International Standard-Setting Activities

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. 98-010N]

International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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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, and the Uruguay Round Agreements

Act, Pub. L. 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809, 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, 1997, to May 31, 1998,

and May 31, 1998, to June 1, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to: FSIS Docket Clerk, U.S.

Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room

102, Cotton

[[Page 28967]]

Annex, 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 will be available for public inspection in the

Docket Clerk's Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through

Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: F. Edward Scarbrough, Ph.D., United

States Manager for Codex Alimentarius, U.S. Department of Agriculture,

Office of the Undersecretary for Food Safety, Room 4861, South

Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC

20250-3700; (202) 205-7760. 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 Trade Agreements. The WTO is the successor organization

to the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). U.S. membership

in the WTO was approved and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act was signed

into law by the President on December 8, 1994. The Uruguay Round

Agreements became effective, with respect to the United States, on

January 1, 1995. 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 has delegated to the

Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the

responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standard-setting

activities of Codex. The FSIS Administrator has, in turn, assigned the

responsibility for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting

activities of Codex to the Office of U.S. Codex Alimentarius, 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 principal 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

publish this 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's 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, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW, 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, 1997 to June 1, 1999. 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 1997 through June 1999)

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. Lists of Standards and Related Texts Adopted by the 22nd

Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 1997

F. Edward Scarbrough,

United States Manager for Codex Alimentarius.

Codex Alimentarius Commission and Executive Committee

The Codex Alimentarius Commission will hold its Twenty-third

Session June 28-July 3, 1999 in Rome, Italy. At that time it will

consider the standards, codes of practice, and related matters brought

to its attention by the general subject committees, commodity

committees, and member delegations.

Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet

in June

[[Page 28968]]

1998 and June 1999. It is composed of the chairperson, vice-

chairpersons and six members elected from the Commission, one from each

of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin

America and the Caribbean, North America, and South-West Pacific. At

its session in June 1998, it will consider the following items:

Budgetary and financial matters;

Review of Codex Subsidiary Bodies;

Consideration of the Draft Medium-Term Plan for 1998 to

2000;

Implementation of the Commission's Programme of Work:

Implementation of decisions taken by the 22nd Session of

the Commission

Consideration of new work proposals

Consideration of Proposed Draft Standards and Related

Texts at Step 5

Matters arising from Codex Committees

Report on Matters Relating to the Implementation of the

WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)

Measures and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)

Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs 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 analytical

methods are available.

* 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).

The next meeting of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary

Drugs in Foods will take place September 14-17, 1998, in Washington,

DC. The following matters will be considered:

To be considered at Step 7:

Abamectin

Azaperone

Cetiofur

Chlorotetracycline/Oxtetracycline/

Tetracycline

Cypermethrin

=Cypermethrin

Dexamethasone

Diclazuril

Dihydrostreptomycin/Streptomycin

Febantel/Febendazole/Oxyfendazole

Gentamicin

Neomycin

Spectinomycin

Thiamphenicol

Tilmicosin

To be considered at Step 4:

Clenbuterol.

New work:

Porcine Somatotropin (PST).

Draft Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding.

In addition, the following matters will be discussed:

Guidelines on Residues at Injection Sites;

Methods of Analysis and Sampling; Review of Performance-

based Criteria and Identification of Routine Methods;

Risk Analysis in Codex and the Committee on Residues of

Veterinary Drugs in Foods;

Amendments to the Guidelines for the Establishment of a

Regulatory Programme for Control of Veterinary Drug Residues in Foods--

Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Milk and Milk Products;

Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration

of Veterinary Medicinal Products; and

Maximum Residue Limits for Certain Veterinary Drugs in

Foods (Priority List); and

Data Requirements for the Establishment of Maximum Residue

Limits for Veterinary Drugs for Minor Species.

Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA USDA/FSIS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

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 30th Session of the CCFAC met

March 9-13, 1998, in the Hague, The Netherlands. The 31st Session of

the CCFAC is tentatively scheduled for March 22-26, 1999, in the Hague,

The Netherlands. The following matters contained in ALINORMS 99/12 and

97/12A are under consideration by the CCFAC:

Food Additives

Proposed Draft General Standard for Food Additives: Annex

A (Guidelines for the Estimation of Appropriate Levels of Use of Food

Additives) to be revised for consideration at Step 3; additives with

specified conditions for use in specific food categories or foodstuffs

(forwarded to Executive Committee at Step 5); (see Table 1, below).

Specifications for the following food additives are

recommended by the CCFAC for adoption by the Twenty-third Session of

the Codex Commission: agar, alginic acid, ammonium alginate, calcium

alginate, carbon dioxide, diacetyltartaric and fatty acid esters of

glycerol, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, gellan gum, hydrogenated poly-

1-decene, isoamyl acetate, malitol syrup, microcrystalline wax, mixed

carotenoids, modified starches, potassium alginate, potassium

propionate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol alginate, propylene

glycol esters of fatty acids, salatrim, sodium alginate,

sucroglycerides, sulfur dioxide, and tertiary-butylhydroquinone.

Specifications for the following flavouring agents are

recommended by the CCFAC for adoption by the Twenty-third Session of

the Codex Commission (numbers in parentheses are the Joint FAO/WHO

Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) flavour identification

numbers): allyl cyclohexane propionate (13), ethyl octanoate (33),

ethyl nonanoate (34), isoamyl acetate (43), isoamyl butyrate (45),

isoamyl isobutyrate (49), isoamyl isovalerate (50), citronellyl formate

(53), geranyl formate (54), neryl formate (55), rhodinyl formate (56),

citronellyl acetate (57), neryl acetate (59), rhodinyl acetate (60),

citronellyl propionate (61), geranyl propionate (62), cis-3,7-dimethyl-

2,6-octadien-1-yl propionate (63), citronellyl butyrate (65), geranyl

butyrate (66), neryl butyrate (67), rhodinyl butyrate (68), citronellyl

isobutyrate (71), neryl isobutyrate (73), neryl isovalerate (76),

formic acid (79), acetaldehyde (80), acetic acid (81), propyl alcohol

(82), propionaldehyde

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(83), propionic acid (84), butyl alcohol (85), butyraldehyde (86),

