Konjac Flour..... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Lactic Acid...... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Lactic and Fatty Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Acid Esters of Consideration at Step
Glycerol. 4.
Lactitol......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Lecithin......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Lysozyme......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Magnesium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Hydroxide. Consideration at Step
4.
Maltitol......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Maltol........... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Malto-Lacto Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Bacteria, Consideration at Step
Leuconostoc 4.
oenos.
Mannitol......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Metatartaric Acid Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Microcystalline Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Cellulose. Consideration at Step
4.
Microparticulated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Protein Produce. Consideration at Step
4.
Monocalcium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Lysozyme......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
methyl p- Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Hydroxybenzoate. Consideration at Step
4.
Nisin............ Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Octyl Gallate.... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Ortho- Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phenylphenol. Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Pectins (Amidated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ and non- Consideration at Step
12A. Amidated). 4.
Peptone.......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Phosphated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Distarch Consideration at Step
Phosphate. 4.
Phosphatidic Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Acid, Ammonium Consideration at Step
Salt. 4.
Polydextrose..... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Polyethuylene Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Glycol. Consideration at Step
4.
Polyglycerol Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Esters of Fatty Consideration at Step
Acids. 4.
Polyglycerol Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Esters of Consideration at Step
Interesterified 4.
Ricinoleic Acid.
Polyoxyethylene Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
(8) Stearate. Consideration at Step
4.
Polysorbates 20, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
40, 60, 65, and Consideration at Step
80. 4.
Polyvinylpyrrolid Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
one. Consideration at Step
4.
Potassium Acetate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
[[Page 28139]]
Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Alginate. Consideration at Step
4.
Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Caseinate. Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Chloride. Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Hydroxide. Consideration at Step
4.
Potassium Lactate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Polyphosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Potassium Sorbate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Powdered Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Cellulose. Consideration at Step
4.
Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Ascorbate. Consideration at Step
4.
Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Benzoate. Consideration at Step
4.
Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Hydrogen Consideration at Step
Sulphite. 4.
Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Metabisulphite. Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Nitrite... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium o- Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phenylphenol. Consideration at Step
4.
Processed Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Eucheuma Seaweed. Consideration at Step
4.
Propylene Glycol Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Alginate. Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Propylene Glycol Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Esters of Fatty Consideration at Step
12A. Acids. 4.
Propylene Glycol. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Rapeseed Oil, Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Hydrogenated. Consideration at Step
4.
Rennet........... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Saccharin........ Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Silicates........ Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Alginate.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Aluminum Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Caseinate. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Hypophosphite. Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Lactate... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Polyphosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Potassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Tartrate. Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Stearyl Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Fumarate. Consideration at Step
4.
Sorbitan Esters Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
of Fatty Acids. Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Sorbitol......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Consideration at Step
12A 4.
Sorbitol Syrup... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Starch Acetate... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Starch Aluminum Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Octenyl Consideration at Step
Succinate. 4.
[[Page 28140]]
Starch Sodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Octenylacetate. Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Propionate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Sorbate... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Sulphite.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Thiosulphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Sorbic Acid...... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Stannous Chloride Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sulphur dioxide.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
tert- Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Butylhydroquin Consideration at Step
one. 4.
Starch Sodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Octenylsuccinate. Consideration at Step
4.
Starch Sodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Succinate. Consideration at Step
4.
(Food Additives and Stearoyl-2- Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Contaminants) Ref. Alinorm 95/ Lactylates. Consideration at Step
12A. 4.
Succinyl Distarch Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Glycerol. Consideration at Step
4.
Sucrolose........ Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sucroglycerides.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Sucrose Acetate Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Isobutyrate. Consideration at Step
4.
Sucrose Fatty Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Acid Esters. Consideration at Step
4.
Tara Gum......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Tartaric, Acetic Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
and Fatty Acid Consideration at Step
Esters of 4.
Glycerol.
Tetrapotassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Diphosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Thiodipropionic.. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Tocopherols...... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Tocopherols, d- Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
alpha. Consideration at Step
4.
Tocopherols, d- Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Alpha, Consideration at Step
Concentrate. 4.
(CCFAC) Ref. CX/FAC 96/8...... Acelsulfame Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Potassium. Consideration at Step
4.
Acetic and Fatty Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Acid Esters of Consideration at Step
Glycerol. 4.
Acetylated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Distarch Adipate. Consideration at Step
4.
Acetylated Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Distarch Consideration at Step
glycerol. 4.
Tetrasodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Diphosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Thaumatin........ Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Tragacanth Gum... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Tricalcium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phsophate. Consideration at Step
4.
Triethyl Citrate. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Tripotassium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
Trisodium Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Phosphate. Consideration at Step
4.
[[Page 28141]]
Urea............. Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Xanthan Gum...... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
Xylitol.......... Maximum Levels Under Yes............... HHS/FDA
Consideration at Step
4.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Food Additives and Contaminants
A contaminant means any substance not intentionally added to food,
which is present in such food as a result of the production (including
operations carried out in crop husbandry, animal husbandry and
veterinary medicine), manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment,
packing, packaging, transport, or holding of such food or as a result
of environmental contamination. The term contaminant does not include
insect fragments, rodent hairs, and other extraneous matter.
The Codex maximum level (ML) for a contaminant or naturally
occurring toxicant in a food or feed commodity is the maximum
concentration of that substance recommended by the Codex Alimentarius
Commission to be legally permitted in that commodity. The ML is
intended to ensure free movement of food in international trade while
protecting the health of the consumer.
The General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods will
establish maximum levels for contaminants in foods based on the
following considerations: toxicological data, human exposure estimates,
availability of analytical procedures, fair trade and technological
implications, regional variations, risk assessment, and risk
management.
The criteria for inclusion of a maximum level for a contaminant in
a food are that: (a) Consumption of the contaminated food presents a
significant risk to consumers; and (b) the existence of actual problems
in trade of food. The contaminants currently being examined to
determine whether they meet these criteria for inclusion in the Codex
General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins are listed below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status of U.S. participation/ Responsible
Codex committee Standard consideration agenda agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CCFAC) Ref. ALINORM 97/12.... Arsenic.......... Position Paper to be Yes............... HHS/FDA
revised for
discussion during the
1997 CCFAC.
Cadmium.......... Additional information Yes............... HHS/FDA
requested during 1996
CCFAC.
Lead............. Additional information Yes............... HHS/FDA
requested during 1996
CCFAC.
Tin.............. Position Paper to be Yes............... HHS/FDA
drafted for 1997
CCFAC.
Patulin.......... CCFAC Evaluation will Yes............... HHS/FDA
be developed for the
1997 CCFAC.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues
The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues recommends to the Codex
Alimentarius Commission establishment of maximum limits for pesticide
residues for specific food items or in groups of food. A Codex Maximum
Limit for Pesticide Residues (MRLP) is the maximum concentration of a
pesticide residue (expressed as mg/kg), recommended by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission to be legally permitted in or on food
commodities and animal feeds. Foods derived from commodities that
comply with the respective MRLPs are intended to be toxicologically
acceptable, that is, consideration of the various dietary residue
intake estimates and determinations both at the national and
international level in comparison with the ADI,* should indicate that
foods complying with Codex MRLPs are safe for human consumption.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of a chemical is the daily
intake which, during an entire lifetime, appears to be without
appreciable risk to the health of the consumer on the basis of all
the known facts at the time of the evaluation of the chemical by the
Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues. It is expressed in
milligrams of the chemical per kilogram of body weight.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Codex MRLPs are primarily intended to apply in international trade
and are derived from reviews conducted by the Joint Meeting on
Pesticide Residues (JMPR) following:
(a) Review of residue date from supervised trials and supervised
uses including those reflecting national good agricultural practices
(GAP). Data from supervised trials conducted at the highest nationally
recommended, authorized, or registered uses are included in the review.
In order to accommodate variations in national pest control
requirements, Codex MRLPs take into account the higher levels shown to
arise in such supervised trials, which are considered to represent
effective pest control practices, and
(b) Toxicological assessment of the pesticide and its residue.
