International Standard-Setting Activities, 42631-42640 [2016-15632]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this Federal Register publication on-line through the FSIS Web page located at: https://www.fsis. usda.gov/federal-register. FSIS also will make copies of this publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and stakeholders. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe. Options range from recalls to export information, regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts. USDA Nondiscrimination Statement No agency, officer, or employee of the USDA shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, or political beliefs, exclude from participation in, deny the benefits of, or subject to discrimination any person in the United States under any program or activity conducted by the USDA. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES How To File a Complaint of Discrimination To file a complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which may be accessed online at https://www. ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/ 2012/Complain_combined_6_8_12.pdf, or write a letter signed by you or your authorized representative. Send your completed complaint form or letter to USDA by mail, fax, or email: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–9410, Fax: (202) 690–7442, Email: program.intake@ usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 Done at Washington, DC, on June 27, 2016. Alfred V. Almanza, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2016–15550 Filed 6–29–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food Safety and Inspection Service [Docket No. FSIS–2016–0012] International Standard-Setting Activities Office of Food Safety, USDA. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: 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. This notice 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 Codex activities during the time periods from June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, and June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2017, seeks comments on standards under consideration and recommendations for new standards. ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit their comments on this notice. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at the Web site for submitting comments. • Mail, including CD–ROMs, etc.: Mail to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8–163B, Washington, DC 20250–3700. • Hand- or courier-delivered items: Deliver to OPPD, RIMS, Docket Clearance Unit, Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8–164, Washington, DC 20250–3700. Instructions: All items submitted by mail or email are to include the Agency name and docket number FSIS–2016– 0012. Comments received in response to this docket will be made available for public inspection and posted without change, including any personal information to https:// www.regulations.gov. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42631 Please state that your comments refer to Codex and, if your comments relate to specific Codex committees, please identify the committee(s) in your comments and submit a copy of your comments to the delegate from that particular committee. Docket: For access to background documents or comments received, visit the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8–164, Washington, DC 20250–3700, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. A complete list of U.S. delegates and alternate delegates can be found in Attachment 2 of this notice. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Frances Lowe, United States Manager for Codex Alimentarius, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Food Safety, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Room 4861, Washington, DC 20250–3700; Telephone: (202) 205– 7760; Fax: (202) 720–3157; Email: USCodex@fsis.usda.gov. For information pertaining to particular committees, contact the delegate of that committee. Documents pertaining to Codex and specific committee agendas are accessible via the Internet at https://www.codex alimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/. The U.S. Codex Office also maintains a Web site at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/ wps/portal/fsis/topics/internationalaffairs/us-codex-alimentarius. 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). United States membership in the WTO was approved and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (Uruguay Round Agreements) was signed into law by the President on December 8, 1994, Public Law 103–465, 108 Stat. 4809. The Uruguay Round Agreements became effective, with respect to the United States, on January 1, 1995. The Uruguay Round Agreements amended the Trade Agreements Act of 1979. 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’’ (19 U.S.C. 2578). The E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 42632 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices main international standard-setting organizations are Codex, the World Organisation for Animal Health, 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 the SPS standard-setting activities of each international standard-setting organization. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the Office of Food Safety the responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standardsetting activities of Codex. The Office of Food Safety has, in turn, assigned the responsibility for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office (USCO). Codex was created in 1963 by two United Nations organizations, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Codex is the principal international organization for establishing standards for food. 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 protect the health of consumers, ensure fair practices in the food trade, and promote coordination of food standards work undertaken by international governmental and nongovernmental organizations. In the United States, U.S. Codex activities are managed and carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC); and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As the agency responsible for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting activities of Codex, the Office of Food Safety publishes this notice in the Federal Register annually. Attachment 1 (Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex) sets forth the following information: 1. The SPS standards under consideration or planned for consideration; and 2. For each SPS 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 d. The agency responsible for representing the United States with respect to the standard. TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE STANDARDS LISTED IN ATTACHMENT 1, PLEASE CONTACT THE CODEX DELEGATE OR THE U.S. CODEX OFFICE. This notice also solicits public comment on standards that are currently under consideration or planned for consideration and 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 U.S. delegate will facilitate public participation in the United States Government’s activities relating to Codex. The U.S. 