butyric acid (87), amyl alcohol (88), valeraldehyde (89), valeric acid

(90), hexyl alcohol (91), hexanal (92), hexanoic acid (93), heptyl

alcohol (94), heptanal (95), heptanoic acid (96), 1-octanol (97),

octanal (98), octanoic acid (99), nonyl alcohol (100), nonanal (101),

nonanoic acid (102), 1-decanol (103), decanal (104), decanoic acid

(105), undecyl alcohol (106), undecanal (107), undecanoic acid (108),

lauryl alcohol (109), lauric aldehyde (110), lauric acid (111),

myristaldehyde (112), myristic acid (113), 1-hexadecanol (114),

palmitic acid (115), stearic acid (116), propyl formate (117), butyl

formate (118), n-amyl formate (119), hexyl formate (120), octyl formate

(122), cis-3-hexenyl formate (123), methyl acetate (125), propyl

acetate (126), butyl acetate (127), hexyl acetate (128), heptyl acetate

(129), octyl acetate (130), nonyl acetate (131), decyl acetate (132),

lauryl acetate (133), cis-3-hexynl acetate (134), trans-3-heptynl

acetate (135), 10-undecen-1-yl acetate (136), isobutyl acetate (137),

2-methylbutyl acetate (138), methyl propionate (141), propyl propionate

(142), butyl propionate (143), hexyl propionate (144), octyl propionate

(145), decyl propionate (146), cis-3 & trans-2-hexenyl propionate

(147), isobutyl propionate (148), methyl butyrate (149), propyl

butyrate (150), butyl butyrate (151), n-amyl butyrate (152), hexyl

butyrate (153), cis-3-hexenyl butyrate (157), isobutyl butyrate (158),

methyl valerate (159), butyl valerate (160) propyl hexanoate (161),

butyl hexanoate (162), n-amyl hexanoate (163), hexyl hexanoate (164),

isobutyl hexanoate (166), methyl heptanoate (167), n-amyl heptanoate

(170), methyl octanoate (173), n-amyl octanoate (174), hexyl octanoate

(175), methyl nonanoate (179), methyl laurate (180), butyl laurate

(180), butyl laurate (181), methyl myristate (183), methyl isobutyrate

(185), ethyl isobutyrate (186), propyl isobutyrate (187), butyl

isobutyrate (188), hexyl isobutyrate (189), heptyl isobutyrate (190),

trans-3-heptenyl 2-methyl propanoate (191), octyl isobutyrate (192),

dodecyl isobutyrate (193), isobutyl isobutyrate (194), methyl

isovalerate (195), ethyl isovalerate (196), propyl isovalerate (197),

butyl isovalerate (198), hexyl 3-methylbutanoate (199), octyl

isovalerate (200), nonyl isovalerate (201), 3-hexynl 3-methylbutanoate

(202), 2-methylpropyl 3-methylbutyrate (203), methyl 2-methylbutyrate

(205), ethyl 2-methylbutyrate (206), n-butyl 2-methylbutyrate (207),

hexyl 2-methylbutanoate (208), octyl 2-methylbutyrate (209), 2-

methylbutyl 2-methylbutyrate (212), ethyl 2-methyl pentanoate (214),

methyl 4-methylvalerate (216), trans-anethole (217), and citric acid

(218).

Specifications for the following food additive is

recommended by the CCFAC for adoption by the Twenty-third Session of

the Codex Commission after changes considered editorial have been made:

sodium propionate.

Specifications for the following flavouring agents are

recommended by the CCFAC for adoption by the Twenty-third Session of

the Codex Commission after changes considered editorial have been made:

geranyl acetate (58) and isobutyl formate (124).

Contaminants

Methodology and Principles for Exposure Assessment in the

Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food (paper to be

revised for consideration at 31st CCFAC);

Draft Maximum Levels and Sampling Plan for Aflatoxins in

Raw Peanuts for Further Processing (forwarded to Codex Commission at

Step 8);

Draft Maximum Level for Aflatoxin M1 in milk (forwarded to

Codex Commission at Step 8);

Position Paper on Ochratoxin A (paper to be revised for

consideration at 31st CCFAC);

Position Paper on Patulin (paper to be revised for

consideration at 31st CCFAC, and maximum level in apple juice and the

apple juice ingredient in ready made soft drinks to be circulated for

comment at Step 3);

Position Paper on zearalenone to be circulated for comment

and consideration at the 31st CCFAC;

Draft Code of Practice for source directed measures to

reduce contamination of foodstuffs (paper to be revised for

consideration at 31st CCFAC);

Draft Maximum Levels for Lead (revised levels to be

circulated for comment and consideration at 31st CCFAC);

Discussion Paper on Cadmium (paper to be revised and

circulated for comment and consideration at 31st CCFAC);

Position Paper on Arsenic (paper to be revised and

circulated for comment and consideration at 31st CCFAC);

Position Paper on Tin (draft maximum levels to be

circulated for comment at Step 3 for further consideration at the 31st

CCFAC).

The 30th CCFAC agreed to establish an ad hoc working group for

contaminants to be chaired by Denmark. This ad hoc working group will

meet prior to the plenary session of the 31st CCFAC.

Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Food Additives

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) are included in the general Standard for Food

Additives (GSFA) at this time. All of the additives that are currently

under consideration for inclusion in the draft GFSA are listed in Table

1 below. Provisions for the use of these additives are at Step 5 (See

ALINORM 99/12).

Table 1

Acesulfame Potassium

Adipic Acid

Agar

Alitame

Allura Red AC

Alpha-Amylase & Glucoamylase (Aspergillus oryzae var.)

Alpha-Amylase (Aspergillus oryzae var.)

Alpha-Tocopherol

Aluminum Ammonium Sulphate

Amaranth

Ammonium Adipate

Ammonium Polyphosphates

Annatto Extracts (includes Bixin and Norbixin)

Anoxomer

Ascorbyl Palmitate

Ascorbyl Stearate

Aspartame

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Azodicarbonamide

Azorubine

Beeswax, White and Yellow

Benzoic Acid

Benzoyl Peroxide

Beta-Apo-8'-Carotenic Acid, Methyl or

Ethyl Ester

Beta-Apo-8'-Carotenal

Beta-Carotene (Synthetic)

Bone Phosphate

Brilliant Black PN

Brilliant Blue FCF

Brown HT

Butan-1,3-Diol

Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Calcium Benzoate

Calcium Dihydrogen Diphosphate

Calcium Disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate

Calcium Ferrocyanide

Calcium Formate

Calcium Hydrogen Sulphite

Calcium Polyphosphates

Calcium Sorbate

Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate

Calcium Sulphite

Calcium Tartrate

Candellia Wax

Canthaxanthin

Caramel Colour, Class III--Ammonia Process

Caramel Colour, Class IV--Ammonia Sulphite Process

Carmines (including aluminum & calcium lakes of carminic acid)

Carnauba Wax

Carotenes, Natural Extracts (Vegetable)

Castor Oil

Chlorine

Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorophyllin Copper Complex, Sodium and Potassium Salts

Chlorophylls, Copper Complex

Choleic Acid

Curcumin

Cyclamic Acid (and Sodium, Potassium and Calcium Salts)