MRLs recommended for advancement to steps 5 or 8 by the 28th CCPR
will be considered by the 22nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius
Commission in 1997.
[[Page 28142]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Status of U.S. participation/ Responsible
Codex committee Standard consideration agenda agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pesticide Residues (considered abamectin........ MRL under Yes............... EPA
at the 28th Session of the consideration at step
Codex Committee on Pesticide 5 & MRLs under
Residues Ref. CL 1995/44-PR; consideration at step
Annex II, Report 28th 6 & 7.
Session).
acephate......... Withdrawals........... Yes............... EPA
aldicarb......... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
Pesticide Residues (considered aldrin/dieldrin.. MRLs under Yes............... EPA
at the 28th Session of the consideration at step
Codex Committee on Pesticide 8.
Residues Ref. CL 1995/44-PR;
Annex II, Report 28th
Session).
azinphos-methyl.. MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
6.
bentazone........ MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
bifenthrin....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
7.
bromide ion...... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
bromopropylate... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
7 & 8 & withdrawals.
buprofezin....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
6.
captan........... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
3 & withdrawals &
amendments.
carbendazim...... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
3 & MRLs under
consideration at step
6 & withdrawals.
chlormequat...... withdrawals........... Yes............... EPA
chlorpyrifos- MRLs under Yes............... EPA
methyl. consideration at step
5 & MRLs under
consideration at step
7.
chlorothalonil... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
7 & 8 & withdrawals.
clethodim........ MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
5.
Pesticide Residues (considered cycloxydim....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
at the 28th Session of the consideration at step
Codex Committee on Pesticide 8.
Residues Ref. CL 1995/44-PR;
Annex II, Report 28th
Session).
DDT.............. MRL under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
3 & MRLs under
consideration at step
8 & amendment &
withdrawals.
diazinon......... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
dicofol.......... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
7 & 8 & withdrawals.
dichlorvos....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
dimethoate....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
diquat........... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
5 & withdrawals.
disulfoton....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
7 & withdrawals.
dithianon........ MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
dithiocarbamates. MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
6.
endosulfan....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
3 & MRLs under
consideration at step
6.
Pesticide Residues (considered endrin........... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
at the 28th Session of the consideration at step
Codex Committee on Pesticide 8 & withdrawals.
Residues Ref. CL 1995/44-PR;
Annex II, Report 28th
Session).
ethephon......... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
5 & 8 & withdrawals.
ethion........... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
5 & withdrawals.
ethofenprox...... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
fenbutatin oxide. MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
7 & 8 & withdrawals.
fenpropathrin.... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
fentin........... withdrawal............ Yes............... EPA
flusilazole...... MRL under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
folpet........... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
3 & MRLs under
consideration at step
7 & 8 & withdrawals.
glufosinate- MRLs under Yes............... EPA
ammonium. consideration at step
8.
[[Page 28143]]
glyphosate....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
hexythiazox...... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
imazalil......... MRL under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
Pesticide Residues (considered iprodione........ MRLs under Yes............... EPA
at the 28th Session of the consideration at step
Codex Committee on Pesticide 5 & 8 & withdrawals.
Residues Ref. CL 1995/44-PR;
Annex II, Report 28th
Session).
metalazyl........ MRL under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
6.
methamidophos.... MRL under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
5 & MRLs under
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
methidathion..... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
7 & 8 & withdrawals.
monocrotophos.... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
myclobutanil..... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
oxydemeton-methyl MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
3 & MRLs under
consideration at step
6.
parathion-methyl. MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
3 & withdrawals.
penconazole...... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
pirimiphos-methyl MRL under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
procymidone...... Withdrawals........... Yes............... EPA
profenofos....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
Pesticide Residues (considered propiconazole.... MRL under Yes............... EPA
at the 28th Session of the consideration at step
Codex Committee on Pesticide 8 & withdrawal.
Residues Ref. CL 1995/44-PR;
Annex II, Report 28th
Session).
propylenethiourea withdrawals........... Yes............... EPA
pyrazophos....... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
tebuconazole..... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
5 & 8.
tecnazene........ MRL under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawal.
tolclofos methyl. MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
triadimefon...... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8 & withdrawals.
triadimenol...... MRLs under Yes............... EPA
consideration at step
8.
etrimfos......... Withdrawals........... Yes............... EPA
flucythrinate.... Withdrawal............ Yes............... EPA
phosalone........ Withdrawals........... Yes............... EPA
trichlorfon...... Withdrawals........... Yes............... EPA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling:
(a) Defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis
and Sampling;
(b) Serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other
international groups working in methods of analysis and sampling and
quality assurance systems for laboratories;
(c) Specifies, on the basis of final recommendations submitted to
it by the other bodies referred to in (b) above, Reference Methods of
Analysis and Sampling appropriate to Codex Standards which are
generally applicable to a number of foods;
(d) Considers, amends, if necessary and endorses, as appropriate,
methods of analysis and sampling proposed by Codex (Commodity)
Committees, except that methods of analysis and sampling for residues
of pesticides or veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of micro-
biological quality and safety in food, the assessment of specifications
for food additives, and those methods elaborated by the Codex Committee
on Milk and Milk Products, do not fall within the terms of reference of
this Committee;
(e) Elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be required;
(f) Considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted to
it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and
(g) Defines procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for
the assessment of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality
assurance systems for laboratories.
The following matters will be brought to the attention of the 22nd
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in June, 1997, for
adoption:
Harmonized Guidelines for Internal Control in
Analytical Chemistry Laboratories;*
Revised Terms of Reference for the Committee.*
The Committee is continuing work on:
Proposed Draft Codex General Guidelines on Sampling;
Criteria for evaluating acceptable methods of analysis
for Codex purposes;
Development of objective criteria for assessing the
competence of testing laboratories involved in the official import and
export control of food;
Harmonization of test results corrected for recovery
factors;
Harmonization of analytical terminology in accordance
with international standards; and
Endorsement of methods of analysis for Codex purposes.
The Committee agreed to propose the following new work:
[[Page 28144]]
Review of methods of analysis using ozone-depleting
substances; and
Measurement uncertainty.
The reference document is Alinorm 97/23.
*Not in Step procedure.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection
Systems
The Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification and
Inspection Systems is charged with developing principles and guidelines
for food import and export certification systems. Included in the
charge are application of measures by competent authorities to provide
assurance that foods comply with essential requirements. Recognition of
quality assurance systems through the development of guidelines will
help ensure that foods conform to the essential requirements.
The Fourth Session of the Committee (Alinorm 97/30) recommended
that Draft Guidelines for the Exchange of Information Between Countries
on Rejections be adopted at Step 8 by the Twenty-second session of the
Codex Alimentarius Commission in June, 1997.
The Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Design, Operation, Assessment
and Accreditation of Food Import and Export Inspection and
Certification Systems will be considered at Step 5 by the forty-third
session of the Executive Committee.
Several documents are being prepared for future discussion by the
Committee:
Proposed Revised Draft Guidelines on the Principle
Elements in an Electronic Documentation System at Step 3;
Proposed Draft Guidelines for Taking into Account of
ISO Standards of the 9000 Series by Official Systems for Food Export
and Import Inspection and Certification at Step 3;
Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Development of
Agreements Regarding Food Import and Export Inspection and
Certification Systems at Step 3; and
Guidelines on Food Import Control Systems at Step 1.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on General Principles
The Codex Committee on General Principles deals with rules and
procedures referred to it by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. None of
the following recommendations for changing the rules of procedure for
Codex are in the Step Procedure. The reference document is Alinorm 97/
33.
The Twelfth Session will consider changes to the Rules of Procedure
of Codex Alimentarius to integrate the role of science in Codex
decision-making. The Committee will also consider the following matters
at its next session:
Strategic planning;
Relationship with Non-Governmental Organizations;
Establishment of a General Policy for Food Safety; and
Streamlining Codex elaboration/adoption procedures.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Labelling
The Codex Committee on Food Labelling is responsible for drafting
provisions on labelling applicable to all foods and to study specific
labelling problems assigned by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. All
of the guidelines and recommendations documents listed below are in
Alinorm 97/22.
