International Standard-Setting Activities
Federal RegisterMay 26, 1999
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
[Docket No. 99-013N]
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. It also provides a list of other
standard-setting activities of Codex, including commodity standards,
guidelines, codes of practice, and revised texts. This notice, which
covers the time periods from June 1, 1998, to May 31, 1999, and June 1,
1999, to May 31, 2000, seeks comments on standards currently under
consideration and recommendations for new standards.
ADDRESSES: Submit any written comments to: FSIS Docket Clerk, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room
102, Cotton 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
Attachment 2 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 Agreement 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
[[Page 28429]]
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 publishes
this notice in the Federal Register annually. Attachment 1 (Sanitary
and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex) sets 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 Attachment 1 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 in Attachment 1 describes the status of
Codex standard-setting activities by the Codex Committees for the time
periods from June 1, 1998 to May 31, 1999, and June 1, 1999 to May 31,
2000. In addition, the following attachments are included:
Attachment 2 List of U.S. Codex Officials (includes U.S. delegates and
alternate delegates).
Attachment 3 Timetable of Codex Sessions (June 1998 through May 2000)
Attachment 4 Definitions for the Purpose of Codex Alimentarius
Attachment 5 Part 1-Uniform Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex
Standards and Related Texts Part 2-Uniform Accelerated Procedure for
the Elaboration of Codex Standards and Related Texts
Attachment 6 Nature of Codex Standards
Done at Washington, DC on: May 20, 1999.
F. Edward Scarbrough,
United States Manager for Codex Alimentarius.
Attachment 1: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex
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 met in
June 1998 and will meet June 24-25, 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 1999, it will consider the
following items:
Report of the financial situation of the Joint FAO/WHO
Food Standards Programme for 1998/99 and 2000/01;
Principles of Risk Analysis;
Matters Arising from Reports of Codex Committees;
Designation of Host Governments for Codex Committees and
ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces;
Review of Criteria for New Work and Guidelines for the
Establishment of ``Inclusive'' Standards; and
Provision of Documentation, Translation and Interpretation
Services for Codex Committees.
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
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).
[[Page 28430]]
The following matters, contained in ALINORM 99/31, will be
considered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session:
To be considered at Step 8:
Alpha-Cypermethrin/Cypermethrin
Azaperone
Bovine Somatatropins
Cetiofur
Diclazuril
Dihydrostreptomycin/Streptomycin
Febantel/Febendazole/Oxyfendazole
Neomycin
Spectinomycin
Tilmicosin
To be considered at Step 5/8:
Febantel/Febendazole/Oxyfendazole
Fluazuron
Nicarbazin
Benzylpenicillin/Procaine Benzylpenicillin
Spectinomicin
Moxidectin
To be considered at Step 5:
Chlorotetracyline/Oxytetracycline/Tetracycline
Cyfluthrin
Danofloxacin
Eprinomectin
Flumequine
Imidocarb
Sarafloxicin
Priority List of Veterinary Drugs Requiring Evaluation or Reevaluation
Replacement of Codex MRLs for Benzylpenicillin with MRLs
for Benzylpenicillin/Procaine Benzylpenicillin
The Committee is continuing work on:
Draft Maximum Residue Limits for Veterinary Drugs;
Risk Analysis in the Codex Committee on Residues of
Veterinary Drugs in Foods;
Guidelines on Residues at Injection Sites;
Guidelines on the Control of Veterinary Drug Residues in
Milk and Milk Products;
Draft Code of Practice for Good Animal Feeding; and
Methods of Analysis and Sampling Issues.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS
U.S. Participation: Yes
Food Additives and Contaminants
Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants
The Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (CCFAC) (a)
establishes or endorses permitted maximum or guideline levels for
individual food additives, contaminants, and naturally occurring
toxicants in food and animal feed; (b) prepares priority lists of food
additives and contaminants for toxicological evaluation by the Joint
FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); (c) recommends
specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption
by the Commission; (d) considers methods of analysis for food additives
and contaminants; and (e) considers and elaborates standards and codes
for related subjects such as labeling of food additives when sold as
such and food irradiation. The 31st Session of the CCFAC met March 22-
26, 1999, in The Hague, The Netherlands. The plenary of the 32nd
Session of the CCFAC is tentatively scheduled for March 20-24, 2000, in
Beijing, the People's Republic of China. The following matters
contained in ALINORMs 99/12 and 99/12A are under consideration by the
CCFAC.
Risk Analysis
The Discussion Paper entitled ``Application of Risk Analysis
Principles to the Work of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and
Contaminants (CCFAC) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food
Additives (JECFA)'' will be forwarded to the 53rd JECFA for comment. In
response to the discussion by the 31st CCFAC and the recommendations of
the JECFA, the Discussion Paper will be revised by the U.S. and
circulated for comment and further discussion by the 32nd CCFAC (2000).
Food Additives
Annex A (Guidelines for the Estimation of Appropriate
Levels of Use of Food Additives) to the Preamble of the General
Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) was forwarded to the CAC for
adoption at Step 5. Table 1 of the GSFA (Additives Permitted for Use
Under Specified Conditions in Certain Food Categories or Individual
Food Items) was forwarded to CAC with recommendation for adoption of
specific provisions at Step 8 or maintaining specific provisions at
Step 6; (see Table 1, below). The 31st CCFAC also proposed draft
revisions to the Preamble of the GSFA at Step 3 of Codex's uniform
accelerated procedure.
The 31st CCFAC agreed to reestablish the ad hoc working
group on the GSFA for its 32nd Session under the chairmanship of the
U.S. This ad hoc working group is expected to meet prior to the plenary
session of the 32nd CCFAC.
A discussion paper on the use of colors in foods will be
revised for further discussion by the 32nd CCFAC.
Food Additive Specifications
Specifications for the following food additives are
recommended by the CCFAC for adoption by the Twenty-third Session of
the Codex Commission: acetone, agar, alginic acid, aluminium powder,
ammonium alginate, calcium alginate, calcium gluconate, calcium
propionate, calcium sorbate, canthaxanthin, carbon dioxide, carnauba
wax, carthamus red, carthamus yellow, diacetyltartaric and fatty acid
esters of glycerol, dichloromethane, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose,
ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, gellan gum, glucono delta-lactone, hexanes, 4-
hexylresorcinol, hydrogenated poly-1-decene, isoamyl acetate,
isobutanol, maltitol syrup, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, microcrystalline
wax, mineral oil (medium and low viscosity), mixed carotenoids,
modified starches, petroleum jelly, polydextrose, polyglycitol syrup,
potassium alginate, potassium gluconate, potassium propionate,
potassium sorbate, propane-2-ol, propionic acid, propyl p-
hydroxybenzoate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol alginate, propylene
glycol esters of fatty acids, salatrim, sodium alginate, sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose enzymatically hydrolyzed, sodium gluconate,
sucroglycerides, sulfur dioxide, and tertiary-butylhydroquinone.