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 U.S. delegation activities to interested parties. This information will include the status of each agenda item; the U.S. Government’s position or preliminary position on the agenda items; and the time and place of planning meetings and debriefing meetings following the Codex committee sessions. In addition, the U.S. Codex Office makes much of the same information available through its Web page at https://www.fsis.usda. gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/ international-affairs/us-codexalimentarius. If you would like to access or receive information about specific committees, please visit the Web page or notify the appropriate U.S. delegate or the U.S. Codex Office, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–3700 (uscodex@ fsis.usda.gov). 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, 2015, to May 31, 2016, and June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2017. Attachment 2 provides a list of U.S. Codex Officials (including U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of forthcoming Codex sessions may be found at: https://www.codex alimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/. Additional Public Notification Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy development is important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this Federal Register PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 publication on-line through the FSIS Web page located at: https:// www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register. FSIS also will make copies of this publication available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and stakeholders. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food safety news and information. This service is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe. Options range from recalls to export information, regulations, directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts. Done at Washington, DC, on: June 27, 2016. Paulo Almeida, Acting U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius. Attachment 1 Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex Codex Alimentarius Commission and Executive Committee The Codex Alimentarius Commission will convene for its 39th Session June 27–July 1, 2016, in Rome, Italy. At that time, it will consider proposals for new work as well as proposed standards, codes of practice, and related matters forwarded to the Commission by the general subject committees, commodity committees, and regional coordinating committees for adoption as Codex standards and guidance. The Commission will also consider the relations between FAO and WHO policies, strategies and guidelines and Codex work; Codex work on antimicrobial resistance; FAO/WHO Scientific Support for Codex; and the FAO/WHO Project and Trust Fund for Enhanced Participation in Codex; and financial and budgetary issues. Before the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet at its 71st Session, June 20–23, 2016. It is composed of the chairperson; vicechairpersons; seven members elected from the Commission from each of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, and South-West Pacific; and regional E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES coordinators from the six regional committees. Canada is the elected representative from North America; the United States will participate as an advisor. The Executive Committee will conduct a critical review of the elaboration of Codex standards and will consider the implementation status of the Codex Strategic Plan (2014–2019), preparation for the 2020–2025 Strategic Plan, Codex work on antimicrobial resistance, Codex work management and functioning of the Executive Committee, scientific support for Codex work, issues related to committees working by correspondence, and financial and budgetary issues. Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) determines priorities for the consideration of residues of veterinary drugs in foods and recommends Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for veterinary drugs. The Committee also develops codes of practice, as may be required, and considers methods of sampling and analysis for the determination of veterinary drug residues in food. A veterinary drug is defined as any substance applied or administered to any food producing animal, such as meat or milk producing animals, poultry, fish, or bees, whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic purposes, or for modification of physiological functions or behavior. A Codex Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for residues of veterinary drugs 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. Residues of a veterinary drug include the parent compounds or their metabolites in any edible portion of the animal product, and include residues of associated impurities of the veterinary drug concerned. An MRL 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. When establishing an MRL, consideration is also given to residues that occur in food of plant origin or the environment. Furthermore, the MRL may be reduced to be consistent with official recommended or authorized usage, VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 approved by national authorities, of the veterinary drugs under practical conditions. An ADI is an estimate made by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the amount of a veterinary drug, expressed on a body weight basis, which can be ingested daily in food over a lifetime without appreciable health risk. The Committee will convene its 23rd Session in Houston, Texas, October 17– 21, 2016. The Committee plans to discuss the following items: • Matters of Interest arising from FAO/WHO and from the 81st Meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); • Report