The following Draft Guidelines will be considered at Step 6 by the
Twenty-fourth Session of the Committee, May, 1996, Ottawa, Canada:
Draft Guidelines for the Labelling, Production,
Processing, and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods;
Draft Guidelines for Use of Health and Nutrition
Claims; and
Draft Guidelines for Use of the term ``Halal.''
Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Labelling of Foods that can
cause Hypersensitivity will be considered at Step 3 and General
Guidelines for Nutrition Labelling will be reviewed in light of new
developments at the Twenty-fourth Session of the Committee.
In addition, the document on the Implications of Biotechnology
prepared by the United States for the Twenty-third Session of the
Committee was circulated for additional comment and recommendations on
how the Committee should proceed. The document is on the Agenda for
further discussion at the Twenty-fourth Session.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA. USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
The Food Hygiene Committee drafts basic provisions on food hygiene
for all foods. The term ``hygiene'' also includes, where applicable,
microbiological specifications for food and associated methodology.
The Proposed Revised Draft Code of Practice on the General
Principles of Food Hygiene, will be considered at Step 8 by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission at its Twenty-second session in June, 1997. In
addition, the next Executive Committee Meeting will consider adoption
of the following texts, each of which then may be considered at Step 8
during the 1997 Commission Meeting:
Draft Revised Recommended International Code of
Practice--General Principles of Food Hygiene at Step 8;
The Committee agreed to recommend to the Commodity
Committees to consider utilizing Method A in the elaboration/revision
of their Product Codes;
Revised Guidelines for the Application of the Hazard
Analysis Critical Control Point System at Step 5; and
Revised Principles for the Establishment and
Application of Microbiological Criteria for Foods at Step 5;
Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Refrigerated Foods
with Extended Shelf-Life at Step 5.
The following matters will be discussed at the twenty-ninth
committee session, October, 1996:
*Application of the Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point (HACCP) Approach for the Specific Production of Normandy
Camembert Cheese;
*A redrafted recommendation for the control of Listeria
monocytogenes, background documents on the revised text will include
criteria for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, with special reference
to S. Enteritidis, Campylobacter and entero haemorrhagic Escherichia
coli;
*A discussion paper on ``Guidelines on the application
of the principles of risk assessment and risk management to food
hygiene including strategies for their application'';
*Implications for the Broader Application of the HACCP
system;
*A first draft Code of Practice for all Foodstuffs
Transported in Bulk; and
*A first draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Bottled
Water (other than natural mineral water).
*Not in Step Procedure.
All documents listed above are contained in Alinorm 97/13.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables was established
in June 1988. The Committee is responsible for
[[Page 28145]]
elaborating world-wide standards and codes of practice for fresh fruits
and vegetables. Several of the standards listed below are contained in
ALINORM 97/35.
The sixth session of the Committee recommended that the following
standards and codes of practice be considered for adoption by the
Twenty-second Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in June,
1997, at Step 8:
Draft Standard for Banana; and
Draft Standard for Mangosteen.
The Committee also recommended initiation or continuation of work
in the following areas:
Draft Standard for Limes (at Step 5);
Draft Standard for Pummelo (at Step 5);
Draft Standard for Guava (at Step 5);
Draft Standard for Chayote (at Step 5);
Code of Practice for the Quality Inspection and
Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (at Step 5);
Draft Standard for Oranges (at Step 3);
Draft Standard for Asparagus (at Step 3);
Draft Revised Standard for Pineapple (at Step 3);
Draft Standard for Mexican Limes (at Step 1);
Draft Standard for Grapefruit (at Step 1);
Draft Standard for Longan (at Step 1);
Draft Standard for Ginger (at Step 1);
Preparation of a paper on the Objective Indices of
Maturity in Commercial Transactions of Fruits and Vegetables (at Step
1); and
Document concerning the Application of Quality
Tolerances at Import (at Step 1).
Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
The Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses is
responsible for studying nutritional problems referred by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission. The Committee also drafts provisions on
nutritional aspects for all foods and develops guidelines, general
principles, and standards for foods for special dietary uses.
The reference document for the following matters is Alinorm 95/26.
The following documents were adopted by the Twenty-first session of the
Codex Alimentarius Commission in July 1995:
Draft Standard for Formula Foods for Use in Very Low
Energy Diets for Weight Reduction at Step 8; and
Proposed Draft Table of Conditions for Claims for
Nutrient Contents at Step 5.
Seven documents were circulated for comment prior to consideration
at the next Committee meeting in October 1996:
Revision of Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-Based
Foods for Infants and Children at Step 3;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Food Grade Salt at
Step 3 of the procedure;
Proposed Draft Guidelines for Dietary Supplements
(Vitamins and Minerals) at Step 3;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Gluten-Free Foods
at Step 3;
Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Infant
Formula: Amount of Vitamin B12 at Step 3 of accelerated procedure;
Proposed Draft Revised Guidelines for the Use of Codex
Committees on the Inclusion of Provisions on Nutritional Quality in
Food Standards and Other Codex Texts at Step 3; and
Revision to the Codex Standard for Infant Formula at
Step 3.
The Committee is initiating work in the following areas:
Proposed Definitions for Vitamins and Minerals as
Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling at Step 1; and
Proposed Levels of Vitamins and Minerals in Foods for
Special Medical Purposes at Step 1.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products
The Fish and Fishery Products Committee is responsible for
elaborating standards for fresh and frozen fish, crustaceans, and
mollusks.
The following revised codes, incorporating the HACCP approach, will
be considered at the Twenty-second session of the Committee at Step 3:
Proposed Draft Revised Code of Practice for Frozen
Fish;
Proposed Draft Revised Code of Practice for Canned
Fish;
Proposed Draft Revised Code of Practice for Frozen
Shrimps and Prawns;
Proposed Draft Revised Code of Practice for Molluscan
Shellfish;
Proposed Draft Revised Code of Practice for Smoked
Fish; and
Proposed Draft Revised Code of Practice for Salted
Fish.
The Committee will also consider the following documents at Step 3:
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for the
Products of Aquaculture;
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Frozen
Surimi; and
Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Sensory
Evaluation of Fish and Shellfish.
In addition, the Committee will consider a List of Predatory
Species to which the Higher Level of Methylmercury Applies.
The reference document containing the above information is Alinorm
97/18.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products
The Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products was established by
the Codex Alimentarius at its Twentieth session. The Committee was
originally established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1958. The Committee was
integrated into the Joint FAO/WHO Foods Standards Programme in 1962.
Until 1993, the Committee was named the Joint FAO/WHO Committee of
Government Experts on the Code of Principles Concerning Milk and Milk
Products. The Committee is responsible for establishing international
codes and standards for milk and milk products. All of the standards
listed below are contained in CX/MMP 96/1.
The following Proposed Draft and Proposed Draft Revised Standards
will be considered at the Second session of the Codex Committee on Milk
and Milk Products in May 1996 at Step 3:
Proposed Draft Standard for Process(ed) Cheese and
Process(ed) Cheese Preparation;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Creams;
Proposed Draft Standards for Fermented Milks and for
Milk Products Obtained from Fermented Milk Heat-Treated After
Fermentation;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cheddar Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Danablu Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Danbo Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Harvarti Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Samso Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Chesire Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Limburger Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Saint-Paulin
Cheese;
[[Page 28146]]
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Svecia Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Harzer Kase Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Hushallsost Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Marbio Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Fynbo Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Esrom Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Romadur Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Amsterdam Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Leidse Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Freise Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Edelpilzkase
Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Extra Hard Grating
Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Tilsiter Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Provolone Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cottage Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Butterkase Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Coulommiers Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Herrgardsost
Cheese.
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Edam Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Gouda Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Camembert Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Brie Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Emmentaler Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Gruyere Cheese; and
Code of Principles Concerning Milk and Milk Products.