Cyclodextrin, Beta

Diacetyltartaric and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol

Diammonium Orthophosphate

Dicalcium Diphosphate

Dicalcium Orthophosphate

Dilauryl Thiodipropionate

Dimagnesium Diphosphate

Dimagnesium Orthophosphate

Dimethyl Dicarbonate

Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate

Diphenyl

Dipotassium Diphosphate

Dipotassium Orthophosphate

Dipotassium Tartrate

Disodium Diphosphate

Disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate

Disodium Orthophosphate

Disodium Tartrate

Erythrosine

Ethyl Maltol

Ferric Ammonium Citrate

Ferrous Gluconate

Ferrous Lactate

Formic Acid

Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin

Grape Skin Extract

Guiaiac Resin

Hexamethylene Tetramine

Hexane

Indigotine

Iron Carbonate

Iron Oxide, Black

Iron Oxide, Red

Iron Oxide, Yellow

Isoascorbic Acid (Erythorbic Acid)

Isomalitol

Isopropyl Citrates

Lysozyme Hydrochloride

Maltol

Methyl Ethyl Ether of Cellulose

Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate

Microcrystalline Wax

Mineral Oil

Mineral Oil (High Viscosity)

Mineral Oil (Medium & Low Viscosity, Class I)

Mineral Oil (Medium & Low Viscosity, Classes II & III)

Mixed Tocopherals Concentrate

Monoammonium Orthophosphate

Monocalcium Orthophosphate

Monomagnesium Orthophosphate

Monopotassium Orthophosphate

Monopotassium Tartrate

Monosodium Orthophosphate

Monosodium Tartrate

Nisin

Nitrous Oxide

Ortho-Phenylphenols

Orthophosphoric Acid

Oxystearin

Pentapotassium Triphosphate

Pentapotassium Triphosphate

Pentasodium Triphosphate

Pimaricin (Natamycin)

Polydimethylsiloxane

Polyethylene Glycol

Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids

Polyglycerol Esters of Interesterified Ricinoleic Acid

Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate

Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monooleate

Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate

Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monostearate

Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Tristearate

Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate

Polyoxyethylene (8) Stearate

Polyvinylpyrrolidone

Ponceau 4R

Potassium Adipate

Potassium Benzoate

Potassium Ferrocyanide

Potassium Metabisulphite

Potassium Nitrate

Potassium Nitrite

Potassium Polyphosphate

Potassium Silicate

Potassium Sodium Tartrate

Potassium Sorbate

Potassium Sulphite

Processed Eucheuma Seaweed

Propyl p-Hydroxybenzoate

Propylene Glycol Alginate

Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids

Protease (Aspergillus oryzae var.)

Quillaia Extract

Quinoline Yellow

Red 2G

Riboflavin

Riboflavin 5'-Phosphate

Saccharin

Saffron

Salts of Fatty Acids (with Base Ammonium, Calcium and Potassium Sodium)

Salts of Myristic, Palmitic and Stearic Acid (Calcium, Potassium and

Sodium)

Shellac

Sodium Adipate

Sodium Aluminum Phosphate-Acidic

Sodium Aluminum Phosphate-Basic

Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Calcium Polyphosphate

Sodium Diacetate

Sodium Ethyl p-Hydroxybenzoate

Sodium Ferrocyanide

Sodium Formate

Sodium Hydrogen Sulphite

Sodium Isoascorbic Acid

Sodium Metabisulphite

Sodium Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate

Sodium Sorbate

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

Sodium Sulphite

Sodium Thiosulphate

Sorbic Acid

Sorbitan Monolaurate

Sorbitan Monooleate

Sorbitan Monopalmitate

Sorbitan Monostearate

Sorbitan Trioleate

Sorbitan Tristearate

Stannous Chloride

Stearoyl-2-Lactylates

Stearyl Citrate

Stearyl Tartrate

Sucralose

Sucroglycerides

Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate

Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids

Sulphur Dioxide

Sunset Yellow FCF

Synthetic Delta-Tocopherol

Synthetic Gamma-Tocopherol

Tannic Acid (Tannins, Food Grade)

Tartaric Acid (L(+)-)

Tartrazine

Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)

Tetrapotassium Diphosphate

Tetrasodium Diphosphate

Thermally Oxidized Soya Bean Oil with Mono- and Di-Glycerides of Fatty

[[Page 28971]]

Acids (TOSOM)

Thiodipropionic Acid

Tricalcium Orthophosphate

Triethyl Citrate Triglycerine Lipase

Trimagnesium Orthophosphate

Tripotassium Orthophosphate

Trisodium Diphosphate

Trisodium Orthophosphate

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.

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 data 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 step 5 by the 30th CCPR will be

considered by the Executive Committee at its Forty-Fifth Session in

June 1998 and those to Steps 5/8 and 8 by the 23rd Session of the Codex

Alimentarius Commission in July 1999 (see table below). The Commission

also will consider the Draft Revised Recommended Methods of Sampling

for Determination of Pesticide Residues for Compliance with MRLs at

Step 8.

* 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Status of Responsible

Codex committee Standard consideration US participation/agenda agency

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pesticide Residues Acephate......... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

(considered at the 30th consideration at

CCPR) (Annex II to ALINORMS Step 5/8.

99/24).

Aldicarb......... MRLs at Step 5.... YES.................... EPA/ARS

Bifenthrin....... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 8.

Chlormequat...... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 5.

Chlorothalonil... CXL deletions..... YES.................... EPA/ARS

Chlorpyrifos..... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 8 and CXL

deletion.

DDT.............. EMRL under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 5.

Diazinon......... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Steps 5 and 5/8.

Diquat........... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 8 and CXL

deletions.

Dithiocabamates.. MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 5.

Fenarimol........ MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Steps 5/2 and 8.

Flumethrin....... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 5/8.

Haloxyfop........ MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 5.

Methamidophos.... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Steps 5 and 5/8.

Methidathion..... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 8 and CXL

deletion.

Parathion-methyl. MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 8 and CXL

deletion.

Phenothrin....... CXL deletion...... YES.................... EPA/ARS

Phorate.......... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 8.

Proxpoxur........ MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 5/8 and CXL

deletions.

Tefufenozide..... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Steps 5 and 5/8.

Teflubenzuron.... MRLs under YES.................... EPA/ARS

consideration at

Step 5/8.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 28972]]

microbiological quality and safety in food, and the assessment of

specifications for food additives 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 considered by the Committee at its

next meeting in Budapest, Hungary on November 23-27, 1998:

Proposed Draft Codex General Guidelines on Sampling;

Criteria for Evaluating Acceptable Methods of Analysis for

Codex purposes;

Harmonization of Test Results Corrected for Recovery

Factors;

Report of Inter-Agency Meeting on ``limits'' Provisions in

Codex Standards;

Endorsement of Methods of Analysis for Codex; and

Measurement Uncertainty.

New work approved by the 22nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius

Commission:

Intra-Laboratory Method Validation.

Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA USDA/AMS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and

Certification 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 inspection and certification systems.