Specifications for the following flavoring 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) flavor 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 propanoate (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 (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),
[[Page 28431]]
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-hexenyl acetate (134),
trans-3-heptenyl acetate (135), 10-undecen-1-yl acetate (136), isobutyl
acetate (137), 2-methylbutyl acetate (138), acetone (139), methyl
propionate (141), propyl propionate (142), butyl propionate (143),
hexyl propionate (144), octyl propionate (145), decyl propionate (146),
cis-3 and 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 (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-hexenyl 3-
methylbutanoate (202), 2-methylpropyl 3-methylbutyrate (203), methyl 2-
methylbutyrate (205), ethyl 2-methylbutyrate (206), n-butyl 2-
methylbuytyrate (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), citric acid (218), 4-hydroxybutyric acid lactone (gamma-
butyrolactone) (219), 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid (220), 4-hydroxy-3-
pentenoic acid lactone (221), 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone
(222), gamma-hexalactone (223), delta-hexalactone (224), gamma-
heptalactone (225), gamma-octalactone (226), 4,4-dibutyl-gamma-
butyrolactone (227), delta-octalactone (228), gamma-nonalactone (229),
hydroxynonanoic acid, delta-lactone (230), gamma-decalactone (231),
delta-decalactone (232), gamma-undecalactone (233), 5-hydroxyundecanoic
acid lactone (234), gamma-dodecalactone (235), delta-Dodecalactone
(236), 6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethylpctanoic acid lactone (237), delta-
tetradecalactone (238), omega-6-hexadecenlactone (240), epsilon-
dodecalactone (242), 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one
(243), 5-hydroxy-2,4-decadienoic acid delta-lactone (245), 5-hydroxy-2-
decenoic acid delta-lactone (246), gamma-methyldecalactone (250),
isobutyl alcohol (251), isobutyraldehyde (252), isobutyric acid (253),
2-methylbutyraldehyde (254), 2-methylbutyric acid (255), 2-
ethylbutyraldehyde (256), 2-ethylbutyric acid (257), 3-
methylbutyraldehyde (258), isovaleric acid (259), 2-methylvaleric acid
(261), 3-methylpentanoic acid (262), 3-methyl-1-pentanol (263), 4-
methylpentanoic acid (264), 2-methylhexanoic acid (265), 5-
methylhexanoic acid (266), 2-ethyl-1-hexanoic acid (267), 3,5,5-
trimethyl-1-hexanol (268), 3,5,5-trimethylhexanal (269), 3,7-dimethyl-
1-octanol (272), 4-methylnonanoic acid (274), 2-methylundecanal (275),
isopropyl alcohol (277), 2-butanone (278), 2-pentanone (279), 2-
pentanol (280), 3-hexanone (281), 3-hexanol (282), 2-heptanone (283),
2-heptanol (284), 3-heptanone (285), 3-heptanol (286), 4-heptanone
(287), 2-octanone (288), 2-octanol (289), 3-octanone (290), 3-octanol
(291), 2-nonanone (292), 2-nonanol (293), 3-nonanone (294), 3-decanol
(295), 2-undecanone (296), 2-undecanol (297), 2-tridecanone (298), 4-
methyl-2-pentanone (301) 2,6-dimethyl-4-heptanone (302), 2,6-dimethyl-
4-heptanol (303), isopropyl acetate (305), isopropyl butyrate (307),
isopropyl isobutyrate (309), isopropyl isovalerate (310), isopropyl
myristate (311), isopropyl tiglate (312), 3-octyl acetate (313), 4-
pentenoic acid (314), cis-3-hexen-1-ol (315), 4-hexen-1-ol (318), 4-
heptenal (320), cis-3-octen-1-ol (321), cis-5-octen-1-ol (322), cis-5-
otenal (323), cis-6-nonen-1-ol (324), cis-6-nonenal (325), 4-decenal
(326), 9-decenoic acid (328), 10-undecenal (330), 10-undecenoic acid
(331), linoleic acid (332), ethyl 3-hexenoate (335), cis-3-hexenyl cis-
3-hexenoate (336), ethyl 10-undecenoate (343), ethyl oleate (345),
methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate (mix) (346), 2,6-dimethyl-5-
heptenal (349), ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate (351), methyl 3, 7-
dimethyl-6-octenoate (354), linalool (356), tetrahydrolinalool (357),
linalyl formate (358), linalyl acetate (359), linalyl propionate (360),
linalyl butyrate (361), linalyl isobutyrate (362), linalyl isovalerate
(363), linalyl hexanoate (364), alpha-terpineol (366), terpinyl acetate
(368), terpinyl propionate (369), p-menthan-2-one (375), dihydrocarveol
(378), dihydrocarvyl acetate (379), (+)carvone (380a), (-)carvone
(380b), carveol (381), carvyl acetate (382), beta-damascone (384),
alpha-damascone (385), delta-damascone (386), damascenone (387), alpha-
ionone (388), beta-ionone (389), alpha-ionol (391), dihydro-alpha-
ionone (393), dihydro-beta-ionol (395), dehydrodihydroionone (396),
dehydrodihydroinol (397), methyl alpha-ionone (398), methyl beta-ionone
(399), allyl alpha-ionone, (401), alpha-irone (403), alpha-iso-
methylionone (404), acetoin (405), 2,3-pentanedione (410), 2,3-
hexanedione (412), 3,4-hexanedione (413), 2,3-heptanedione (415),
ethylcyclopentenolone (419), 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione (420),
3-ethyl-2-hydroxy-4-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-one (422), 5-ethyl-2-
hydroxy-3-methylcyclopent-2-en-1-one (423), 1-metyl-2,3-cyclohexadione
(425), 2-hydrox-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (426), menthol
(427), menthone (429), ()isomenthone (430), menthyl acetate
(431), menthyl isovalerate (432), (-)menthyl lactate (433), piperitone
(435), gamma-lactone (437), 4-carvomenthenol (439), (-)menthol ethylene
glycol carbonate (443),
(-)menthol 1-and 2-propylene glycol carbonate (444), (-)menthone 1, 2-
glycerol ketal (445), ()menthone 1,2-glycerol ketal 446),
mono-menthyl succinate (447), 1-ethylhexyl tiglate
(3-octyl tiglate) (448)
Specifications for the following food additives are
recommended by the CCFAC for adoption by the Twenty-third Session of
the CAC after changes considered editorial have been made: gum arabic
and sodium propionate.
Specifications for the following flavoring agents are
recommended by the CCFAC for adoption by the Twenty-third Session of
the CAC after changes considered editorial have been made: geranyl
acetate (58), and isobutyl formate (124).
The 31st CCFAC agreed to reestablish the ad hoc working
group for food additive specifications for its 32nd Session under the
chairmanship of the
[[Page 28432]]
U.S. This ad hoc working group is expected to meet prior to the plenary
session of the 32nd CCFAC.
Contaminants
Methodology and Principles for Exposure Assessment in the
Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food (paper to be
revised for consideration by the 32nd CCFAC).
Maximum Levels and Sampling Plan for Aflatoxins in Raw
Peanuts for further processing (forwarded to CAC for adoption at Step
8). Maximum Level for aflatoxin M1 in Milk (forwarded to CAC
for adoption at Step 8).
Position Paper on Ochratoxin A (paper to be revised for
consideration by the 32nd CCFAC). Draft Maximum Levels for Ochratoxin A
in Cereals and Cereal Products to be circulated for comment and further
consideration by the 32nd CCFAC at Step 3.
Position Paper on Patulin (paper to be revised for
consideration by the 32nd CCFAC). Draft Maximum Level for Patulin in
Apple Juice and the Apple Juice Ingredient in other Beverages was
forwarded to the CAC for adoption at Step 5.
Position Paper on Zearalenone (Paper will be finalized and
circulated for comment and consideration by the 32nd CCFAC.)
Draft Code of Practice for Source Directed Measures to
Reduce Contamination of Foodstuffs (paper to be revised for
consideration at Step 3 by the 32nd CCFAC).
Draft Maximum Levels for Lead (Revised levels to be
circulated for comment and consideration at Step 6 by the 32nd CCFAC).
Discussion Paper on Cadmium (Paper to be revised and
circulated for comment and consideration by the 32nd CCFAC). Draft
Maximum Levels for Cadmium for Cereals, Pulses and Legumes to be
circulated for comment at Step 6. (Proposed draft maximum levels for
Cadmium in other foods to be circulated at Step 3).
Position Paper on Arsenic (Paper to be finalized and will
form the basis of future work when routine methodology becomes
available to determine toxic arsenic in food).
Maximum Levels for Tin in Canned Foods (Draft maximum
levels for canned foods were forwarded to the CAC for adoption at Step
5).