The following Proposed Draft and Proposed Draft Revised Standards
will be considered at the Second session of the Codex Committee on Milk
and Milk Products in May 1996 at Step 7:
Draft Revised Standard for Butter;
Draft Revised Standard for Milkfat Products;
Draft Revised Standard for Evaporated Milk;
Draft Revised Standard for Sweetened Condensed Milk;
Draft Revised Standard for Milk and Cream Powders;
Draft Revised Standard for Cheese;
Draft Revised Standard for Whey Cheese;
Draft Revised Standard for Cheese in Brine; and
Draft Revised Standard for Unripened Cheese.
Agency Responsible: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils is responsible for elaborating
standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, and marine origin.
The following Draft Code and Standards will be considered at the
Fifteenth Session of the Committee, November, 1996, at Step 6:
Draft Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of
Fats and Oils in Bulk;
Draft Standard for Fats and Oils not Covered by
Individual Standards;
Draft Standard for Named Animal Fats;
Draft Standard for Named Vegetable Oils;
Draft Standard for Olive Oils and Olive-Pomace Oils;
and
Draft Standard for Mayonnaise.
The following Proposed Draft Standards will be considered at Step
4:
Proposed Draft Standard for Fat Spreads; and
Proposed Draft Standard for Products Sold as an
Alternative to Ghee.
All of the above documents are contained in Alinorm 97/17.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate
The Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate held 15
sessions. The last meeting, at which the original program of work was
completed, was held in 1982. The Committee elaborated world-wide
standards for cocoa products and chocolate.
The Commission in 1991 decided to embark on a program of work to
update and revise all of the standards.
The revisions were to include updating of the sections on food
hygiene and food labeling and removal from the standards of all non-
essential details. The standards, when updated and revised, should
contain only those provisions that are necessary to protect consumer
health and prevent fraud.
Provisions of an advisory nature reflecting quality factors and
criteria typically used in trade to define or describe the quality of
the product are to be removed from the standard. These guidance
provisions are intended to assist users of the Codex standard when
making international purchases and are, therefore, not subject to
formal acceptance by users of the standard.
The Twenty-first Session of the Commission endorsed the
recommendation of the forty-second session of the Executive Committee
to initiate the revision of the Cocoa Products and Chocolate Standards.
The Swiss Secretariat has prepared updated versions of the
Standards and requested government comments in CL 1995/28 CPC. The
technical contents of the standards were not amended and comments were
requested from governments on amendments.
The amended standards are:
Chocolate;
Cocoa Butters;
Cocoa Butters Confectionery;
Cocoa (Cacao) Nib, Cocoa (Cacao) Mass, Cocoa Press Cake
and Cocoa Dust (Cocoa Fines), For Use in the Manufacture of Cocoa and
Chocolate Products;
Cocoa Powders (Cacaos) and Dry Cocoa-Sugar Mixtures;
and
Composite and Filled Chocolate.
The amended standards will be considered at Step 3 by the Sixteenth
Session of the Committee, October, 1996.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Certain Codex Commodity Committees
Several Codex Alimentarius Commodity Committees have adjourned sine
die. The following Committees fall into this category:
Cereals, Pulses and Legumes*
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA, USDA/GIPSA
U.S. Participation: Yes
Edible Ices
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA
U.S. Participation: Yes
Meat Hygiene*
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS
U.S. Participation: Yes
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA
U.S. Participation: Yes
Processed Meat and Poultry Products*
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS
U.S. Participation: Yes
Sugars
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA
U.S. Participation: Yes
Soups and Broths
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS
U.S. Participation: Yes
Vegetable Proteins*
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA
U.S. Participation: Yes
*There is no planned activity for these Committees in the next
year.
A brief report on activities of the Codex Committee on Edible Ices,
the Codex Committee on Sugars, the Codex
[[Page 28147]]
Committee Processed Fruits and Vegetables and the Codex Committee on
Soups and Broths follows:
Edible Ices
The Committee on Edible Ices is responsible for elaborating
standards for all types of edible ices, including mixes and powders
used for their manufacture. The Committee has been adjourned since
1978. However, as directed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the
Secretariat of the Host Country (Sweden) has prepared a Revised Codex
Standard for Edible Ices and Ices Mixes (see CL 1995/7-EI). This
Revised Standard was circulated to member governments for comments by
May 15, 1995. The objective of the revision was to focus the standard
only on public health, food safety, and consumer protection. Provisions
in the existing standard that deal with quality factors and criteria
typically used in commerce to define or describe the product are of an
advisory nature and have been removed in the Revised Standard. The
Twenty-first session of the Commission decided to suspend further work
on the Revised Standard pending a study to be submitted to the Forty-
third Session of the Executive Committee in June 1996.
Agency Responsible: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Sugars
The Codex Committee on Sugars is responsible for elaborating world-
wide standards for all types of sugars and sugar products. The
Committee has been adjourned since 1974. At the direction of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission, the Secretariat of the Host Government (the
United Kingdom) was asked to examine the existing Codex Standards
relating to sugars and the Codex Standard for Honey. During the
Nineteenth session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Commission
agreed that existing Codex Standards should be reviewed in order to
simplify them. Those documents were revised and circulated to member
governments (see CL 1995/5-S) for comments. The objective of the
revision is to focus the standards only on public health, food safety,
and consumer protection. The Twenty-first session of the Commission
noted that substantial late comments were received and agreed that
further revision of the Draft Standards should be carried out by
correspondence. The Secretariat has prepared revised Draft Standards
and circulated them for government comments at Step 6 in document CL
1996/1-S.
Agency Responsible: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Soups and Broths
The Codex Committee on Soups and Broths is responsible for
elaborating world-wide standards for soups, broths, bouillons, and
consommes. The committee adjourned sine die in 1977.
In light of the decision made by the 19th Session of the Commission
to simplify and revise Codex standards, a revised version of the
standard for Bouillon and Consommes was presented to the Twenty-first
Session of the Commission in July, 1995, for adoption. The Commission
adopted the Standard at Step 8 and noted that a revision of the
Standard in light of late substantive comments would be initiated
immediately. The Revised Standard for Bouillons and Consommes can be
found in Alinorm 95/20, Appendix I.
Agency Responsible: USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables elaborated
world-wide standards for all types of processed fruits and vegetables
including dried products (except prunes), canned products (except
juices), and jams and jellies. The Committee held eighteen sessions,
the last in 1986.
In keeping with the Commission's charge to update and revise
standards, the United States Secretariat is preparing the revisions.
They will then be circulated for government comment and considered at
the Nineteenth Session of the Committee, February, 1997.
Agency Responsible: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Joint U.N.E.C.E. Codex Alimentarius Groups of Experts
Two groups of experts dealt with specific commodities much as the
Codex Commodity Committees do. The Joint Groups of Experts have
completed their main tasks and have adjourned. They could be called to
meet again if the Codex Alimentarius Commission so decides. These
Groups are:
Standardization of Quick Frozen Foods; and
Standardization of Fruit Juices.
There are no standards from either group being considered by the
Twenty-second session of the Commission in June, 1997.
Agency Responsible: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee for Natural Mineral Waters
The Codex Committee for Natural Mineral Waters (CCNMW) is
responsible for elaborating standards for all types of mineral water
products. At the recommendation of the Nineteenth Session of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission concerning the conversion of Regional Standards
into World-Wide Standards, the Codex European Regional Standard for
Natural Mineral Waters was circulated to member governments for
comments at Step 3 in 1993 (CL 1993/4-NMW). Although, based on the
comments received, the Commission adopted a number of proposed
amendments for incorporation in the Draft Standard, no further action
was taken at the time for the finalization of the standard because the
CCNMW was in adjournment. However, after consultation between the Host
Government (Switzerland) and the Codex Secretariat, it was agreed that
the CCNMW should meet again to finalize the Standard for Natural
Mineral Waters. Therefore, a Draft Standard for Natural Mineral Waters
(CL 1996/3-NMW) at Step 6 was circulated to member governments for
comment by June 15, 1996 and a Session by the CCNMW was tentatively
scheduled to be held in the first week of October 1996 in Switzerland
to consider the Draft Standard at Step 7.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees
The Codex Alimentarius Commission is made up of an Executive
Committee, as well as approximately 25 subsidiary bodies. Included in
these subsidiary bodies are several coordinating committees.