Additionally, the Committee develops principles and guidelines for the

application of measures by competent authorities to provide assurance

that foods comply with essential requirements. This encompasses work on

equivalence of inspection systems, guidelines on food import control

systems and food product certification and information exchange. The

development of guidelines for the appropriate utilization of quality

assurance systems to ensure that foodstuffs conform to requirements and

to facilitate trade are also included in the Committee's terms of

reference. Current work activities of the Committee are the following:

Draft guidelines to be considered at Step 5 by the Executive

Committee at its Forty-fifth Session in July, 1998:

Draft Guidelines for the Development of Equivalence

Agreements Regarding Food Import and Export Inspection and

Certification Systems

Continuing matters to be discussed at the Seventh Session of the

Committee:

Discussion Paper on Issues Relating to the Judgement of

Equivalence; and

Discussion Paper on the Development of Guidelines for the

Utilization and Promotion of Quality Assurance Systems.

New work to be proposed to the Executive Committee:

Development of Guidelines or a similar document on Food

Import Control Systems;

Development of Guidelines and Criteria for a Generic

Official Certificate Format and Rules Relating to the Production and

Issue of Certificates; and

Discussion Paper on Guidelines for the Establishment of a

Database on Importing Country Legislation.

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 following items will be considered

at the next meeting of the Codex Committee on General Principles, which

will take place in Paris, France, on September 7-11, 1998:

Risk Analysis;

Definitions related to Risk Management

Working Priniciples for Risk Analysis

Food Safety Objectives

Measures Intended to Facilitate Consensus;

Review of the General Principles of Codex;

Consideration of special treatment of developing countries

Revision of the Acceptance Procedure

Review of the Status and Objectives of Codex Texts;

Review of the Statements of Principle on the Role of

Science and the Extent to Which Other Factors are Taken into Account--

Application in the Case of BST and PST;

Revision of the Procedural Manual;

Procedures concerning the participation of INGOs

Other aspects

Review of the Code of Ethics for International Trade in

Foods.

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 problems assigned by the Codex Alimentarius

Commission. The following draft guidelines and standards were

considered by the Committee at its May 1998 meeting.

The Committee is continuing work on:

Proposed Draft Amendment to the Labelling Section of the

Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and

Fish Fillets, Breaded or in Batter at Step 7;

Draft Guidelines for Labelling Foods that can cause

Hypersensitivity at Step 7;

Draft Guidelines for Organically Produced Foods at Step 7;

Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Labelling Standard

(Biotechnology) at Step 4;

Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Use of Health

Claims at Step 4.

New work:

Review of General Guidelines for Nutrition Labelling;

Definition of the Claim ``Vegetarian;''

``Sports Drinks'' and ``Energy Drinks''

Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA. USDA/FSIS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene drafts basic provisions on food

hygiene for all foods. The term ``hygiene'' also includes, where

applicable, microbiological specifications for food and associated

methodology. The following Code of Hygienic Practice will be considered

by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session in June 1999:

Draft Code of Practice for Refrigerated Packaged Foods

with Extended Shelf-Life.

The following Guidelines and Codes of Hygienic Practice will be

discussed at the Committee's next meeting in Washington, DC on October

26-30, 1998:

To be considered at Step 7:

Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct

of Microbiological Risk Assessment; and

Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Packaged

(Bottled) Drinking Waters (Other than Natural Mineral Water).

To be considered at Step 4 of the Accelerated Procedure:

[[Page 28973]]

Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Principles of Food

Hygiene (on the need for sufficient rinsing after chemical

disinfection).

To be considered at Step 4:

Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for the Transport

of Foodstuffs in Bulk and Semi-Packaged Foodstuffs;

Proposed Draft Recommendations for the control of Listeria

monocytogenes in Foods in International Trade;

Proposed Draft Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding;

Implications for the Broader Applications of the HACCP

System;

Broader Implications on the Application of Microbiological

Risk Evaluation in International Foods and Feed Trade;

Development of Risk-Based Guidance for the Use of HACCP-

like Systems in Small Businesses, with Special References to Developing

Countries; and

Recommendations for the Management of Microbiological

Hazards for Foods in International Trade.

Other committee work:

Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk Products;

Discussion paper on the Hygienic Recycling of Processing

Water in Food Plants;

Discussion paper on the Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic

Practice for Primary Production, Harvesting and Packaging of Fresh

Produce;

Discussion paper on the Proposed Draft of Hygienic

Practice for Pre-cut Fruits and Vegetables;

Discussion paper on the Proposed Draft Annex on ``Cleaning

and Disinfection'' to the Recommended International Code of Practice--

General Principles of Food Hygiene;

Comments and Information on Prioritization of the Revision

of Codes of Hygienic Practice;

Application of Risk Analysis Principles in Codex:

Microbiological Hazards; and

Revision of the Standard Wording for Food Hygiene

Provisions, Section K of the Procedural Manual.

Responsible Agency: DOC/NMFS, HHS/FDA, USDA/FSIS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables is responsible

for elaborating world-wide standards and codes of practice for fresh

fruits and vegetables. The following draft standards will be considered

by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session in June 1999.

The draft standards listed below are contained in ALINORM 99/35.

To be considered at Step 8:

Draft Standard for Chayote;

Draft Standard for Lime;

Draft Standard for Pummelo; and

Draft Standard for Guava.

To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8 of the accelerated

procedure:

Draft Standard for Mexican Limes; and

Draft Standard for Ginger.

To be considered at Step 5 by the Codex Executive Committee at its

June 1998 meeting:

Draft Revised Standard for Pineapple;

Draft Standard for Asparagus;

Draft Standard for Grapefruit;

Draft Standard for Longan;

The committee is continuing work on:

Draft Standard for Oranges, including guide for use in

scoring freezing injury; and

Draft Code of Practice for the Quality Inspection and

Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

Proposals to be forwarded to the Executive Committee for new work

include Tiquisque (lilac and white), Yucca, Uchuva, Yellow Pitahaya and

Papaya.

Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

The Codex 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

following draft standards and guidelines will be considered at the

Committee's next meeting, September 21-25, 1998, in Berlin, Germany.

The reference document for the following matters is ALINORM 97-26 and

other documents as specifically noted.

To be considered at Step 7:

Proposed Draft Revised Standards for Gluten-Free Foods;

and

Draft Table of Conditions for Nutrient Contents (Part B).

To be considered at Step 5:

Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Infant

Formula (Vitamin B\12\ content)

To be considered at Step 4:

Proposal Draft Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral

Supplements;

Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Infant Formula (CL

1997/13-NFSDU); and

Proposed Draft Revised Standards for Processed Cereal-

Based Foods for Infants and Young Children.