Discussion Paper on Dioxins (Paper to be revised for
circulation and comment by the 32nd CCFAC).
Section 3.2 (Health Related Limits for Certain Substances)
of the Codex Standard for Natural Mineral Waters. The 32nd CCFAC agreed
that Section 3.2 of this Codex Standard should be aligned with the WHO
Guideline levels for Drinking Water Quality and forwarded this
recommendation to the CAC.
The 31st CCFAC agreed to reestablish the ad hoc working
group for contaminants for its 32nd Session under the chairmanship of
Denmark. This ad hoc working group is expected to meet prior to the
plenary session of the 32nd CCFAC.
Future Work
The CCFAC agreed to propose the following as future work for the
Committee: (1) Revision of the Codex General Standard for Irradiated
Foods (pending agreement by CAC); (2) discussion paper on processing
aids; (3) discussion paper on fumonisins; (4) Code of Practice for the
Prevention of Contamination by Zearalenone (pending agreement by CAC).
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA
U.S. Participation: Yes
General Standard for 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 term food
additive 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 have been
adopted by the CAC at Step 8 or are currently under consideration in
the draft GFSA are listed below. (See ALINORM 99/12A and CX/FAC 99/6.)
Table 1
Acesulfame Potassium (Step 6)
Acetic Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Acetic and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol (Adopted at Step 8)
Acetylated Distarch Adipate (Adopted at Step 8)
Acetylated Distarch Phosphate (Adopted at Step 8)
Acid Treated Starch (Adopted at Step 8)
Adipic Acid (Step 6)
Agar (Adopted at Step 8)
Alginic Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Alitame (Step 6)
Alkaline Treated Starch (Adopted at Step 8)
Allura Red AC (Step 6)
Alpha-Amylase (Aspergillus oryzae, var.) (Forwarded for adoption at
Step 8)
Alpha-Amylase (Bacillus megaterium expressed in Bacillus subtilis)
(Adopted at Step 8)
Alpha-Amylase (Bacillus stearothermophilus expressed in Bacillus
subtilis) (Adopted at Step 8)
Alpha-Amylase (Bacillus stearothermophilus) (Adopted at Step 8)
Alpha-Amylase (Bacillus subtilis) (Adopted at Step 8)
Alpha-Tocopherol (Step 6)
Aluminium Ammonium Sulfate (Step 6)
Aluminium Silicate (Adopted at Step 8)
Amaranth (Step 6)
Ammonium Acetate (Adopted at Step 8)
Ammonium Adipate (Step 6)
Ammonium Alginate (Adopted at Step 8)
Ammonium Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Ammonium Chloride (Adopted at Step 8)
Ammonium Citrate (Adopted at Step 8)
Ammonium Hydrogen Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Ammonium Hydroxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Ammonium Lactate (Adopted at Step 8)
Ammonium Polyphosphate (Step 6)
Annatto Extracts (Includes Bixin and Norbixin) (Step 6)
Ascorbic Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Ascorbyl Palmitate (Step 6)
Ascorbyl Stearate (Step 6)
Aspartame (Step 6)
Azodicarbonamide (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Azorubine (Step 6)
Beeswax, White and Yellow (Step 6)
Beet Red (Adopted at Step 8)
Benzoic Acid (Step 6)
Benzoyl Peroxide (Step 6)
Bleached Starch (Adopted at Step 8)
Bone Phosphate (Step 6)
Brilliant Black PN (Step 6)
Brilliant Blue FCF (Step 6)
Bromelain (Adopted at Step 8)
[[Page 28433]]
Brown HT (Step 6)
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (Step 6)
Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) (Step 6)
Calcium Acetate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Alginate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Aluminum Silicate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Benzoate (Step 6)
Calcium Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Chloride (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Citrate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (Step 6)
Calcium Ferrocyanide (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Calcium Gluconate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Glutamate, Dl -L-, (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Guanylate, 5--(Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Hydrogen Sulfite (Step 6)
Calcium Hydroxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Inosinate, 5--(Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Lactate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Malate, D,L--(Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Oxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Polyphosphate (Step 6)
Calcium Propionate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Ribonucleotides, 5--(Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Silicate (Adopted at Step 8)
Calcium Sorbate (Step 6)
Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate (Step 6)
Calcium Sulfate (Adopted at Step 8)
Candelilla Wax (Step 6)
Canthaxanthin (Step 6)
Caramel Color, Class I (Adopted at Step 8)
Caramel Color, Class II (Adopted at Step 8)
Caramel Color, Class III--Ammonia Process (Forwarded for adoption at
Step 8)
Caramel Color, Class IV--Ammonia Sulfite Process (Forwarded for
adoption at Step 8)
Carbon Dioxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Carmines (Including aluminum & calcium lakes of carminic acid) (Step 6)
Carnauba Wax (Step 6)
Carob Bean Gum (Adopted at Step 8)
Beta-Apo-8'-Carotenoic Acid, Methyl or Ethyl Ester (Step 6)
Beta-Apo-8'-Carotenal (Step 6)
Beta-Carotene (Synthetic) (Step 6)
Carrageenan (Adopted at Step 8)
Carotenes, Natural Extracts, (Vegetable) (Step 6)
Castor Oil (Step 6)
Chlorine (Step 6)
Chlorine Dioxide (Step 6)
Chlorophyllin Copper Complex, Sodium and Potassium Salts (Step 6)
Chlorophylls (Adopted at Step 8)
Chlorophylls, Copper Complex (Step 6)
Choline Salts (Adopted at Step 8)
Citric Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Citric and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol (Adopted at Step 8)
Curcumin (Step 6)
Cyclamic Acid (and Sodium, Potassium, Calcium Salts) (Step 6)
Beta-Cyclodextrin (Step 6)
Dextrins, White and Yellow, Roasted Starch (Adopted at Step 8)
Diacetyltartaric and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol (Step 6)
Diammonium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Dicalcium Diphosphate (Step 6)
Dicalcium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Dilauryl Thiodipropionate (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Dimagnesium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Dimethyl Dicarbonate (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (Step 6)
Diphenyl (Step 6)
Dipotassium Guanylate, 5' (Adopted at Step 8)
Dipotassium Inosinate, 5' (Adopted at Step 8)
Dipotassium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Dipotassium Tartrate (Step 6)
Disodium Diphosphate (Step 6)
Disodium Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate (Step 6)
Disodium Guanylate, 5' (Adopted at Step 8)
Disodium Inosinate, 5' (Adopted at Step 8)
Disodium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Disodium Ribonucleotides, 5' (Step 6)
Disodium Tartrate (Step 6)
Distarch Phosphate (Adopted at Step 8)
Enzyme Treated Starch (Adopted at Step 8)
Erythorbic Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Erythrosine (Step 6)
Ethyl Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Ethyl p-Hydroxybenzoates (Step 6)
Ethyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Ethyl Maltol (Step 6)
Fast Green FCF (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Ferric Ammonium Citrate (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Ferrous Gluconate (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Ferrous Lactate (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Formic Acid (Step 6)
Fumaric Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Gellan Gum (Adopted at Step 8)
Glucono Delta-Lactone (Adopted at Step 8)
Glucose Oxidase (Aspergillus niger, var.) (Adopted at Step 8)
Glutamic Acid, L- (Adopted at Step 8)
Glycerol (Adopted at Step 8)
Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Grape Skin Extract (Step 6)
Guaiac Resin (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Guanylic Acid, 5'- (Adopted at Step 8)
Guar Gum (Adopted at Step 8)
Gum Arabic (Adopted at Step 8)
Hexamethylene Tetramine (Step 6)
Hydrochloric Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Hydroxypropyl Distarch Phosphate (Adopted at Step 8)
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Hydroxypropyl Starch (Adopted at Step 8)
Indigotine (Step 6)
Inosinic Acid, 5'- (Adopted at Step 8)
Insoluble Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Adopted at Step 8)
Iron Oxide, Black (Step 6)
Iron Oxide, Red (Step 6)
Iron Oxide, Yellow (Step 6)
Isomalt (Adopted at Step 8)
Isopropyl Citrate (Step 6)