There are currently five Regional Coordinating Committees:
--Coordinating Committee for Africa
--Coordinating Committee for Asia
--Coordinating Committee for Europe
--Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
--Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West Pacific
The United States participates as an active member of the
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West Pacific,
and is informed of the other coordinating committees through meeting
documents, final reports, and representation at meetings.
Each regional committee:
--Defines the problems and needs of the region concerning food
standards and food control;
[[Page 28148]]
--Promotes within the committee contacts for the mutual exchange of
information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising
from food control and stimulates the strengthening of food control
infrastructures;
--Recommends to the Commission the development of world-wide standards
for products of interest to the region, including products considered
by the committee to have an international market potential in the
future;
--And, exercises a general coordinating role for the region and such
other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission.
Codex Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West
Pacific
The Coordinating Committee is responsible for defining problems and
needs concerning food standards and food control of all Codex member
countries of the regions.
The Committee, at its Third Session, recommended that the Executive
Committee consider proposals concerning the broader application of the
HACCP system and that the proposals also be considered by the Twenty-
first Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Committee also
requested that a comprehensive plan for risk assessment methodology and
decision making criteria be developed by the Commission, and that risk
analysis be considered as part of the Codex Strategic Plan.
The Committee expressed the view that the Commission should be the
focus of international harmonization initiatives with respect to
genetically engineered foods. In addition, the Committee recommended
that further work should be carried out on the sale of potentially
harmful herbs and botanicals as food. Finally, the Committee
recommended that the work of the Commission should be expedited.
The Fourth Session of the Committee, May, 1996, will continue
deliberations on the implications of the Agreement on Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures and Technical Barriers to trade to countries in
the Regions and on the application of risk analysis in the countries of
the Regions.
Agency Responsible: USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Appendix 1--U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials
Steering Committee Members
Mr. Thomas J. Billy, Associate Administrator, Food Safety and
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 331-E, Jamie
L. Whitten Federal Bldg., 14th and Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone: (202) 720-8217, Fax: (202) 690-4437
Mr. Michael R. Taylor, Acting Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 331-E, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Bldg.,
14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #:
(202) 720-7025, Fax #: (202) 690-4437
Mr. Michael V. Dunn, Assistant Secretary, Marketing and Regulatory
Programs, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 228-W, Jamie L. Whitten
Federal Bldg., 14th & Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250,
Phone #: (202) 720-4256, Fax #: (202) 720-5775
Dr. Alex Thiermann, Deputy Administrator, International Services,
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Room 324-E, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Bldg., 14th &
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-
7593, Fax #: (202) 690-1484
Dr. Lynn R. Goldman, Assistant Administrator, Office of Prevention,
Pesticides and Toxic Substances, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
401 M Street, SW (7101), 637 East Tower, Washington, DC 20460, Phone #:
(202) 260-2902, Fax #: (202) 260-1847
Ms. Penny Fenner-Crisp, Deputy Director, Office of Pesticide Programs,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., Rm. 1119G,
Waterside Mall, Washington, DC 20460, Phone #: (703) 305-7092, Fax #:
(703) 308-4776
Mr. William Schultz, Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Food and Drug
Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, Phone #: (301)
827-3360, Fax #: (301) 594-6777
Dr. Fred R. Shank, Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition (HFS-1), Food and Drug Administration, Room 6815, 200 C
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4850, Fax #:
(202) 205-5025
Ms. Linda R. Horton, Director, International Policy, Office of the
Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane,
Rockville, MD 20857, Phone #: (301) 827-3344, Fax #: (301) 443-6906
Codex Committee Chairpersons
Mr. Steven N. Tanner, Deputy Director, Quality Assurance, Grain
Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 10383 N. Executive Hills Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64153-
1394, Phone #: (816) 891-0404, Fax #: (816) 891-8070
Cereals, Pulses and Legumes and Research Division (adjourned Sine
Die)
Dr. I. Kaye Wachsmuth, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Science and
Technology, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 405-Cotton Annex
Bldg., 12th & C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 205-
0675, Fax # (202) 205-0080
Food Hygiene
Mr. James Rodeheaver, Chief, Fruit and Vegetable Division, Processed
Product Branch, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Room 0709, South Agriculture Building, Washington, DC
20250, Phone #: (202) 720-4693, Fax #: (202) 690-1527
Processed Fruits and Vegetables (adjourned Sine Dine)
Dr. Stephen F. Sundlof, Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food
and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place (HFV-1), Rockville, MD
20855, Phone #: (301) 594-1740, Fax #: (301) 594-1830
Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
Listing of U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates Worldwide General
Subject Codex Committees
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate--Dr. Marvin A. Norcross, Food Safety and Inspection
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, West End Court, Room 311, 1255
22nd Street, NW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 254-2517,
Fax #: (202) 254-2530
Alternate Delegate--Dr. Robert C. Livingston, Director, Office of New
Animal Drug Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine (HFV-100), Food
and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855,
Phone #: (301) 594-1620, Fax #: (301) 594-2297
Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants
(Host Government--The Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate--Dr. Alan Rulis, Director, Office of Premarket Approval,
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug
Administration, 200 C Street, SW., (HFS-200), Washington, DC 20204,
Phone #: (202) 418-3100, Fax #: (202) 418-3131
[[Page 28149]]
Alternate Delegate--Dr. Terry C. Troxell, Director, Division of
Programs and Enforcement Policy, Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW., (HFS-456),
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5321, Fax #: (202) 205-4422
Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues
(Host Government--The Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate--Dr. Richard Schmitt, Acting Deputy Director, Program
Management and Support Division, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M Street, SW., (7502C), Crystal
Station, 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20460, Phone #: (703) 305-6352, Fax
#: (703) 305-5512
Alternate Delegate--Dr. Richard Parry, Jr., Assistant Administrator,
Cooperative Interactions, Agricultural Research Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 358-A, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Bldg.,
Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-3973, Fax #: (202) 720-5427
Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
(Host Government--Hungary)
U.S. Delegate--Dr. William Horwitz, Scientific Advisor, Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-500), Food and Drug Administration,
Room 3832, 200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-
4346, Fax #: (202) 401-7740
Alternate Delegate--Dr. William Franks, Director, Science Division,
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room
3507, South Agriculture Building, 14th & Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-5231, Fax #: (202) 720-6496
Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection
Systems
(Host Government--Australia)
Delegate--Dr. Fred R. Shank, Director, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition (HFS-1), Food and Drug Administration, Room 6815, 200
C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4850, Fax #:
(202) 205-5025
Alternate Delegate--Mr. Mark Manis, Asst. to Deputy Administrator,
International Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 341-E, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Bldg.,
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-4566, Fax #: (202) 690-
3856
Codex Committee on General Principles
(Host Government--France)
Delegate--Note: A member of the Steering Committee heads the delegation
to meetings of the General Principles Committee.