of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) activities, including the harmonization of technical requirements for registration of veterinary medicinal products; • Proposed draft Risk Management Recommendation (RMR) for gentian violet at Step 3; • Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin (cattle muscle) and lasalocid sodium (chicken, turkey, quail and pheasant kidney, liver, muscle, skin + fat) at Step 4; • Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin (cattle fat, kidney, muscle), teflubenzuron (salmon fillet, muscle) and zilpaterol hydrocholoride (cattle fat, kidney, liver, muscle) at Step 3; • Discussion paper on unintended presence of residues of veterinary drugs in food commodities resulting from the carry-over of drug residues into feed; • Discussion paper on the establishment of a rating system to establish priority for CCRVDF work; • Global survey to provide information to the CCRVDF to move compounds from the database on countries’ needs for MRLs to the JECFA Priority List (Report of EWG); • Draft priority list of veterinary drugs requiring evaluation or reevaluation by JECFA; and • Other Business and Future Work. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/ Center for Veterinary Medicine; USDA/ FSIS. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) establishes or endorses permitted maximum levels (MLs) or guideline levels for contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed; prepares priority lists of contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants for risk assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives; PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42633 considers and elaborates methods of analysis and sampling for the determination of contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed; considers and elaborates standards or codes of practice for related subjects; and considers other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation to contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed. The Committee convened for its 10th Session in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, April 4–8, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/CF. The following items are to be considered for adoption by the 39th Session of the Commission in June 2016: To be considered for adoption at Step 8: • Draft ML for inorganic arsenic in husked rice; and • Draft revised Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51–2003). To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8: • Proposed draft MLs for lead in fruit juices and nectars ready to drink (inclusion of passion fruit); canned fruits (inclusion of canned berries and other small fruits); canned vegetables (inclusion of canned leafy vegetables and canned legume vegetables); jams, jellies, and marmalades (lower ML and inclusion of marmalades); pickled cucumbers (lower ML); preserved tomatoes (lower ML and note on the application of a concentration factor); and table olives (lower ML); and • Proposed draft annexes on zearalenone, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes and aflatoxins to the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51–2003). The Committee will continue working on: • Proposed draft annex on ergot and ergot alkaloids in cereal grains (Annex to the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51– 2003); • Outstanding issues related to the review of MLs for lead in selected fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed) and other selected food categories; • Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Arsenic Contamination in Rice; • Proposed draft MLs for cadmium in chocolate and cocoa-derived products; • Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Spices and its annexes; E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 42634 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES • Proposed draft MLs for total aflatoxins in ready to eat peanuts following the JECFA evaluation; • Discussion paper on MLs for mycotoxins in spices; • Discussion paper on methylmercury in tuna (fresh/frozen and canned) and in other fish species; • Discussion paper on non-dioxin like PCBs in the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Dioxins and Dioxin like PCB Contamination in Food and Feeds (CAC/RCP 62–2006); • Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids following the outcome of the JECFA evaluation; and • Priority list on contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants proposed for evaluation by JECFA. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Food Additives The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) establishes or endorses acceptable maximum levels (MLs) for individual food additives; prepares a priority list of food additives for risk assessment by the Joint FAO/ WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); assigns functional classes to individual food additives; recommends specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption by the Codex Alimentarius Commission; considers methods of analysis for the determination of additives in food; and considers and elaborates standards or codes of practice for related subjects such as the labeling of food additives when sold as such. The 48th Session of the Committee convened in Xi’an, China, March 14–18, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/ FA. Immediately prior to the Plenary Session, there was a two-day physical Working Group on the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) chaired by the United States. The following items will be considered by the 39th Session of the Commission in June 2016: To be considered for approval: • Amendments to food additive provisions in commodity standards. To be considered for adoption: • Revised food additives section of the Standards for Cocoa Butter (CODEX STAN 86–1981), Chocolate and Chocolate Products (CODEX STAN 87– 1981), Cocoa (Cacao) Mass (Cocoa/ Chocolate liquor) and Cocoa Cake (CODEX STAN 141–1983) and Cocoa Powders (Cocoas) and Dry Mixtures of Cocoa and Sugars (CODEX STAN 105– 1981); • Revised food additive provisions of the GSFA related to the alignment of the VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 four commodity standards for chocolate and chocolate products and the commodity standards identified by the Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP); and • Revised the food additive provision of the GSFA for benzoates in waterbased flavored drinks in response to a recommendation from JECFA. To be considered at Step 