Karaya Gum (Adopted at Step 8)
Konjac Flour (Adopted at Step 8)
Lactic Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Lactic and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol (Adopted at Step 8)
Lactitol (Adopted at Step 8)
Lecithin (Adopted at Step 8)
Lipase (Animal Sources) (Adopted at Step 8)
Lipase (Aspergillus oryzae, var.) (Adopted at Step 8)
Lysozyme Hydrochloride (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Magnesium Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Chloride (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Gluconate (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Glutamate, Dl-L-, (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Hydrogen Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Hydroxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Lactate (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Oxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Silicate (Synthetic) (Adopted at Step 8)
Magnesium Chloride (Adopted at Step 8)
Malic Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Maltitol (including maltitol syrup) (Adopted at Step 8)
Maltol (Step 6)
Mannitol (Adopted at Step 8)
Methyl Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Methyl Ethyl Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Methyl p-Hydroxybenzoate (Step 6)
Microcrystalline Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Microcrystalline Wax (Step 6)
Mineral Oil (Step 6)
Mineral Oil (High Viscosity) (Step 6)
Mineral Oil (Medium & Low Viscosity, Class I) (Step 6)
[[Page 28434]]
Mineral Oil (Medium & Low Viscosity, Classes II & III) (Step 6)
Mixed Tocopherols Concentrate (Step 6)
Mono-and Diglycerides (Adopted at Step 8)
Monoammonium Glutamate, L- (Adopted at Step 8)
Monoammonium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Monocalcium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Monopotassium Glutamate, L- (Adopted at Step 8)
Monopotassium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Monopotassium Tartrate (Step 6)
Monosodium Glutamate, L- (Adopted at Step 8)
Monosodium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Monosodium Tartrate (Step 6)
Monostarch Phosphate, L- (Adopted at Step 8)
Nisin (Step 6)
Nitrogen (Adopted at Step 8)
Nitrous Oxide (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Ortho-Phenylphenol (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Orthophosphoric Acid (Step 6)
Oxidized Starch (Adopted at Step 8)
Oxystearin (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Papain (Adopted at Step 8)
Pectins (Amidated and Non-amidated) (Adopted at Step 8)
Pentapotassium Triphosphate (Step 6)
Pentasodium Triphosphate (Step 6)
Phosphated Distarch Phosphate (Adopted at Step 8)
Phosphatidic Acid, Ammonium Salt (Step 6)
Pimaricin (Natamycin) (Step 6)
Polydextroses (Adopted at Step 8)
Polydimethylsiloxane (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Polyethylene Glycol (Step 6)
Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids (Step 6)
Polyglycerol Esters of Interesterified Ricinoleic Acid (Step 6)
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monolaurate (Step 6)
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monooleate (Step 6)
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monopalmitate (Step 6)
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Monostearate (Step 6)
Polyoxyethylene (20) Sorbitan Tristearate (Step 6)
Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate (Step 6)
Polyoxyethylene (8) Stearate (Step 6)
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Ponceau 4R (Step 6)
Potassium Acetate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Adipate (Step 6)
Potassium Alginate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Ascorbate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Benzoate (Step 6)
Potassium Bisulfite (Step 6)
Potassium Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Dihydrogen Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Ferrocyanide (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Potassium Gluconate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Hydrogen Malate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Hydroxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Lactate (Solution) (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Malate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Metabisulfite (Step 6)
Potassium Nitrate (Step 6)
Potassium Nitrite (Step 6)
Potassium Polyphosphate (Step 6)
Potassium Propionate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Sodium Tartrate (Step 6)
Potassium Sorbate (Step 6)
Potassium Sulfate (Adopted at Step 8)
Potassium Sulfite (Step 6)
Powdered Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Processed Eucheuma Seaweed (Step 6)
Propane (Adopted at Step 8)
Propionic Acid (Adopted at Step 8)
Propyl Gallate (Step 6)
Propyl p-Hydroxybenzoate (Step 6)
Propylene Glycol (Step 6)
Propylene Glycol Alginate (Step 6)
Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids (Step 6)
Protease (Aspergillus oryzae var.) (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Quillaia Extract (Step 6)
Quinoline Yellow (Step 6)
Red 2G (Step 6)
Riboflavin (Step 6)
Riboflavin 5'-Phosphate (Step 6)
Saccharin (Step 6)
Salts of Myristic, Palmitic and Stearic Acid (Ammonium, Calcium,
Potassium and Sodium) (Adopted at Step 8)
Shellac (Step 6)
Silicon Dioxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Acetate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Adipate (Step 6)
Sodium Alginate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate-Acidic (Step 6)
Sodium Aluminum Phosphate-Basic (Step 6)
Sodium Aluminosilicate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Ascorbate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Benzoate (Step 6)
Sodium Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Diacetate (Step 6)
Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Erythorbate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Ferrocyanide (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Sodium Fumarate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Gluconate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Hydrogen Malate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Hydrogen Sulfite (Step 6)
Sodium Hydroxide (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Lactate (Solution) (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Malate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Metabisulfite (Step 6)
Sodium Nitrate (Step 6)
Sodium Nitrite (Step 6)
Sodium ortho-Phenylphenol (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Sodium Polyphosphate (Step 6)
Sodium Propionate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Sesquicarbonate (Adopted at Step 8)
Sodium Sorbate (Step 6)
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (Step 6)
Sodium Sulfite (Step 6)
Sodium Thiosulfate (Step 6)
Sorbic Acid (Step 6)
Sorbitol (Including Sorbitol Syrup) (Adopted at Step 8)
Sorbitan Monolaurate (Step 6)
Sorbitan Monooleate (Step 6)
Sorbitan Monopalmitate (Step 6)
Sorbitan Monostearate (Step 6)
Sorbitan Tristearate (Step 6)
Stannous Chloride (Step 6)
Starch Acetate (Adopted at Step 8)
Starch Sodium Octenylsuccinate (Adopted at Step 8)
Stearyl Citrate (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Stearyl Tartrate (Step 6)
Sucralose (Step 6)
Sucroglycerides (Step 6)
Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids (Step 6)
Sulphur Dioxide (Step 6)
Sunset Yellow FCF (Step 6)
Talc (Adopted at Step 8)
Tannic Acid (Tannins, Food Grade) (Step 6)
Tara Gum (Adopted at Step 8)
Tartaric, Acetic and Fatty Acid Esters of Glycerol (mixed) (Adopted at
Step 8)
Tartaric Acid (L(+)-) (Step 6)
Tartrazine (Step 6)
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) (Step 6)
Tetrapotassium Diphosphate (Step 6)
Tetrasodium Diphosphate (Step 6)
Thaumatin (Adopted at Step 8)
Thermally Oxidized Soya Bean Oil with Mono- and Di-Glycerides of Fatty
Acids (TOSOM) (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Thiodipropionic Acid (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Titanium Dioxide (Adopted at Step 8)
[[Page 28435]]
Tragacanth Gum (Adopted at Step 8)
Triacetin (Adopted at Step 8)
Triammonium Citrate (Adopted at Step 8)
Tricalcium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Triethyl Citrate (Forwarded for adoption at Step 8)
Trimagnesium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Tripotassium Citrate (Adopted at Step 8)
Tripotassium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Trisodium Citrate (Adopted at Step 8)
Trisodium Diphosphate (Step 6)
Trisodium Orthophosphate (Step 6)
Xanthan Gum (Adopted at Step 8)
Xylitol (Adopted at Step 8)
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.