The committee is continuing work on:

Proposed Definitions for Vitamins and Minerals as Nutrient

Reference Values for Labeling;

Proposed Levels of Vitamins and Minerals in Foods for

Special Medical Purposes (CL 1997/11-NFSDU);

Dietary Modelling (CL 1997/12-NFSDU); and

Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling Purposes (CL 1997/

12-NFSDU).

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 draft guidelines and codes of practice will be

considered at the next meeting of the Committee, scheduled for June 8-

12, 1998, in Bergen, Norway.

To be considered at Step 7:

Proposed Draft Standard for Dried Salted Anchovies

Proposed Draft Standard for Crackers from Marine and

Freshwater Fish, Crustacean and Molluscan Shellfish

Guidelines to be considered at Step 7:

Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Sensory Evaluation of

Fish and Shellfish including a Proposed Draft Section on Training of

Assessors at Step 3

Codes to be considered at Step 3:

Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery

Products (Fresh Fish, Frozen Fish, Minced Fish, Canned Fish, Surimi,

Salted Fish and Smoked Fish)

In addition, the Committee is working on the following proposed

draft codes: (1) Products of Aquaculture; (2) Frozen Shrimps and

Prawns; and (3) Molluscan Shellfish.

New work to be elaborated:

Standard for Molluscan Shellfish

Standard for Smoked Fish

Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring

Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA USDC/NOAA/NMFS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products

The Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products is responsible for

establishing international codes and standards for milk and milk

products. The following revised standards and draft revised codes of

principles were considered at the last meeting of the committee, May

18-22, 1998.

[[Page 28974]]

Considered at Step 7:

Draft Revised Standard for Butter;

Draft Revised Standard for Milkfat Products;

Draft Revised Standard for Evaporated Milks;

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 Cheeses in Brine;

Draft Code of Principles Concerning Milk and Milk Products

(General Standard for the Labelling of Milk and Milk Products);

Draft Standard for Unripened Cheese, including Fresh

Cheese.

Considered at Step 4:

Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Processed Cheese;

Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cream;

Proposed Draft Revised Individual Standards for Cheese;

Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Fermented Milk

Products;

Proposed Draft Standard for Dairy Spread; and

Proposed Draft Standard for Mozzarella.

Other work:

Model Export Certificate by the CCFICS;

Nutrition and Quality Descriptors for Milk Products; and

Heat Treatment Definitions.

New work:

Proposal for new standard for ``Parmesan''

Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS, 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 reference document is ALINORM 97/17. The Fifteenth Session of the

Committee recommended the following be adopted by the Commission in

June 1997:

Draft Standard for Named Animal Fats at Step 8;

Draft Standard for Edible Fats and Oils Not Covered by

Individual Standards at Step 8;

Draft Revised Code of Practice for the Storage and

Transport of Fats and Oils in Bulk at Step 8;

The 22nd Session of the Commission noted that there was controversy

on the proposed peroxide value and provisions for additives in the

Draft Standards and decided to return them to Step 6 for government

comments and further consideration by the Committee. At the Commission

meeting several delegates objected to adopting the Draft Revised Code

of Practice because of a number of unaddressed issues. In addition, it

noted that Thermal Heating Fluids were not generally allowed and this

represented a serious problem to many exporting countries. The

Commission decided to discontinue work on the revision and revoke the

current Standard for Specified Vegetable Fat products and Specified

Animal and Vegetable Fat products. The Commission agreed to discontinue

work on converting the European Regional Standard for mayonnaise into a

world-wide standard.

In addition to the two Draft Standards and the Draft Revised Code

listed above, the Sixteenth Session of the Committee, tentatively

scheduled for Spring 1999, will consider the following at Step 7:

Draft Standard for Named Vegetable Oils; and

Draft Standard for Olive Oils and Olive-Pomace Oils.

The Committee will also consider the Draft Standard for Fat Spreads

and Blended Fat Spreads at Step 4.

Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA, USDA/ARS.

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 21st 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 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 for chocolate and chocolate products were

considered at Step 4 by the Sixteenth Session of the Committee, October

1996. The Committee returned the Proposed Draft Revised Standard for

Chocolate and Chocolate Products to Step 3 for further consideration.

Proposed Draft Revised Standards for Cocoa Butter, Cocoa (Cacao)

Nib, Cocoa (Cacao) Mass, Cocoa Press Cake and Cocoa Dust (Cocoa Fines)

for use in the manufacture of Cocoa and Chocolate products, and for

Cocoa Powders (Cacaos) and Dry Cocoa-Sugar Mixture will be considered

at the Seventeenth Session of the Committee scheduled for the Fall of

1998.

Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Processed fruits and vegetables

The United States-hosted Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and

Vegetables (CCPFV) elaborated 37 standards for various types of

processed fruits and vegetables, including many canned products (except

juices), some dried products and other related products. The CCPFV held

18 sessions from 1964 through 1986 and then adjourned sine die. The

CCPFV reconvened for its 19th session in March 1998 in order to

consider, at Step 4, proposed draft revisions of the 37 existing Codex

standards for processed fruits and vegetables. These proposed draft

revisions were prepared and distributed in a circular letter in January

1997 in an effort to simplify the standards and thereby increase the

likelihood of their use and acceptance by national governments.

During the 19th session, the Committee agreed in general with the

principle of simplifying standards and, when practical, covering like

products under a single standard. Due to time constraints, the meeting

focused its discussions on a limited number of standards. The Committee

also noted the status of the other standards and agreed on steps to

consolidate certain standards and on recommendations for future work.

As a result of the 19th session, the status of work covered by the

CCPFV is as follows:

[[Page 28975]]

Draft Standard for Canned Bamboo Shoots at Step 7;

Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Applesauce at

Step 5; and

Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Pears at Step

5.

Proposed Draft Standards at Step 3:

Canned Stone Fruits (new work);

Canned Citrus Fruits;

Canned Berry Fruits;

Canned Mangoes;

Canned Pineapple;

Canned Fruit Cocktail;

Canned Tropical Fruit Salad;

Canned Chestnuts and Chestnut Puree;

Canned Vegetables (new work)*;

Canned Tomatoes;

Canned Mushrooms;

Jams, Jellies and Marmalades (new work);

Mango Chutney**;

Pickled Cucumbers (Cucumber Pickles);

Table Olives;

Processed Tomato Concentrates;

Dried Apricots;

Dates;

Raisins;

Grated Desiccated Coconut;

Unshelled Pistachio Nuts;

Dried Edible Fungi;

Edible Fungi and Fungus Products;

Soy Sauce (new work);

Proposed Draft Guidelines for Packing Media in Canned

Fruits (new work); and

Proposed Draft Guidelines for Packing Media in Canned

Vegetables (new work).

* The following products will be considered for inclusion into the

proposed draft standards for canned vegetables: canned green beans and

wax beans, canned sweet corn, canned asparagus, canned green peas,

canned mature processed peas, canned carrots, canned palmito and

possible canned tomatoes and canned mushrooms.