8 and 5/8: • Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the GSFA. To be considered at Step 5/8: • Proposed draft specifications for the identity and purity of food additives; • Proposed draft amendments to the International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives (CAC/GL 36–1989); • Proposed draft revision of food category 01.1 ‘‘Fluid milk and milk products’’ of the GSFA and consequential changes; and • Proposed draft revision of Sections 4.1c and 5.1c of the General Standard for the Labeling of Food Additives When Sold as Such (CODEX STAN 107–1981). The Committee will continue working on: • Proposed draft food additive provisions of the GSFA (eWG led by the United States); • Amendments to the INS for food additives; and • Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food Additives (82nd JECFA); • Alignment of the food additive provisions of commodity standards and relevant provisions of the GSFA (eWG led by Australia and the United States); • Recommendations on the use of food additives in wine and specific provisions for acidity regulators, stabilizers, and antioxidants (eWG led by France and Australia); • Discussion paper on the management of CCFA work (China and United States); • Discussion paper on the use of nitrates and nitrites (Netherlands); • Proposal for additions and changes to the Priority List of Substances Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA; • Information document on the GSFA; and • Information document on food additive provisions in commodity standards. The Committee also agreed to hold a physical Working Group on the GSFA immediately preceding the 49th Session of CCFA to be chaired by the United States. The group will discuss: • The recommendations of the eWG on the GSFA on food additive provisions to be circulated for comment. • The comments submitted in responses to a circular letter requesting information on the use and use levels of adipic acid. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • The new proposals and proposed revisions of food additive provisions in the GSFA. Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) is responsible for establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues in specific food items or in groups of food; establishing MRLs for pesticide residues in certain animal feeding stuffs moving in international trade where this is justified for reasons of protection of human health; preparing priority lists of pesticides for evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR); considering methods of sampling and analysis for the determination of pesticide residues in food and feed; considering other matters in relation to the safety of food and feed containing pesticide residues; and establishing maximum limits for environmental and industrial contaminants showing chemical or other similarity to pesticides in specific food items or groups of food. The 48th Session of the Committee met in Chongqing, China, April 25–30, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/ PR. The following items will be considered at the 39th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in June 2016: To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8: • Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides The Committee will continue working on: • Draft MRLs for pesticides • Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides • Draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed (vegetable commodity groups: Group 015—Pulses) • Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed (selected commodity groups Group 015—Grasses of Cereal grains) • Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed (other vegetable commodity groups: Group 014—Legume vegetables, Group 011— Fruiting vegetables, cucurbits) • Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed: 1. Group 021—Grasses for sugars or syrup production and; 2. Group 024—Seeds for beverages and sweets. • Proposed draft tables on examples of selection of representative commodities (for inclusion in the principles and guidance for the selection of representative commodities for the extrapolation of E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES maximum residue limits for pesticides for commodity groups) • Proposed draft Guidance on Performance Criteria for Methods of Analysis for the Determination of Pesticide Residues • Establishment of Codex schedules and priority list of pesticides for evaluation by JMPR • Discussion paper on the possible revision of the International Estimated Short-Term Intake (IESTI) equations Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/ FSIS. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis and Sampling; serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other international groups working on methods of analysis and sampling and quality assurance systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of final recommendations submitted to it by the bodies referred to above, reference methods of analysis and sampling appropriate to Codex standards which are generally applicable to a number of foods; considers, amends if necessary, and endorses as appropriate, methods of analysis and sampling proposed by Codex commodity committees, except for 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; elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be required; considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted to it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and defines procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for the assessment of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality assurance systems for laboratories. The 37th Session of the Committee met in Budapest, Hungary, February 22– 26, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/MAS. The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th Session in June 2016: To be considered for adoption: • Methods of Analysis and Sampling in Codex Standards; and • Amendments to the Procedural Manual. The Committee will continue working on: • Guidance on the criteria approach for methods which use a ‘‘sum of components’’; VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 • Criteria for endorsement of biological methods to detect chemicals of concern; • Procedures for determining uncertainty of measurement results (improvements and amendments to CAC/GL–54–2004); • Review general guidelines on sampling (CAC/GL 50–2004) for potential revision; • Practical examples on the selection of appropriate sampling plans; and • Review and update of methods in Codex STAN 234–1999. The following items have been discontinued: • Development of procedures/ guidelines for determining equivalency of Type I methods. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems The Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) is responsible for developing principles and guidelines for food import and export inspection and certification systems, with a view to harmonizing methods and procedures that protect the health of consumers, ensure fair trading practices, and facilitate international trade in foodstuffs; developing principles and guidelines for the application of measures by the competent authorities of exporting and importing countries to provide assurance, where necessary, that foodstuffs comply with requirements, especially statutory health requirements; developing guidelines for the utilization, as and when appropriate, of quality assurance systems to ensure that foodstuffs conform with requirements and promote the recognition of these systems in facilitating trade in food products under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by countries; developing guidelines and criteria with respect to format, declarations, and language of such official certificates as countries may require with a view towards international harmonization; making recommendations for information exchange in relation to food import/ export control; consulting as necessary with other international groups working on matters related to food inspection and certification systems; and considering other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation to food inspection and certification systems. The 22nd Session of the Committee convened in Melbourne, Australia, PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42635 February 6–12, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/FICS. There following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th Session in June 2016: To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8: • Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of Information Between Importing and Exporting Countries to Support the Trade in Food; • Proposed draft Revision of the Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations (CAC/GL 19– 1995); and • Proposed draft Revision of the Guidelines for the Exchange of Information Between Countries on Rejections of Imported Food (CAC/GL 25–1997). To be considered for adoption at Step 5: • Proposed draft Guidance for Monitoring the Performance of National Food Control Systems. The Committee will continue working on: • Discussion paper on the Use of Electronic Certificates by Competent Authorities and Migration to Paperless Certification; • Discussion paper on Third Party Certification (with broad parameters); • Discussion paper on Consideration of Emerging Issues and Future Directions for the Work of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems; and • Discussion paper on Food Integrity/ Food Authenticity As Emerging Issues. Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS; HHS/FDA. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Food Labelling The Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) drafts provisions on labeling applicable to all foods; considers, amends, and endorses draft specific provisions on labeling prepared by the Codex Committees drafting standards, codes of practice, guidelines; and studies specific labeling problems assigned by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Committee also studies problems associated with the advertisement of food with particular reference to claims and misleading descriptions. The Committee convened for its 43rd Session in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada May 9–13, 2016. There following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th Session in June 2016: To be considered for adoption at Step 5: E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 42636 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices • Revision of the General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods: Date marking. The Committee proposed that the Codex Alimentarius Commission identify a more appropriate forum for the revision of the Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods: Organic Aquaculture The Committee agreed to propose new work on: • Guidance for the labelling of Nonretail containers The Committee will continue to work on: • Front of Pack Labelling; • Consideration of issues surrounding consumer preference claims; and • Discussion paper on future work for the Committee. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS. U.S. Participation: Yes. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Codex Committee on Food Hygiene The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH): • Develops basic provisions on food hygiene applicable to all food or to specific food types; • Considers and amends or endorses provisions on food hygiene contained in Codex commodity standards and codes of practice developed by other Codex commodity committees; • Considers specific food hygiene problems assigned to it by the Commission; • Suggests and prioritizes areas where there is a need for microbiological risk assessment at the international level and develops questions to be addressed by the risk assessors; and • Considers microbiological risk management matters in relation to food hygiene and in relation to FAO/WHO risk assessments. The Committee convened for its 47th Session in Boston, Massachusetts, November 9–13, 2015. The relevant document is REP 16/FH. The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th Session in June 2016: To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8: • Guidelines for the Control of NonTyphoidal Salmonella spp. in Beef and Pork Meat; • Guidelines on the Application of General Principles of Food Hygiene to the Control of Foodborne Parasites; and • Proposed draft Annex I ‘‘Examples of Microbiological Criteria for LowMoisture Foods when Deemed Appropriate in accordance with the Principles and Guidelines for the Establishment and Application of VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 Microbiological Criteria Related to Foods (CAC/GL 21–1997)’’ and Annex II ‘‘Guidance for the Establishment of Environmental Monitoring Programs for Salmonella app. And other Enterobacteriaceae in Low-Moisture Food Processing Areas’’ to the Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture Foods (CAC/RCP 75–2015). To be considered