The following items will be considered by the Codex Alimentarius
Commission at its 23rd session in June 1999. The referenced documents
are ALINORMs 99/24 and 99/24A:
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. participation/
Codex committee Standard Status of consideration agenda Responsible agency
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pesticide residues (Considered Abamectin..................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
at the 30th and 31st CCPR)
Annex II to Alinorms 99/24 and
99/24A.
Acephate...................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5/8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
Aldicarb...................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Aminomethyl-Phosphon (AMPA)... MRLs under consideration at Step 5.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Bifenthrin.................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5/8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and 8.
Captan........................ MRLs under consideration at Step 5.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Carbofuran.................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and 5/8 and CXL deletions.
Carbosulfan................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5.. YES.................... ARS/EPA
Clethodim..................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Chlorfenvin-phos.............. CXL deletions....................... YES.................... EPA/ARS
Chlormequat................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Chloro-Thalonil............... MRLs under consideration at Step 5/8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Chlorpyrifos.................. MRLs under consideration at Step 8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Chlorpyrifos-Methyl........... CXL deletions....................... YES.................... EPA/ARS
DDT........................... EMRL under consideration at Step 5.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Diazinon...................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and 5/8.
Dicofol....................... MRLs under consideration at Step 8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Diquat........................ MRLs under consideration at Step 8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
[[Page 28436]]
Disulfoton.................... MRLs under consideration at Step 6.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Ethephon...................... MRLs under consideration at Step 7B. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Dithio-Carbamates............. MRLs under consideration at Steps 5, YES.................... EPA/ARS
5/8, 8 and CXL deletions.
Fenarimol..................... MRLs under consideration at Steps 5/ YES.................... EPA/ARS
8 and 8.
Fenbuconazole................. MRLs under consideration at Steps 5/ YES.................... EPA/ARS
8 and 8.
Fenthion...................... MRLs under consideration at Step 7B. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Flumethrin.................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5/8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
Guazatine..................... CXL deletions and guideline levels.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Glyphosphate.................. MRLs under consideration at Step 5/8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Haloxyfop..................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5.. YES.................... EPA/ARS
Methamidophos................. MRLs under consideration at Steps 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and 5/8.
Methidathion.................. MRLs under consideration at Step 8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Mevinphos..................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletion.
Myclobutanil.................. MRLs under consideration at Steps 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and 5/8.
Parathion..................... MRL at Step 8....................... YES.................... EPA/ARS
Parathion-Methyl.............. MRLs under consideration at Step 8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletion.
2-Phenyl-phenol............... CXL deletion........................ YES.................... EPA/ARS
Phenothrin.................... CXL deletion........................ YES.................... EPA/ARS
Phenthoate.................... CXL deletion........................ YES.................... EPA/ARS
Phorate....................... MRLs under consideration at Step 8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletion.
Phosalone..................... CXL deletions....................... YES.................... EPA/ARS
Phosmet....................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Phoxim........................ CXL deletion........................ YES.................... EPA/ARS
Proxpoxur..................... MRLs under consideration at Step 5/8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Tebuconazole.................. MRLs under consideration at Steps 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and 8.
Tebufenozide.................. MRLs under consideration at Steps 5 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and 8.
Teflubenzuron................. MRLs under consideration at Step 5/8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
Thiabendazole................. MRLs under consideration at Step 5/8 YES.................... EPA/ARS
and CXL deletions.
Thiometon..................... CXL deletions....................... YES.................... EPA/ARS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
[[Page 28437]]
that methods of analysis and sampling for residues of pesticides or
veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of 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, found in ALINORM 99/23, will be considered
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session in June:
Proposed as new work:
Amendments to the Codex Alimentarius Commission Procedural Manual:
--Principles for the Establishment of Codex Methods of Analysis and
Sampling
--Relations between Commodity Committees and General Committees
The Committee is continuing work on:
Proposed Draft General Guidelines on Sampling Criteria for
Evaluating Acceptable Methods of Analysis for Codex Purposes;
Harmonization of Analytical Terminology ``Measurement
Limits'';
Harmonization of Reporting of Test Results Corrected for
Recovery Factors;
Measurement Uncertainty;
In-House Method Validation; and
Endorsement of Methods of Analysis and Sampling Provisions
in Codex Standards.
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 to
protect consumers and to facilitate trade. 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 food
inspection systems including equivalence agreements, processes and
procedures to ensure that sanitary measures are implemented, and the
determination of the judgement of equivalence; guidelines on food
import control systems; and guidelines on 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. The following draft
guidelines, found in ALINORM 99/30A, will be considered by the
Commission at its 23rd Session in June 1999:
Draft Guidelines for the Development of Equivalence
Agreements
Codex texts to be considered by the Committee at its 8th Session,
to be held 21-25 February 2000, in Adelaide, Australia, are the
following:
To be considered at Step 4:
Guidelines/Recommendations for Import Control Systems;
Guidelines and Criteria for Official Certificate Formats
and Rules Relating to the Production and Issue of Certificates; and
Guidelines for the Judgement of Equivalence of Sanitary
Measures Associated with Food Inspection and Certification Systems.
To be considered at Steps 1/2:
Guidelines for the Utilization and Promotion of Quality
Assurance Systems.
Depending upon decisions taken by the Codex Executive Committee and
the Commission, the Committee may undertake work on the following
items:
Guidelines for the Format and Contents of Databases on
Importing Country Legislation; and
Guidelines for the Judgement of Equivalence of Technical
Regulations other than Sanitary Measures.
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, contained in
ALINORM 99/33 and ALINORM 99/33A, will be considered by the Codex
Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session in June:
Amendment of the Criteria for the Establishment of Work
Priorities and the Criteria for the Establishment of Subsidiary Bodies
of the Codex Alimentarius Commission;
Endorsement of the Amendment to the Food Hygiene
Provisions in the Relations between Commodity Committees and General
Subject Committees proposed by the Committee on Food Hygiene;
Amendment to the Terms of Reference of the Committee on
Milk and Milk Products;
Definitions for Risk Communication and Risk Management;
Addition of Draft Revised Principles Concerning the
Participation of International Non-Governmental Organizations in the
Work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission; and
Additional of Proposed Core Functions of Codex Contact
Points.
The Committee is continuing work on:
Revision of the Code of Ethics for International Trade in
Foods, including consideration of special and differential treatment
for developing countries;
Working Principles for Risk Analysis and Definition of
Risk Assessment Policy;
Measures Intended to Facilitate Consensus; and
Consideration of Legitimate Factors Other than Science in
Codex Decision-Making.
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 items will be considered by the Committee at
its 23rd Session in June 1999. The reference documents are ALINORMs 99/
22 and 99/22A.
To be considered at Step 8:
Draft Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling
and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods;
Draft Guidelines for Labelling Foods that can cause
Hypersensitivity (Draft Amendment to the General Standard for the
Labelling of Prepackaged Foods); and
Proposed Draft Amendment to the Labelling Section of the
Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers) and Fish Portions
and Fish Fillets, Breaded or in Batter.
To be considered at Step 5:
Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Standard for the
Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (CLASS NAMES); and
Proposed Draft Amendment to the Guidelines on Nutrition
Labelling.
The Committee is continuing to work on:
[[Page 28438]]
Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Use of Health
Claims;
Draft Guidelines for Organically Produced Foods (Animal
Products);
Proposed Draft Recommendations on Labelling/Biotechnology
(Mandatory Labelling);
Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Labelling Standard
(Class Names);
Proposed Draft Recommendations to the Guidelines on
Nutrition Labelling;
Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Use of the term
``Vegetarian''; and
Discussion paper on misleading claims.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS
U.S. Participation: Yes
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene has three primary
responsibilities. The first is to draft basic provisions on food
hygiene applicable to all foods. These provisions normally take the
form of Codes of Hygienic Practice for a specific commodity (e.g.,
bottled water). Second, the Committee considers, amends, if necessary,
and endorses food hygiene provisions that are incorporated into
specific Codex commodity standards by the Codex commodity committees.