** In the future, mango chutney may be included in a general Codex

standard for chutney.

There will be two additional standards forthcoming from the Codex

Coordinating Committee for Asia, namely, the Proposed Draft Standard

for Pickles and the Proposed Draft Standard for Kimchi. The Committee

agreed to keep the Codex European Regional Standard for Vinegar, a

regional standard, rather than consider it for worldwide status. The

Committee also recommended that the European regional standard be

referred to the Codex Coordinating Committee for Europe for updating

into the current Codex format. In addition, the CCPFV agreed to

recommend that any future work on converting the Codex European

Regional Standard for Fresh Fungus Chanterelle into a worldwide

standard be transferred to the Codex Committee for Fresh Fruits and

Vegetables. The Committee also acknowledges that cherries may be

considered for inclusion in the proposed draft standard for canned

stone fruits and artichokes and potatoes may be considered for

inclusion in the proposed draft standard for canned vegetables.

New work for the CCPFV is subject to approval by the Executive

Committee at its next meeting.

The next session of the CCPFV is tentatively scheduled for March

20-24, 2000. The exact location and dates are to be decided between the

U.S. and Codex Secretariat.

Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA USDA/AMS.

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

Meat Hygiene*

Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS

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, USDA/ARS

U.S. Participation: Yes

*There is no planned activity for these Committees in the next

year.

A brief report on activities of the Codex Committees on Edible

Ices, Soups and Broths, and Sugars follows:

Codex Committee on Edible Ices

The Committee on Edible Ices was responsible for elaborating

standards for all types of edible ices, including mixes and powders

used for their manufacture. The 43rd Session of the Executive Committee

in June 1996 recommended that the Codex Standard for Edible Ices and

Edible Ice Mixes be revoked. It was reported that there was no need for

the standard as there was not a significant international trade. The

Executive Committee further recommended that the Codex Committee on

Edible Ices be abolished. The 22nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius

Commission decided in June 1997 to revoke the standard and abolish the

committee.

Codex Committee on Soups and Broths

The Codex Committee on Soups and Broths elaborated worldwide

standards for soups, broths, bouillons and consommes. The committee

adjourned sine die. The main tasks of the Committee were completed.

However, at its June 1997 meeting, the Codex Alimentarius Commission

requested that the Committee commence work revising the Standard for

Bouillons and Consommes.

Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Sugars

The Codex Committee on Sugars elaborated standards for all types of

sugars and sugar products. The Committee was adjourned sine die, but

has been asked to revise the standards for Sugar and Honey. The Codex

Alimentarius Commission at its 22nd Session returned the Draft Revised

Standards for Sugar and Honey, which had been submitted for

consideration at Step 8, to the Committee for a new round of comments.

Responsible Agency: 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-third session of the Commission in June, 1999.

Responsible Agency: 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 natural mineral waters. The

Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 22nd meeting approved the

development of a standard for bottled/packaged water other than natural

mineral waters. The United States prepared the initial proposed draft

standard. The Committee will meet to discuss the draft in November

1998.

[[Page 28976]]

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;

--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 Fifth Session of the Committee is to be

held October 6-9, 1998, in the United States. It will address the

following matters of interest to the Commission:

Report on Activities Related to Risk Analysis in Codex and

Other Bodies;

Review and Promotion of Acceptances of Codex Standards and

Codex Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides by Countries in the Region;

Information and Reports on Food Safety, Food Control and

Food Standards Issues in the Region;

Promotion of Codex Activities in the Region; and

Consumer Participation in Codex Work and Related Matters.

Agency Responsible: USDA/FSIS.

U.S. Participation: Yes.

Appendix 1--U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials

Codex Committee Chairpersons

Mr. Steven N. Tanner, Director, Technical Services Division, Grain

Inspection, Packers & Stockyards, Administration, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, 10383 N. Executive Hills Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64153-

1394, Phone #: (816) 891-0401, Fax #: (816) 891-0478--Cereals,

Pulses and Legumes (adjourned Sine Die)

Dr. I. Kaye Wachsmuth, Deputy Administrator, Office of Public Health

and Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Room 341-E, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone

#(202) 720-2644, Fax # (202) 690-2980--Food Hygiene

Mr. David L. Priester, International Standards Coordinator, Fresh

Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural

Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456,

Room 2069, South Agriculture Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456,

Phone #: (202) 720-2184, Fax #: (202) 720-0016--Processed Fruits and

Vegetables

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. 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.

Alternate Delegate..................... Dr. Pat Basu, Director,

Chemistry and Toxicology

Division, Office of Public

Health and Science, Food

Safety and Inspection Service,

U.S. Department of

Agriculture, 6912 Franklin

Court, 1099 14th Street, NW,

Washington, DC 20250-3700,

Phone #: (202) 501-7319, Fax:

(202) 501-7639.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 28977]]

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

(Host Government--The Netherlands)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. Delegate.......................... Mr. Fred Ives, Health Effects

Division (7509C), Office of

Pesticide Programs, U.S.

Environmental Protection

Agency 401 M Street, SW,

Washington, DC 20460, Phone #:

(703) 305-6378, Fax #: (703)

305-5147, E-mail:

[email protected].

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 20250-3700,

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..................... Mr. William Franks, Director,

Science and Technology

Division, Agricultural

Marketing Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture,

Room 3507, South Agriculture

Building, 1400 Independence

Avenue, SW, Washington, DC

20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-

5231, Fax #: (202) 720-6496.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection

Systems

(Host Government--Australia)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegate............................... VACANT.

Alternate Delegate..................... Mr. Mark Manis, Director,

International Policy

Development Division, Office

of Policy, Program

Development, and Evaluation,

Food Safety and Inspection

Service, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Room 4434, South

Agriculture Building, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20250-3700,

Phone #: (202) 720-6400, Fax

#: (202) 720-7990.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Labelling

(Host Government--Canada)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegate............................... Ms. Elizabeth J. Campbell,

Acting 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..................... Dr. Robert Post, Director,

Labeling & Compounds Review

Division, Office of Policy,

Program Development, and

Evaluation, Food Safety and

Inspection Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture,

Room 602, Cotton Annex,

Washington, DC 20250-3700,

Phone #: (202) 205-0279, Fax

#: (202) 205-3625.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

(Host Government--Germany)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegate............................... Dr. Elizabeth Yetley, Director,

Office of Special

Nutritionals, Center for Food

Safety and Applied Nutrition,

Food and Drug Administration,

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 28978]]

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

(Host Government--Mexico)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegate............................... Mr. David L. Priester,

International Standards

Coordinator, Fresh Products

Branch, Fruit and Vegetable

Programs, Agricultural

Marketing Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture,

P.O. Box 96456, Room 2069,

South Agriculture Building,

Washington, DC 20090-6456,

Phone #: (202) 720-2184, Fax

#: (202) 720-0016.