Codex Committee on Food Labeling
(Host Government--Canada)
Delegate--Dr. F. Edward Scarbrough, Director, Office of Food Labeling,
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-150), Food and Drug
Administration, 200 C Street, SW., Room 1832, Washington, DC 20204,
Phone #: (202) 205-4561, Fax #: (202) 205-4594
Alternate Delegate--Ms. Cheryl Wade, Director, Food Labeling Division,
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Room 201, West End Court, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202)
254-2590, Fax #: (202) 254-2482
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
(Host Government--United States)
Acting Delegate--Mr. E. Spencer Garrett, Director, National Seafood
Inspection Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries, 705 Convent Street,
Pascagoulla, MS 39568-1207, Phone #: (601) 769-8964, Fax #: (601) 762-
7144
Alternate Delegate--VACANT
Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
(Host Government--Mexico)
Delegate--Mr. David Priester, International Standards Coordinator, FPB,
Fruit & Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 2069, South Agriculture Building, 14th
and Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-
2184, Fax #: (202) 720-0016
Alternate Delegate--Ms. Sharon E. Bomer-Lauritsen, Deputy Director,
Fruit and Vegetable Div., Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 2077, South Agriculture Building, 14th
& Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-
6393, Fax #: (202) 720-0016
Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
(Host Government--Germany)
Delegate--Dr. Elizabeth Yetley, Acting Director, Office of Special
Nutritionals, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA, 200 C
Street, SW. (HFS-450), Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4168,
Fax #: (202) 205-5295
Alternate Delegate--Dr. Robert J. Moore, Senior Regulatory Scientist,
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug
Administration, 200 C Street, SW. (HFS-456), Washington, DC 20204,
Phone #: (202) 205-4605, Fax #: (202) 260-8957
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products
(Host Government--Norway)
Delegate--Mr. Philip C. Spiller, Director, Office of Seafood, (HFS-400)
VERB, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug
Administration, 200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202)
418-3133, Fax #: (202) 418-3198
Alternate Delegate--Mr. Samuel W. McKeen, Director, Office of Trade and
Industry Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
NMFS, 1335 East-West Highway, Room 6490, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone
#: (301) 713-2351, Fax #: (301) 713-1081
Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes
(Host Government--United States)
Delegate--Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities
Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Room 5823 (HFS-
585), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC
20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-6144
Alternate Delegate--Mr. David Shipman, Deputy Administrator, GIPSA,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1092, South Agriculture Building,
Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-9170, Fax #: (202) 205-9237
Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products
(Host Government--New Zealand)
Delegate--Mr. Duane Spomer, Chief, Dairy Standardization Branch, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2750,
South Agriculture Building, 14th and Independence Ave., SW.,
Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-9382, Fax #: (202) 720-2643
[[Page 28150]]
Alternate Delegate--Dr. John C. Mowbray, Division of Programs and
Enforcement Policy, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food
and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW., (HFS-206), Washington, DC
20204, Phone #: (202) 418-3113, Fax #: (202) 418-3131
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
(Host Government--United Kingdom)
Delegate--Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities
Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Room 5823 (HFS-
585), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC
20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-6144
Alternate Delegate--Mr. Timothy L. Mounts, Research Leader, Food
Quality and Safety Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural
Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North
University Street, Peoria, IL 61604, Phone #: (309) 681-6555, Fax #:
(309) 681-6679
Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Adjourned Sine Die)
Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate\1\
(Host Government--Switzerland)
Delegate--Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities
Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Room 5823 (HFS-
585), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC
20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-6144
Alternate Delegate--Dr. Michelle Smith, Food Technologist, Office of
Food Labeling, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-158),
200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5099, Fax
#: (202) 205-4594
Codex Committee on Sugars \1\
(Host Government--United Kingdom)
Delegate--Dr. Thomas J. Army, Area Director, Mid-South Area, USDA/
Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 225, Stoneville, MS 38776-0225,
Phone #: (601) 686-5265, Fax #: (601) 626-5259
Alternate Delegate--Dr. Dennis M. Keefe, Office of Premarket Approval,
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug
Administration, 200 C Street, SW (HFS-206), Washington, DC 20204, Phone
#: (202) 418-3113, Fax #: (202) 418-3131
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables \1\
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate--Mr. Richard B. Boyd, Senior Marketing Specialist, Fruit
and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Room 0717, South Agriculture Building, 14th &
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-
5021, Fax #: (202) 690-1527
Alternate Delegate--Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International
Activities Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Room
5823 (HFS-585), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-6144
Codex Committee on Edible Ices \1\
(Host Government--Sweden)
Delegate--Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities
Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Room 5823 (HFS-
585), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC
20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-6144
Alternate Delegate--VACANT
Codex Committee on Soups and Broths \1\
(Host Government--Switzerland)
Delegate--Mr. Charles Edwards, Director, Product Assessment Division,
Regulatory Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, West End Court Building, Room 329,
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 254-2565, Fax #: (202) 254-
2499
Alternate Delegate--Mr. Robert Post, Branch Chief, Food Standards and
Ingredients Branch, Product Assessment Division, Regulatory Programs,
Food Safety & Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, West
End Court Building, Room 327, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202)
254-2588, Fax #: (202) 254-2499
Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins \1\
(Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate--Dr. Wilda H. Martinez, Associate Deputy Administrator,
Aqua Products and Human Nutrition Sciences, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Room 107, B-005,
Beltsville, MD 20705, Phone #: (301) 504-6275, Fax #: (301) 504-6699
Alternate Delegate--Ms. Elizabeth J. Campbell, Director, Division of
Programs and Enforcement Policy, Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition (HFS-155), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5229, Fax #: (202) 205-4594
Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene \1\
(Host Government--New Zealand)
Delegate--Dr. John Prucha, Deputy Administrator, International
Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Room 341-E, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Bldg., Washington, DC
20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-3473, Fax #: (202) 690-3856
Alternate Delegate--Dr. Richard Mikita, Export Advisor, International
Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Room 341-E, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Bldg., 14th &
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-
0290, Fax #: (202) 690-3856
Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products \1\
(Host Government--Denmark)
U.S. Delegate--Mr. Daniel Engeljohn, Branch Chief, Quality Control,
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Franklin Court Building, Room 6912, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #:
(202) 501-7319, Fax #: (202) 501-7639
Alternate Delegate--Mr. Charles Edwards, Director, Product Assessment
Division, Regulatory Programs, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, West End Court Building, Room 329,
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 254-2565, Fax #: (202) 254-
2499
Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters \1\
(Host Government--Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate--Dr. Terry C. Troxell, Director, Division of Programs and
Enforcement Policy, Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition (HFS-
305), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW., Washington, DC
20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5321, Fax #: (202) 205-4422
Alternate Delegate--Ms. Shellee A. Davis, Division of Programs and
Enforcement Policy, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food
and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW (HFS-306), Washington,
[[Page 28151]]
DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4681, Fax #: (202) 205-4422
Joint U.N.E.C.E. Codex Alimentarius Groups of Experts
Joint ECE/Codex Alimentarius Group of Experts on Standardization of
Quick Frozen Foods \1\
U.S. Delegate--Mr. Richard B. Boyd, Senior Marketing Specialist, Fruit
and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, Room 0717, South Agriculture Building, 14th &
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-
5021, Fax #: (202) 690-1527
Alternate Delegate--Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International
Activities Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Room
5823 (HFS-585), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-6144
Joint ECE/Codex Alimentarius Group of Experts on Standardization of
Fruit Juices \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Adjourned sine die. The main tasks of these Committees are
completed. However, the committees may be called to meet again if
required.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Delegate--Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International
Activities Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Room
5823 (HFS-585), Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW.,
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-7739
Alternate Delegate--Mr. Richard B. Boyd, Senior Marketing Specialist,
Fruit and Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 0717, Agriculture South Building, 14th
& Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-
5021, Fax #: (202) 690-1527
Subsidiary Bodies of the Codex Alimentarius
There are five regional coordinating committees:
Coordinating Committee for Africa
Coordinating Committee for Asia
Coordinating Committee for Europe
Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean, and
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West Pacific
Contact--Ms. Rhonda S. Nally, Executive Officer for Codex,
Alimentarius, Food Safety & Inspection Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, West End Court, Room 311, 1255 22nd Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 254-2517, Fax #: (202) 254-
2530
Appendix 2 Timetable of Codex Sessions
(June 1995 through June 1997)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1995
CX 702-42 Executive Committee of 28-30 June Rome.
the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (42nd
Session).
CX 701-21 CODEX ALIMENTARIUS 3-8 July Rome.
COMMISSION (21st
Session).
CX 715-20 Codex Committee on 2-6 October Budapest.
Methods of Analysis
and Sampling (20th
Session).
CX 712-28 Codex Committee on Food 28 November- Washington, DC.
Hygiene (28th Session). 1 December
CX 730-9 Codex Committee on 4-8 December Washington, DC.