These provisions normally contain generic wording referencing the
Recommended Code of Hygienic Practice: General Principles for Food
Hygiene (ref: CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 3-1997), but may also include other
provisions. Finally, the Committee provides general guidance to the
Commission on matters relating to Food Hygiene. This often takes the
form of providing general guidance documents such as the Draft
Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct of Microbiological Risk
Assessment and Draft Proposed Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct
of Microbiological Risk Management. The following items, found in
ALINORMS 99/13 and 99/13A, will be considered by the Codex Alimentarius
Commission at its 23rd Session in June 1999:
To be considered at Step 8:
Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Refrigerated Packaged
Foods with Extended Shelf-Life; and
Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct of
Microbiological Risk Assessment.
To be considered at Step 5 of the Accelerated Procedure:
Draft Amendment to the International Recommended Code of
Practice--General Principles of Food Hygiene.
To be considered at Step 5:
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for the Transport
of Foodstuffs in Bulk and Semi-Packaged Foodstuffs.
To be adopted:
Amendment to the Procedural Manual: Food Hygiene
Provisions in ``Relations between Commodity Committees and General
Committees.''
The Codex texts to be considered by the Committee at its 32nd
Session to be held 29 Nov.-3 Dec. 1999 in Washington, DC, are the
following:
To be considered at Step 7:
Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Packaged (Bottled)
Drinking Waters (Other Than Natural Mineral Waters); and
Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for the Transport of
Foodstuffs in Bulk and Semi-Packaged Foodstuffs.
To be considered at Step 4:
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk
Products;
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for the Primary
Production, Harvesting and Packaging of Fresh Product/Fruits and
Vegetables;
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Pre-cut Raw
Fruits and Vegetables;
HACCP in Less Developed Businesses; and
Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct
of Microbiological Risk Management.
Other committee work:
Discussion Paper on the Proposed Draft Recommendations for
the control of Listeria monocytogenes in Foods in International Trade;
Proposed Guidelines for the Hygienic Reuse of Processing
Water in Food Plants;
Prioritization of the Revision of the Codes of Hygienic
Practice;
Discussion Paper on Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria in
Food; and
Discussion Paper on Consideration of Viruses in Food.
At its 31st Session, the Committee postponed work on the
Implications for the Broader Application of the HACCP System and
discontinued work on the Broader Issues on the Application of
Microbiological Risk Evaluation in International Foods and Feed Trade.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS
U.S. Participation: Yes
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 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 ALINORMs 99/35 and
99/35A.
To be considered at Step 8:
Draft Standard for Chayote;
Draft Standard for Guava;
Draft Standard for Pineapples;
Draft Standard for Grapefruit (except for sizing
provisions); and
Draft Standard for Longans.
To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8, with the omission of
steps 6 and 7:
Draft Standard for Mexican Limes;
Draft Standard for Ginger;
Draft Standard for Tisquisque (White and Lilac);
Draft Standard for Yellow Pitahayas; and
Draft Standard for Papaya.
To be considered at Step 5:
Proposed Draft Standard for Asparagus;
Proposed Draft Standard for Oranges; and
Proposed Draft Standard for Uchuva.
Proposed new work to be endorsed by the committee:
Proposed Draft Standard for Apples;
Proposed Draft Standard for Tomatoes; and
Proposed Draft Standard for Grapes.
The Committee is continuing work on:
Discussion Paper on Size Tolerances, including sizing
provisions of the Draft Standards for Grapefruit, Limes, Pummelos, and
Oranges at Step 7;
Draft Code of Practice for the Quality Inspection and
Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables at Step 7;
Inspection Site Requisites at Step 3;
Proposed Draft Standard for Yucca at Step 3; and
Discussion Paper on Definition of Terms.
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 items, found in ALINORM 99/26, will be considered by the
Codex Alimentarius Commission in June 1999.
To be considered at Step 8:
[[Page 28439]]
Draft Table of Conditions for Nutrient Contents (Part B),
Guidelines for Nutrient Claims.
To be considered at Step 5:
Proposed Draft Revised Standards for Processed Cereal-
Based Foods for Infants and Young Children.
Proposal for new work:
A review of the Advisory List of Mineral Salts and Vitamin
Compounds.
Proposal to discontinue work to be considered by the Executive
Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 46th Session:
Consideration of Dietary Modelling
The committee is continuing work on:
Draft Table of Conditions for Nutrient Contents Part B,
containing provisions on Fibre), Guidelines for Use of Nutrition
Claims;
Proposed Draft Revised Standards for Gluten-Free Foods;
Proposed Draft Revised Standards for Infant Formula;
Discussion paper to facilitate discussion on: Proposed
Draft Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral Supplements;
Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling Purposes;
Discussion paper on Vitamins and Minerals in Foods for
Special Medical Purposes;
Discussion paper on Criteria for Scientific Evidence
Relative to Health Claims;
Discussion paper on Provisions of Fortification on Iodine,
Iron and Vitamin A in the Guidelines of Nutrition Claims; and
Discussion paper on Proposal to Design the Basis for
Derivation of Energy Conversion Factors in the Codex Guidelines on
Nutrition Labelling.
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 items below, found in ALINORM 99/18, will be considered
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session in June 1999.
To be considered at Step 8:
Draft Guidelines for the Sensory Evaluation of Fish and
Shellfish in Laboratories.
To be considered at Step 5 of the Accelerated Procedure:
Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Canned
Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (inclusion of additional species).
The Committee is continuing work on:
Draft Standard for Dried Salted Anchovies;
Draft Standard for Crackers from Marine and Freshwater
Fish, Crustacean and Molluscan Shellfish;
Proposed Draft Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring and
Salted Sprats;
Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery
Products;
Model Certificate for Fish and Fishery Products;
Proposed Draft Standard for Smoked Fish; and
Proposed Draft Standard for Molluscan Shellfish.
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 will be considered at the Session of the Codex Alimentarius
Commission in June 1999. In addition, the Commission will consider the
revocation of 14 individual Cheese Standards and the initiation of
proposed new work to revise two existing standards. The reference
document is ALINORM 99/11.
To be considered at Step 8:
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; and
Draft General Standard for the Use of Dairy Terms.
Revocation of Codex Standards for:
Cheshire
Limburger
Svecia
Butterkase
Harzer Kase
Herrgardsost
Hushallsost
Maribo
Fynbo
Romadur
Amsterdam
Leidse
Friese
Edelpilzkase
Proposed new work:
Revision of Codex Standard for Whey Powders; and
Revision of Codex Standard for Edible Casein Products.
In addition, the Committee is continuing work on:
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Processed Cheese;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cream;
Proposed Draft Revised Individual Standards for Cheese
(including a new standard for Mozzarella);
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Fermented Milk
Products;
Proposed Draft Standard for Dairy Spread;
Draft Standard for Unripened Cheese including Fresh
Cheese;
Model Export Certificates for Milk Products; and
Heat Treatment Definitions.
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 99/17. The Sixteenth Session of the
Committee recommended the following be adopted by the Commission in
June 1999:
To be considered at Step 8:
Draft Standard for Named Animal Fats;
Draft Standard for Edible Fats and Oils Not Covered by
Individual Standards;
Draft Revised Code of Practice for the Storage and
Transport of Fats; and
Draft Standard for Named Vegetable Oils.
The Committee is continuing work on:
Draft Standard for Fat Spreads and Blended Fat Spreads;
and
Draft Standard for Olive Oils and Olive-Pomace Oils.
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 is responsible
for elaborating world-wide standards for cocoa products and chocolate.
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 following
draft standards, found in ALINORM 99/14, will be considered by
[[Page 28440]]
the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session in June 1999.