Alternate Delegate..................... Mr. Larry B. Lace, Branch

Chief, Fresh Products Branch,

Fruits and Vegetable Division,

Agricultural Marketing

Service, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Room 2049, South

Agriculture Building, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20090-6456,

Phone #: (202) 720-5870, Fax

#: (202) 720-0393.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20250-0230,

Phone #: (202) 720-9382, Fax

#: (202) 720-2643.

Alternate Delegate..................... Mr. 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-306),

Washington, DC 20204, Phone #:

(202) 205-1731, Fax #: (202)

205-4422.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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, Food and Drug

Administration, 200 C Street,

SW, Room 5823 (HFS-585),

Washington, DC 20204, Phone #:

(202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202)

401-7739.

Alternate Delegate..................... Dr. Dwayne Buxton, National

Program Leader for Oilseeds

and Bioscience, Agricultural

Research Service, Room 212,

Building 005, BARC West,

Beltsville, MD 20705, Phone #:

(301) 504-5321, Fax #: (301)

504-5467.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

(Host Government--United States)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegate............................... Mr. Richard B. Boyd, Senior

Marketing Specialist, Fruit

and Vegetable Division,

Agriculture Marketing Service,

U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Room 0717, South

Agriculture Building, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20090-0247,

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, Food and Drug

Administration, 200 C Street,

SW, Room 5823 (HFS-585),

Washington, DC 20204, Phone #:

(202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202)

401-7739.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate

(Host Government--Switzerland)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. Delegate.......................... Mr. Charles W. Cooper,

Director, International

Activities Staff, Center for

Food Safety and Applied

Nutrition, Food and Drug

Administration, 200 C Street,

SW, Room 5823 (HFS-585),

Washington, DC 20204, Phone #:

(202) 205-5042, Fax #: (202)

401-7739.

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 28979]]

Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters

(Host Government--Switzerland)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-305), Washington, DC

20204, Phone #: (202) 205-

5321, Fax #: (202) 205-4422.

Alternate Delegate..................... Ms. Shellee 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, DC 20204, Phone #:

(202) 205-4681, Fax #: (202)

205-4422.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Codex Committee On Sugars

(Host Government--United Kingdom)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegate............................... VACANT.

Alternate Delegate..................... 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 Cereals, Pulses And Legumes \1\

(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) 401-7739.

Alternate Delegate..................... Mr. David Shipman, Deputy

Administrator, Grain

Inspection Packers and

Stockyards Administration,

U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Room 1092, South

Agriculture Building, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20250-3601,

Phone #: (202) 720-9170, Fax

#: (202) 720-1015.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Codex Committee on Soups and broths \1\

(Host Government--Switzerland)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegate............................... Mr. Charles Edwards, Director,

Labeling, Products and

Technology Standards Division,

Office of Policy, Program

Development and Evaluation,

Food Safety and Inspection

Service, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Room 405, Cotton

Annex, 300 C Street, SW,

Washington, DC 20250-3700,

Phone #: (202) 205-0675, Fax

#: (202) 205-0080.

Alternate Delegate..................... Dr. Robert Post, Director,

Labeling and Compounds Review

Division, Office of Policy,

Program Development and

Evaluation, Food Safety and

Inspection Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture,

Room 602, Cotton Annex, 300 C

Street, SW, Washington, DC

20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 205-

0279, Fax #: (202) 205-3625.

Codedx 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,

Acting Director, Office of

Food Labeling, Center for Food

Safety and Applied Nutrition,

Food and Drug Administration,

200 C Street, SW (HFS-150),

Washington, DC 20204, Phone #:

(202) 205-4561, Fax #: (202)

205-4594,

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene \1\

(Host Government--New Zealand)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delegate............................... Dr. John Prucha, Assistant

Deputy Administrator,

International and Domestic

Policy, Food Safety and

Inspection Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture,

Room 4866, South Agriculture

Building, Washington, DC 20250-

3700, Phone #: (202) 720-3473,

Fax #: (202) 690-3856.

Alternate Delegate..................... Vacant.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products \1\

(Host Government--Denmark)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. Delegate.......................... Mr. Daniel Engeljohn, Branch

Chief, Standards Development

Branch, Inspection Systems

Development Division, Office

of Policy, Program Development

and Evaluation, Food Safety

and Inspection Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture,

Room 405, Cotton Annex, 300 C

Street, SW, Washington, DC

20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 205-

0210, Fax #: (202) 205-0080.

[[Page 28980]]

Alternate Delegate..................... Mr. Charles Edwards, Director,

Labeling, Products and

Technology Standards Division,

Office of Policy, Program

Development and Evaluation,

Food Safety and Inspection

Service, U.S. Department of

Agriculture, Room 405, Cotton

Annex, 300 C Street, SW,

Washington, DC 20250-3700,

Phone #: (202) 205-0675, Fax

#: (202) 205-0080.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20090-0247,

Phone #: (202) 720-5021, Fax

#: (202) 690-1527.

1Alternate 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.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joint ECE/Codex Alimentarius Group of Experts

on Standardization of Fruit Juices \1\

------------------------------------------------------------------------

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,

1400 Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20090-0247,

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................................ Mr. Patrick Clerkin, Director,

U.S. Codex Office, Food Safety

and Inspection Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture,

Room 4861, South Agriculture

Building, 1400 Independence

Avenue, SW, Washington, DC

20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 205-

7760, Fax #: (202) 720-3157.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

\1\ Adjourned sine die. The main tasks of these Committees are

completed. However, the committees may be called to meet again if

required.

Appendix 2--Timetable of Codex Sessions

(June 1997 Through June 1999)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1997:

CX 702-44.................. Executive Committee of 19-20 June............... Geneva.

the Codex Alimentarius

Commission (44th

Session).

CX 701-22.................. CODEX ALIMENTARIUS 23-28 June............... Geneva.

COMMISSION (44th

Session).

CX 731-7................... Codex Committee on Fresh 8-12 September........... Mexico City.

Fruits and Vegetables

(7th Session).

CX 712-30.................. Codex Committee on Food 20-24 October............ Washington, DC.

Hygiene (30th Session).

CX 727-11.................. Codex Regional 16-19 December........... Chiang Rai.

Coordinating Committee

for Asia (11th Session).

1998:

CX 733-6................... Codex Committee on Food 23-27 February........... Melbourne.

Import and Export

Certification and

Inspection (6th Session).

CX 711-30.................. Codex Committee on Food 9-13 March............... The Hague.

Additives and

Contaminants (30th

Session).

CX 713-20.................. Codex Committee on 16-20 March.............. Washington, DC.

Processed Fruits and

Vegetables (19th

Session).

CX 718-30.................. Codex Committee on 20-25 April.............. The Hague.

Pesticide Residues (30th

Session).