Residues of Veterinary
Drugs in Foods (9th
Session).
1996
CX 731-6 Codex Committee on 29 January- Mexico City.
Fresh Fruits and 2 February
Vegetables (6th
Session).
CX 733-4 Codex Committee on Food 19-23 February Sydney.
Export and Import
Inspection and
Certification Systems
(4th Session).
CX 727-10 Codex Regional 5-8 March Tokyo.
Coordinating Committee
for Asia (10th
Session).
CX 711-28 Codex Committee on Food 18-22 March Manila.
Additives and
Contaminants (28th
Session).
CX 718-28 Codex Committee on 15-20 April The Hague.
Pesticide Residues
(28th Session).
CX 706-20 Codex Regional 23-26 April Uppsala.
Coordinating Committee
for Europe (20th
Session).
CX 732-4 Codex Coordinating 30 April-3 May Rotorua.
Committee for North
America and the
SouthWest Pacific (4th
Session).
CX 722-22 Codex Committee on Fish 6-10 May Bergen.
and Fishery Products
(22nd Session).
CX 714-24 Codex Committee on Food 14-17 May Ottawa.
Labeling (24th
Session).
CX 703-1 Codex Committee on Milk 27-31 May Rome.
and Milk Products (2nd
Session).
CX 702-43 Executive Committee of 4-7 June Geneva.
the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (43rd
Session).
CX 708-16 Codex Committee on 30 September-2 October TBA.
Cocoa Products and
Chocolate (16th
Session).
CX 719-5 Codex Committee on 3-5 October TBA.
Natural Mineral Waters
(5th Session).
CX 707-12 Codex Regional TBA Harare.
Coordinating Committee
for Africa (12th
Session).
CX 720-20 Codex Committee on 7-11 October Bonn Bad-Godesberg.
Nutrition and Food for
Special Dietary Uses
(20th Session).
[[Page 28152]]
CX 712-29 Codex Committee on Food 21-25 October Washington, DC.
Hygiene (29th Session).
CX 730-10 Codex Committee on 29 October- TBA.
Residues of Veterinary 1 November
Drugs in Foods(10th
Session).
CX 709-11 Codex Committee on Fats 4-8 November London.
and Oils (15th
Session).
CX 716-12 Codex Committee on 25-28 November Paris.
General Principles
(12th Session).
1997
CX 713-19 Codex Committee on 3-7 February Washington, DC.
Processed Fruits and
Vegetables (19th
Session).
CX 725-10 Codex Regional 25-28 February Montevideo
Coordinating Committee
for Latin America and
the Caribbean (10th
Session).
CX 711-29 Codex Committee on Food 17-21 March The Hague.
Additives and
Contaminants (29th
Session).
CX 715-21 Codex Committee on 24-28 March Budapest.
Methods of Analysis
and Sampling (21st
Session).
CX 718-29 Codex Committee on 7-12 April The Hague.
Pesticide Residues
(29th Session).
CX 714-25 Codex Committee on Food 15-18 April Ottawa.
Labeling (25th
Session).
CX 702-44 Executive Committee of 18-20 June Geneva.
the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (44th
Session).
CX 701-22 CODEX ALIMENTARIUS 23-28 June Geneva.
COMMISSION (22nd
Session).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix 3--Definitions for the Purpose of Codex Alimentarius
Words and phrases have specific meanings when used by the Codex
Alimentarius. For the purposes of Codex, the following definitions
apply:
1. Food means any substance, whether processed, semi-processed or
raw, which is intended for human consumption, and includes drink,
chewing gum, and any substance which has been used in the manufacture,
preparation or treatment of ``food'' but does not include cosmetics or
tobacco or substances used only as drugs.
2. Food hygiene comprises conditions and measures necessary for the
production, processing, storage and distribution of food designed to
ensure a safe, sound, wholesome product fit for human consumption.
3. Food additive means any substance not normally consumed as a
food by itself and not normally used as a typical ingredient of the
food, whether or not it has nutritive value, the intentional addition
of which to food for a technological (including organoleptic) purpose
in the manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, packing,
packaging, transport, or holding of such food results, or may be
reasonably expected to result, (directly or indirectly) in it or its
by-products becoming a component of or otherwise affecting the
characteristics of such foods. The food additive term does not include
``contaminants'' or substances added to food for maintaining or
improving nutritional qualities.
4. Contaminant means any substance not intentionally added to food,
which is present in such food as a result of the production (including
operations carried out in crop husbandry, animal husbandry, and
veterinary medicine), manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment,
packing, packaging, transport or holding of such food or as a result of
environmental contamination. The term does not include insect
fragments, rodent hairs and other extraneous matters.
5. Pesticide means any substance intended for preventing,
destroying, attracting, repelling, or controlling any pest including
unwanted species of plants or animals during the production, storage,
transport, distribution and processing of food, agricultural
commodities, or animal feeds or which may be administered to animals
for the control of ectoparasites. The term includes substances intended
for use as a plant-growth regulator, defoliant, desiccant, fruit
thinning agent, or sprouting inhibitor and substances applied to crops
either before or after harvest to protect the commodity from
deterioration during storage and transport. The term pesticides
excludes fertilizers, plant and animal nutrients, food additives, and
animal drugs.
6. Pesticide residue means any specified substance in food,
agricultural commodities, or animal feed resulting from the use of a
pesticide. The term includes any derivatives of a pesticide, such as
conversion products, metabolites, reaction products, and impurities
considered to be of toxological significance.
7. Good Agricultural Practice in the Use of Pesticides (GAP)
includes the nationally authorized safe uses of pesticides under actual
conditions necessary for effective and reliable pest control. It
encompasses a range of levels of pesticide applications up to the
highest authorized use, applied in a manner which leaves a residue
which is the smallest amount practicable.
Authorized safe uses are determined at the national level and
include nationally registered or recommended uses, which take into
account public and occupational health and environmental safety
considerations.
Actual conditions include any stage in the production, storage,
transport, distribution and processing of food commodities and animal
feed.
8. Codex Maximum Limit for Pesticide Residues (MRLP) is the maximum
concentration of a pesticide residue (expressed as mg/kg), recommended
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be legally permitted in or on
food commodities and animal feeds. MRLPs are based on their toxological
affects and on GAP data and foods derived from commodities that comply
with the respective MRLPs are intended to be toxologically acceptable.
Codex MRLPs, which are primarily intended to apply in international
trade, are derived from reviews conducted by the JMPR following:
(a) Toxological assessment of the pesticide and its residue and
(b) Review of residue data from supervised trials and supervised
uses including those reflecting national good agricultural practices.
Data from supervised trials conducted at the highest nationally
recommended, authorized, or registered uses are included in the review.
In order to accommodate variations in national pest control
requirements, Codex MRLPs take into account the higher levels shown to
arise in such supervised trials, which are considered to represent
effective pest control practices.
Consideration of the various dietary residue intake estimates and
determinations both at the national and international level in
comparison with
[[Page 28153]]
the ADI, should indicate that foods complying with Codex MRLPs are safe
for human consumption.
9. Veterinary Drug means any substance applied or administered to
any food-producing animal, such as meat or milk-producing animals,
poultry, fish or bees, whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic or
diagnostic purposes or for modification of physiological functions or
behavior.
10. Residues of Veterinary Drugs include the parent compounds and/
or their metabolites in any edible portion of the animal product, and
include residues of associated impurities of the veterinary drug
concerned.
11. Codex Maximum Limit for Residues of Veterinary Drugs (MRLVD) is
the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of a
veterinary drug (expressed in mg/kg or g/kg on a fresh weight
basis) that is recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be
legally permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on food.
An MRLVD is based on the type and amount of residue considered to
be without any toxological hazard for human health as expressed by the
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), or on the basis of a temporary ADI that
utilizes an additional safety factor. An MRLVD also takes into account
other relevant public health risks as well as food technological
aspects.