To be considered at Step 5:
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cocoa Butter;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cocoa Mass (Cocoa/
Chocolate Liquor) and Cocoa Cake for Use in the Manufacture of Cocoa
and Chocolate Products; and
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cocoa Powders (Cocoas)
and Dry Cocoa-Sugar Mixture.
The Committee is continuing to work on:
Proposed Draft Standard for Chocolate and Chocolate
Products.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA
U.S. Participation: Yes
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) is
responsible for elaborating standards for processed fruits and
vegetables. After having been adjourned sine die, the Committee
reconvened in Washington, DC, in March 1998 to begin work revising the
standards. The reference ALINORM is 99/27.
The Committee is continuing work on the following at Step 7:
Draft Standard for Canned Bamboo Shoots;
Draft Standard for Pickles;
Draft Standard for Kimchee;
Draft Revised Standard for Canned Applesauce; and
Draft Revised Standard for Canned Pears.
To be considered by the Committee at Step 3:
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Stone Fruits;
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Citrus Fruits;
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Berry Fruits;
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Mangoes;
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Pineapple;
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Fruit Cocktail;
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Tropical Fruit Salad;
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Chestnuts and Chestnut
Puree;
Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Vegetables;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Tomatoes;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Mushrooms;
Proposed Draft Standard for Jams, Jellies and Marmalades;
Proposed Draft Standard for Chutney;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Pickled Cucumbers
(Cucumber Pickles);
Proposed Draft Standard for Table Olives;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Processed Tomato
Concentrates;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Dried Apricots;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Dates;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Raisins;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Grated Desiccated
Coconut;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Unshelled Pistachio
Nuts;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Dried Edible Fungi;
Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Edible Fungi and
Fungus Products;
Proposed Draft Standard for Soy Sauce;
Proposed Draft Guidelines for Packing Media in Canned
Fruits; and
Proposed Draft Guidelines for Packing Media in Canned
Vegetables.
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 USDA/ARS
U.S. Participation: Yes
Soups and Broths
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS
Participation: Yes
Vegetable Proteins*
onsible Agency: HHS/FDA, USDA/ARS
Participation: Yes
* There is no planned activity for these Committees in the next
year.
A brief report on activities of the Codex Committees on Soups and
Broths, and Sugars follows:
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. A Proposed Draft Revised Standard for
Bouillons and Consommes was prepared by the Secretariat and has been
circulated to member countries for comment at Step 3.
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
was asked to revise the standards for sugar and honey. The Codex
Alimentarius Commission at its 22nd Session did not adopt the revised
standards for sugar and honey but returned them to Step 6 for a new
round of comments. Following the current round of comments, the Draft
Revised Standard for Sugar will be submitted to the 23rd Session of the
Commission for consideration at Step 8. The Draft Standard for Honey
will remain at Step 6 for further consideration.
Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS; AHHS/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 completed
their main tasks and were adjourned. These Groups were:
Standardization of Quick Frozen Foods; and
Standardization of Fruit Juices.
The Executive Committee, at its 45th Session, noting that the
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe had abolished the work
programme for the Joint Codex/UNECE Groups of Experts, agreed to
abolish these committees. Subject to confirmation by the Commission, it
assigned the work of revising the Codex Standards for Quick Frozen
Fruits and Vegetables to the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and
Vegetables and any revision of the Codex Recommended International Code
of Practice for the Processing and Handling of Quick Frozen Foods to
the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene. In regards to the Codex Standards
for Fruit Juices, the Executive Committee agreed that these standards
require updating and referred the matter to the Commission to decide
whether to
[[Page 28441]]
establish an intergovernmental task force or new committee to undertake
this work.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/AMS
U.S. Participation: Yes
Codex Committee for Natural Mineral Waters
The Codex Committee for Natural Mineral Waters 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 Sixth Session of the Committee discussed the Proposed Draft
General Standard for Bottled/Packaged Drinking Waters (Other Than
Natural Mineral Waters) and agreed to return the draft to Step 3 for
further comments. A request for comments and information on the need
for inclusion and a wording of a definition for ``mineral water'' has
been circulated. The reference document is ALINORM 99/20.
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 was held
October 6-9, 1998, in Seattle, WA. The following matters for
consideration by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session
in June can be found in ALINORM 99/32:
Report on the Review of the Status and Objectives of Codex
Texts Under the WTO Agreements;
Report on Activities Related to Risk Analysis in Codex and
Other Bodies;
Review and Promotion of Acceptances of Codex Standards and
Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides by Countries in the Region;
Activities of Codex Contact Points and National Codex
Committees in the Region;
Consumer Participation in Codex Work and Related Matters;
and
General Standard on Foods Produced through Biotechnology.
Agency Responsible: USDA/FSIS
U.S. PARTICIPATION: Yes
Attachment 2--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, Center for Veterinary
Medicine (HFV-1), Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place,
Rockville, MD 20855, Phone #: (301) 594-5903, Fax #: (301) 594-1830
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
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
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
[[Page 28442]]
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, Deputy Administrator,
Science and Technology, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 3507, South Agriculture Building,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202)
720-5231, Fax #: (202) 720-6496
CODEX COMMITTEE ON FOOD IMPORT AND EXPORT CERTIFICATION AND INSPECTION
SYSTEMS
(Host Government--Australia)
Delegate: Mr. L. Robert Lake, Director, Office of Regulations and
Policy, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4160, Fax #: (202) 401-7739
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)
720-6415, 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: Mr. L. Robert Lake, Director, Office of Regulations and
Policy, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4160, Fax #: (202) 401-7739
Alternate Delegate: Dr. Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Additive
Policy Division, Office of Policy, Program Development and
Evaluation, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Cotton Annex, Room 602, Washington, DC 20250-3700,
Phone #: (202) 205-0279, Fax #: (202) 205-3625
CODEX COMMITTEE ON FOOD HYGIENE
(Host Government--United States)
Delegate: Dr. Robert Buchanan, Senior Science Advisor, Food and Drug
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #:
(202) 205-5053, Fax #: (202) 205-4970
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
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. James Rodeheaver, Chief, Processed Products Branch,
Fruits and Vegetables Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 0709, South
Agriculture Building, Washington, DC 20090-6456, Phone: (202) 720-
4693, 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
CODEX COMMITTEE ON NATURAL MINERAL WATERS
(Host Government--Switzerland)
Delegate: Dr. Terry C. Troxell, Director, Office of Plant and Dairy
Foods and Beverages, 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: Dr. Benjamin Legendre, USDA/ARS, SRRC, Sugarcane Research
Unit, 800 Little Bayou Black Drive, P.O. Box 470, Houma, LA 70361-
0470, Phone #: (504) 872-5042, Fax #: (504) 868-8369
Alternate Delegate: Dr. Dennis M. Keefe, Office of Premarket
Approval, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and
Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW (HFS-206), Washington, DC
20204, Phone #: (202) 418-3113 Fax #: (202) 418-3131
[[Page 28443]]
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 12th 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 12th Street, SW,
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 205-0279, Fax #: (202)
205-3625
CODEX COMMITTEE ON VEGETABLE PROTEINS \1\
(Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate: Dr. Wilda H. Martinez, Associate Deputy
Administrator, Aqua Products and Human Nutrition Sciences, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Room 107,
B-005, Beltsville, MD 20705, Phone #: (301) 504-6275, Fax #: (301)
504-6699
Alternate Delegate: Vacant
CODEX COMMITTEE ON MEAT HYGIENE \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Adjourned sine die. The main tasks of these Committees are
completed. However, the committees may be called to meet again if
required.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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: Dr. Daniel Engeljohn, Director, Regulations
Development and Analysis Division, Office of Policy, Program
Development and Evaluation, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 112, Cotton Annex, 300 12th Street,
SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-5627, Fax #: (202)
690-0486
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
12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 205-0675,
Fax #: (202) 205-0080
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.
Attachment 3
Timetable of Codex Sessions
[June 1998 through June 2000]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998:
CX 702-45.............. Executive Committee of the 3-5 June.................. Rome.