CX 719-21.................. Codex Regional 5-8 May.................. Madrid.

Coordinating Committee

for Europe (21st

Session).

CX 703-3................... Codex Committee on Milk 18-22 May................ Montevideo.

and Milk Products (3rd

Session).

CX 714-26.................. Codex Committee on Food 25-29 May................ Ottawa.

Labelling (26th Session).

CX 702-45.................. Executive Committee of 3-5 June................. Rome.

the Codex Alimentarius

Commission (45th

Session).

CX 722-23.................. Codex Committee on Fish 8-12 June................ Bergen.

and Fishery Products

(23rd Session).

CX 716-13.................. Codex Committee on 7-11 September........... Paris.

General Principals (13th

Session).

CX 730-11.................. Codex Committee on 14-17 September.......... Washington, DC.

Residues of Veterinary

Drugs in Foods (11th

Session).

CX 720-21.................. Codex Committee on 21-25 September.......... Berlin.

Nutrition and Foods for

Special Dietary Uses

(21st Session).

CX 732-5................... Codex Regional 6-9 October.............. TBA.

Coordinating Committee

for North America and

the South-West Pacific

(5th Session).

[[Page 28981]]

CX 712-31.................. Codex Committee on Food 26-30 October............ Washington, DC.

Hygiene (31st Session).

CX 707-13.................. Codex Regional 3-6 November............. Harare.

Coordinating Committee

for Africa (13th

Session).

CX 708-17.................. Codex Committee on Cocoa 16-18 November........... Switzerland.

Products and Chocolate

(17th Session).

CX 719-6................... Codex Committee on 19-21 November........... Switzerland.

Natural Mineral Waters

(6th Session).

CX 715-22.................. Codex Committee on 23-27 November........... Budapest.

Methods of Analysis and

Sampling (22nd Session).

CX 725-11.................. Codex Regional 8-11 December............ Montevideo.

Coordinating Committee

for Latin America and

the Caribbean (11th

Session).

1999:

CX 733-7................... Codex Committee on Food 22-26 February........... TBA.

Import and Export

Certification and

Inspection (7th Session).

CX 731-8................... Codex Committee on Fresh 1-5 March................ Mexico City.

Fruits and Vegetables

(8th Session).

CX 709-16.................. Codex Committee on Fats 8-12 March............... London.

and Oils (16th Session).

CX 711-31.................. Codex Committee on Food 22-26 March.............. The Hague.

Additives and

Contaminants (31st

Session).

CX 718-31.................. Codex Committee on 12-17 April.............. The Hague.

Pesticide Residues (31st

Session).

CX 714-27.................. Codex Committee on Food 19-23 April.............. Ottawa.

Labelling (27th Session).

CX 716-13.................. Codex Committee on 26-30 April.............. Paris.

General Principles (14th

Session).

CX 702-46.................. Executive Committee of 24-25 June............... Rome.

the Codex Alimentarius

Commission (46th

Session).

CX 701-23.................. Codex Alimentarius 28 June-3 July........... Rome.

Commission (23rd

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 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

[[Page 28982]]

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.

Appendix 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 \1\

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\1\ 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.

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.

[[Page 28983]]

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 definitions 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 quality

factors which are essential for the designation, definition, or

composition of the product concerned. Such factors could include the

quality of the raw material, with the object of protecting the

health of the consumer, provisions on taste, odor, color, and

texture which may be apprehended by the senses, and basic quality

criteria for the finished products, with the object of preventing

fraud. This section may refer to tolerances for defects, such as

blemishes or imperfect material, but this information should be

contained in appendix to the standard or in another advisory text.

Food Additives

This section should contain the names of the additives permitted

and, where appropriate, the maximum amount permitted in the food. It

should be prepared in accordance with guidance given on pages 93 to

96 of the Codex Procedural Manual and may take the following form:

``The following provisions in respect of food additives and

their specifications as contained in section * * * of the Codex

Alimentarius are subject to endorsement [have been endorsed] by the

Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants.''

A tabulation should then follow, viz.:

``Name of additive, maximum level (in percentage or mg/kg).''

Contaminants

(a) Pesticide Residues: This section should include, by

reference, any levels for pesticide residues that have been

established by the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues for the

product concerned.

(b) Other Contaminants: In addition, this section should contain

the names of other contaminants and where appropriate the maximum

level permitted in the food, and the text to appear in the standard

may take the following form:

``The following provisions in respect of contaminants, other

than pesticide residues, are subject to endorsement [have been

endorsed] by the Codex Committee on Food Additives and

Contaminants.''

A tabulation should then follow, viz.:

``Name of contaminant, maximum level (in percentage or mg/kg).''

Hygiene

Any specific mandatory hygiene provisions considered necessary

should be included in this section. They should be prepared in

accordance with the guidance given on pages 96 to 98 of the Codex

Procedural Manual. Reference should also be made to applicable codes

of hygienic practice. Any parts of such codes, including in

particular any end-product specifications, should be set out in the

standard, if it is considered necessary that they should be made

mandatory. The following statement should also appear:

``The following provisions in respect of the food hygiene of the

product are subject to endorsement [have been endorsed] by the Codex

Committee on Food Hygiene.''

Weights and Measures

This section should include all provisions, other than labelling

provisions, relating to weights and measures, e.g. where

appropriate, fill of container, weight, measure or count of units

determined by an appropriate method of sampling and analysis.

Weights and measures should be expressed in S.I. units. In the case

of standards which include provisions for the sale of products in

standardized amounts, e.g. multiples of 100 grams, S.I. units should

be used, but this would not preclude additional statements in the

standards of these standardized amounts in approximately similar

amounts in other systems of weights and measures.

Labelling

This section should include all the labelling provisions

contained in the standard and should be prepared in accordance with

the guidance given on pages 91 to 93 of the Codex Procedural Manual.

Provisions should be included by reference to the General Standard

for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods. The section may also contain

provisions which are exemptions from, additions to, or which are

necessary for the interpretation of the General Standard in respect

of the product concerned provided that these can be justified fully.

The following statement should also appear:

``The following provisions in respect of the labelling of this

product are subject to endorsement [have been endorsed] by the Codex

Committee on Food Labelling.''

Methods of Analysis and Sampling

This section should include, either specifically or by

reference, all methods of analysis and sampling considered necessary

and should be prepared in accordance with the guidance given on

pages 99 to 102 of the Codex Procedural Manual. If two or more

methods have been proved to be equivalent by the Codex Committee on

Methods of Analysis and Sampling, these could be regarded as

alternative and included in this section either specifically or by

reference. The following statement should also appear:

``The methods of analysis and sampling described hereunder are

to be endorsed [have been endorsed] by the Codex Committee on

Methods of Analysis and Sampling.''

[FR Doc. 98-13981 Filed 5-26-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P