When establishing an MRLVD, consideration is also given to residues
that occur in food of plant origin and/or the environment. Furthermore,
the MRLVD may be reduced to be consistent with good practices in the
use of veterinary drugs and to the extent that practical and analytical
methods are available.
12. Good Practice in the Use of Veterinary Drugs (GPVD) is the
official recommended or authorized usage including withdrawal periods
approved by national authorities, of veterinary drugs under practicable
conditions.
13. Processing Aid means any substance or material, not including
apparatus or utensils, not consumed as a food ingredient by itself,
intentionally used in the processing of raw materials, foods or its
ingredients, to fulfill a certain technological purpose during
treatment or processing and which may result in the non-intentional but
unavoidable presence of residues or derivatives in the final product.
Apendix 4--Part 1, Uniform Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex
Standards and Related Texts
Steps 1, 2 and 3
(1) The Commission decides, taking into account the ``Criteria for
the Establishment of Work Priorities and for the Establishment of
Subsidiary Bodies,'' to elaborate a Worldwide Codex Standard and also
decides which subsidiary body or other body should undertake the work.
A decision to elaborate a Worldwide Codex Standard may also be taken by
subsidiary bodies of the Commission in accordance with the above-
mentioned criteria, subject to subsequent approval by the Commission or
its Executive Committee at the earliest possible opportunity. In the
case of Codex Regional Standards, the Commission shall base its
decision on the proposal of the majority of members belonging to a
given region or group of countries submitted at a session of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission.
(2) The Secretariat arranges for the preparation of a proposed
draft standard. In the case of Maximum Limits for Residues of
Pesticides or Veterinary Drugs, the Secretariat distributes the
recommendations for maximum limits, when available from the Joint
Meetings of the FAO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues in Food and
the Environment and the WHO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues
(JMPR), or the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
(JECFA). In the cases of milk and milk products or individual standards
for cheeses, the Secretariat distributes the recommendations of the
International Dairy Federation (IDF).
(3) The proposed draft standard is sent to members of the
Commission and interested international organizations for comment on
all aspects including possible implications of the proposed draft
standard for their economic interests.
Step 4
The comments received are sent by the Secretariat to the subsidiary
body or other body concerned which has the power to consider such
comments and to amend the proposed draft standard.
Step 5 2
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\ Without prejudice to any decision that may be taken by the
Commission at Step 5, the proposed draft standard may be sent by the
Secretariat for government comment prior to its consideration at
Step 5, when, in the opinion of the subsidiary body or other body
concerned, the time between the relevant session of the Commission
and the subsequent session of the subsidiary or other body concerned
requires such actions in order to advance the work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The proposed draft standard is submitted through the Secretariat to
the Commission or to the Executive Committee with a view to its
adoption as a draft standard. When making any decision at this step,
the Commission or the Executive Committee will give due consideration
to any comments that may be submitted by any of its members regarding
the implications which the proposed draft standard or any provisions of
the standard may have for their economic interests. In the case of
Regional Standards, all members of the Commission may present their
comments, take part in the debate and propose amendments, but only the
majority of the Members of the region or group of countries concerned
attending the session can decide to amend or adopt the draft. When
making any decisions at this step, the members of the region or group
of countries concerned will give due consideration to any comments that
may be submitted by any of the members of the Commission regarding the
implications which the proposed draft standard or any provisions of the
proposed draft standard may have for their economic interests.
Step 6
The draft standard is sent by the Secretariat to all members and
interested international organizations for comment on all aspects,
including possible implications of the draft standard for their
economic interests.
Step 7
The comments received are sent by the Secretariat to the subsidiary
body or other body concerned, which has the power to consider such
comments and amend the draft standard.
Step 8
The draft standard is submitted through the Secretariat to the
Commission together with any written proposals received from members
and interested international organizations for amendments at Step 8
with a view to its adoption as a Codex Standard. In the case of
Regional standards, all members and interested international
organizations may present their comments, take part in the debate and
propose amendments but only the majority of members of the region or
group of countries concerned attending the session can decide to amend
and adopt the draft.
[[Page 28154]]
Appendix 4--Part 2, Uniform Accelerated Procedure for the
Elaboration of Codex Standards and Related Texts
Steps 1, 2 and 3
(1) The Commission or the Executive Committee between Commission
sessions, on the basis of a two-thirds majority of votes cast, taking
into account the ``Criteria for the Establishment of Work Priorities
and for the Establishment of Subsidiary Bodies'', shall identify those
standards which shall be the subject of an accelerated elaboration
process.* The identification of such standards may also be made by
subsidiary bodies of the Commission, on the basis of a two-thirds
majority of votes cast, subject to confirmation at the earliest
opportunity by the Commission or its Executive Committee by a two-
thirds majority of votes cast.
(2) The Secretariat arranges for the preparation of a proposed
draft standard. In the case of Maximum Limits for Residues of
Pesticides or Veterinary Drugs, the Secretariat distributes the
recommendations for maximum limits, when available from the Joint
Meetings of the FAO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues in Food and
the Environment and the WHO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues
(JMPR), or the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
(JECFA). In the cases of milk and milk products or individual standards
for cheeses, the Secretariat distributes the recommendations of the
International Dairy Federation (IDF).
(3) The proposed draft standard is sent to Members of the
Commission and interested international organizations for comment on
all aspects including possible implications of the proposed draft
standard for their economic interests. When standards are subject to an
accelerated procedure, this fact shall be notified to the Members of
the Commission and the interested international organizations.
Step 4
The comments received are sent by the Secretariat to the subsidiary
body or other body concerned which has the power to consider such
comments and to amend the proposed draft standard.
Step 5
In the case of standards identified as being subject to an
accelerated elaboration procedure, the draft standard is submitted
through the Secretariat to the Commission together with any written
proposals received from Members and interested international
organizations for amendments with a view to its adoption as a Codex
standard. In taking any decision at this step, the Commission will give
due consideration to any comments that may be submitted by any of its
Members regarding the implications which the proposed draft standard or
any provisions thereof may have for their economic interests.
Appendix 5--Nature of Codex Standards
Codex standards contain requirements for food aimed at ensuring for
the consumer a sound, wholesome food product free from adulteration,
and correctly labelled. A Codex standard for any food or foods should
be drawn up in accordance with the Format for Codex Commodity Standards
and contain, as appropriate, the criteria listed therein.
Format for Codex Commodity Standards Including Standards Elaborated
Under the Code of Principles Concerning Milk and Milk Products
Introduction
The format is also intended for use as a guide by the subsidiary
bodies of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in presenting their
standards, with the object of achieving, as far as possible, a uniform
presentation of commodity standards. The format also indicates the
statements which should be included in standards as appropriate under
the relevant headings of the standard. The sections of the format
required to be completed for a standard are only those provisions that
are appropriate to an international standard for the food in question.
Name of the standard
Scope
Description
Essential composition and quality factors
Food additives
Contaminants
Hygiene
Weights and measures
Labelling
Methods of analysis and sampling
Format for Codex Standards
Name of the Standard
The name of the standard should be clear and as concise as
possible. It should usually be the common name by which the food
covered by the standard is known or, if more than one food is dealt
with in the standard, by a generic name covering them all. If a fully
informative title is inordinately long, a subtitle could be added.
Scope
This section should contain a clear, concise statement as to the
food or foods to which the standard is applicable unless the name of
the standard clearly and concisely identifies the food or foods. A
generic standard covering more than one specific product should clearly
identify the specific products to which the standard applies.
Description
This section should contain a definition of the product or products
with an indication, where appropriate, of the raw materials from which
the product or products are derived and any necessary references to
processes of manufacture. The description may also include references
to types and styles of product and to type of pack. The description may
also include additional definitions when these additional definition
are required to clarify the meaning of the standard.
Essential Composition and Quality Factors
This section should contain all quantitative and other requirements
as to composition including, where necessary, identity characteristics,
provisions on packing media and requirements as to compulsory and
optional ingredients. It should also include
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