Codex Alimentarius
Commission (45th Session).
CX 722-23.............. Codex Committee on Fish and 8-12 June................. Bergen.
Fishery Products (23rd
Session).
CX 716-13.............. Codex Committee on General 7-11 September............ Paris.
Principles (13th Session).
CX 730-11.............. Codex Committee on Residues 14-17 September........... Washington, DC.
of Veterinary Drugs in
Foods (11th Session).
CX 720-21.............. Codex Commission on 21-25 September........... Berlin.
Nutrition and Foods for
Special Dietary Uses (21st
Session).
CX 732-5............... Codex Regional Coordinating 6-9 October............... Seattle, WA.
Committee for North
America and the South West
Pacific (5th Session).
CX 712-31.............. Codex Committee on Food 26-30 October............. Washington, DC.
Hygiene (31st Session).
CX 707-13.............. Codex Regional Coordinating 3-6 November.............. Harare.
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 Natural 19-21 November............ Switzerland.
Mineral Waters (6th
Session).
CX 715-22.............. Codex Committee on Methods 23-27 November............ Budapest.
of Analysis and Sampling
(22nd Session).
CX 725-11.............. Codex Regional Committee 8-11 December............. Montevideo.
for Latin American and the
Caribbean (11th Session).
1999:
CX 733-7............... Codex Committee on Food 22-26 February............ Melbourne.
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 and 8-12 March................ London.
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 General 26-30 April............... Paris.
Principles (14th Session).
CX 702-46.............. Executive Committee of the 24-25 June................ Rome.
Codex Alimentarius
Commission (46th Session).
CX 701-23.............. Codex Alimentarius 28 June-3 July............ Rome.
Commission (23rd Session).
[[Page 28444]]
CX 727-12.............. Codex Regional Coordinating 23-26 November............ Pukhet.
Committee for Asia (12th
Session).
CX 712-32.............. Codex Committee of Food 29 November-December...... Washington, DC.
Hygiene (32nd Session).
2000:
CX 733-08.............. Codex Committee on Food 21-25 February............ TBA.
Import and Export
Certification and
Inspection (8th Session).
CX 703-04.............. Codex Committee on Milk and 28 February-March......... New Zealand.
Milk Products (4th
Session).
CX 711-32.............. Codex Committee on Food 20-24 March............... The Hague.
Additives and Contaminants
(32nd Session).
CX 730-12.............. Codex Committee on Residues 28-31 March............... TBA.
of Veterinary Drugs in
Foods (12th Session).
CX 716-15.............. Codex Committee on General 10-14 April............... Paris.
Principles (15th Session).
CX 718-32.............. Codex Committee on 1-6 May................... The Hague.
Pesticide Residues (32nd
Session).
CX 714-28.............. Codex Committee on Food 8-12 May.................. Ottawa.
Labelling (28th Session).
CX 722-24.............. Codex Committee on Fish and 5-9 June.................. Bergen.
Fishery Products (24th
Session).
CX 720-22.............. Codex Committee on 19-23 June................ Berlin.
Nutrition and Foods for
Special Dietary Uses (22nd
Session).
CX 702-47.............. Executive Committee of the 28-30 June................ Geneva.
Codex Alimentarius
Commission (47th Session).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attachment 4--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 of 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 that 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,
[[Page 28445]]
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 mg/kg on a fresh weight basis)
that is recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be legally
permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on food.
An MRLVD is based on the type and amount of residue considered to
be without any toxological hazard for human health as expressed by the
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), or on the basis of a temporary ADI that
utilizes an additional safety factor. An MRLVD also takes into account
other relevant public health risks as well as food technological
aspects.
When establishing an MRLVD, consideration is also given to residues
that occur in food of plant origin and/or the environment. Furthermore,
the MRLVD may be reduced to be consistent with good practices in the
use of veterinary drugs and to the extent that practical and analytical
methods are available.
12. Good Practice in the Use of Veterinary Drugs (GPVD) is the
official recommended or authorized usage including withdrawal periods
approved by national authorities, of veterinary drugs under practicable
conditions.
13. Processing Aid means any substance or material, not including
apparatus or utensils, not consumed as a food ingredient by itself,
intentionally used in the processing of raw materials, foods or its
ingredients, to fulfill a certain technological purpose during
treatment or processing and which may result in the non-intentional but
unavoidable presence of residues or derivatives in the final product.
Definitions of Risk Analysis Terms Related to Food Safety
Hazard: A biological, chemical or physical agent in, or condition
of, food with the potential to cause an adverse health effect.
Risk: A function of the probability of an adverse health effect and
the severity of that effect, consequential to a hazard(s) in food.
Risk analysis: A process consisting of three components: risk
assessment, risk management and risk communication.
Risk assessment: A scientifically based process consisting of the
following steps: (i) hazard identification, (ii) hazard
characterization, (iii) exposure assessment, and (iv) risk
characterization.
Hazard identification: The identification of biological, chemical,
and physical agents capable of causing adverse health effects and which
may be present in a particular food or group of foods.
Hazard characterization: The qualitative and/or quantitative
evaluation of the nature of the adverse health effects associated with
biological, chemical and physical agents that may be present in food.
For chemical agents, a dose-response assessment should be performed.
For biological or physical agents, a dose-response assessment should be
performed if the data are obtainable.
Dose-response assessment: The determination of the relationship
between the magnitude of exposure (dose) to a chemical, biological or
physical agent and the severity and/or frequency of associated adverse
health effects (response).
Exposure assessment: The qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation
of the likely intake of biological, chemical, and physical agents via
food as well as exposures from other sources if relevant.
Risk characterization: The qualitative and/or quantitative
estimation, including attendant uncertainties, of the probability of
occurrence and severity of known or potential adverse health effects in
a given population based on hazard identification, hazard
characterization and exposure assessment.
Risk management: The process of weighing policy alternatives in the
light of the results of risk assessment and, if required, selecting and
implementing appropriate control options, including regulatory
measures.
Risk communication: The interactive exchange of information and
opinions concerning risk among risk assessors, risk managers, consumers
and other interested parties.
Attachment 5--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\
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
[[Page 28446]]
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\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 he 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
Attachment 6
Nature of Codex Standards
Codex standards contain requirements for food aimed at ensuring for
the consumer a sound, wholesome food product free from adulteration,
and correctly labelled. A Codex standard for any food or foods should
be drawn up in accordance with the Format for Codex Commodity Standards
and contain, as appropriate, the criteria listed therein.
Format for Codex Commodity Standards Including Standards Elaborated
Under the Code of Principles Concerning Milk and Milk Products
Introduction
The format is also intended for use as a guide by the subsidiary
bodies of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in presenting their
standards, with the object of achieving, as far as possible, a uniform
presentation of commodity standards. The format also indicates the
statements which should be included in standards as appropriate under
the relevant headings of the standard. The sections of the format
required to be completed for a standard are only those provisions that
are appropriate to an international standard for the food in question.
Name of the Standard
Scope
Description
Essential Composition and Quality Factors
Food Additives
Contaminants
Hygiene
Weights and Measures
Labelling
Methods of Analysis and Sampling
Format for Codex Standards
Name of the Standard
The name of the standard should be clear and as concise as
possible. It should usually be the common name by which the food
covered by the standard is known or, if more than one food is dealt
with in the standard, by a generic name covering them all. If a fully
informative title is inordinately long, a subtitle could be added.
Scope
This section should contain a clear, concise statement as to the
food or foods to which the standard is applicable unless the name of
the standard clearly and concisely identifies the food or foods. A
generic standard covering more than one specific product should clearly
identify the specific products to which the standard applies.
[[Page 28447]]
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 that 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 page 76 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 page 78 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 page 75 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 page 79 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. 99-13353 Filed 5-25-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P
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