for adoption at step 8: • Draft Annex III ‘‘Spices and Dried Aromatic Herbs’’ to the Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture Foods (CAC/RCP 75–2015) To be considered for revocation: • Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Dried Aromatic Herbs (CAC/RCP 42–1995) The Committee will continue working on: • Compiling all guidance for the control of foodborne parasites into a single document, e.g., merging the General Principles of Food Hygiene to the Control of Foodborne Parasites and the Guidelines for the control of Trichinella spp. in meat of Suidae (CAC/GL 86–2015) and the Guidelines for the Control of Taenia saginata in meat of domestic cattle (CAC/GL 85– 2014). The Committee agreed to the following items for new work: • Revision of the General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1–1969) and its HACCP Annex; • Revision of the Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CAC/RCP 53–2003); and • New work proposals/Forward Work plan. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS/. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) is responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and codes of practice, as may be appropriate for fresh fruits and vegetables; for consulting as necessary, with other international organizations in the standards development process to avoid duplication. The 19th Session of the Committee met in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico October 5–9, 2015. The relevant document is REP 16/FFV. The following items will be considered at the 39th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in June 2016. To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8: • Proposed draft Standard for Aubergines. To be considered for adoption at Step 5: PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • Proposed draft Standard for Garlic; and • Proposed draft Standard for Kiwifruit. The Committee will continue discussing the following items: • Proposed draft Standard for Ware Potatoes; • Proposals for new work for Codex standards for fresh fruits and vegetables; • Layout for Codex standards for fresh fruits and vegetables; • Selected provisions in the Layout for Codex/FFV standards pending further consideration by CCFFV; and • Preparation of a draft Glossary of Terms for Application in the Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Responsible Agencies: USDA/ Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS); HHS/FDA. 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 (CCNFSDU) is responsible for studying nutrition issues referred to it by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Committee also drafts general provisions, as appropriate, on nutritional aspects of all foods and develops standards, guidelines, or related texts for foods for special dietary uses in cooperation with other committees where necessary; considers, amends if necessary, and endorses provisions on nutritional aspects proposed for inclusion in Codex standards, guidelines, and related texts. The Committee convened for its 37th Session in Bad Soden am Taunus, Germany, November 23–27, 2015. The reference document is REP 16/NFSDU. The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th Session in June 2016: To be considered for adoption: • Draft amendment to the Annex of the Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling (CAC/GL 2–1985) to add a definition for RASBs (i.e. Recognized Authoritative Scientific Body); and • Draft amendment to Section 10, Methods of analysis in Standard for Infant Formula and Formulas for Special Medical Purposes Intended for Infants (Codex STAN 72–1981). To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8: • Proposed draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling Purposes in the Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling (CAC/GL2–1985). The Committee will continue working on: E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES • Proposed draft NRV–R for Vitamin D and the dietary equivalents and conversion factor for Vitamin E); • Review if the Standard for FollowUp Formula (CODEX STAN 156–1987) (Section 2.1.1 and 2.2 and essential composition and optional ingredients) (6–12 months); • Review of the Standard for FollowUp Formula (CODEX STAN 156–1987); • Proposed draft Definition for Biofortification; • Proposed draft NRV–NCD for EPA and DHA long chain omega-3 fatty acids; • Proposed guideline for Ready-toUse Foods (RUF); • Discussion paper on Claim for ‘‘Free’’ of Trans Fatty Acids; and • Alignment of Food Additive provisions in standards developed by CCNFSDU. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service (ARS). U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products The Fish and Fishery Products Committee (CCFFP) is responsible for elaborating standards for fresh, frozen and otherwise processed fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The Committee convened for its 34th Session in Alesund, Norway October 19–24, 2015. The relevant document is REP16/FFP. The following items will be considered by the 39th Session of the Commission in July 2016: To be considered for approval: • Sampling plans in the Standard for Live Abalone and for Raw, Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct Consumption or for Further Processing (CODEX STAN 312–2013); Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoked Flavored Fish and Smoke-Dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311–2013); and Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (CODEX STAN 315–2014); • Amendments to Food Additive Provisions in Standards for Fish and Fishery Products; • Amendments to Section 7.4— Estimation of fish content of the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish Fillets—Breaded or in Batter (CODEX STAN 166–1989); and • Amendment to Section 11— Processing of salted and dried salted fish of the Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CAC/RCP52–2003). The following items have recommended for discontinuation: • Appendices 1–11 to the Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CAC/RCP 52–2003); and VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 • Proposal for a standard for fresh chilled pirarucu fillet or whole fish. The Committee will continue working on: • New work guidance for histamine control in the Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CAC/RCP 52– 2003) and sampling plans for histamine in standards for fish and fishery products. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; DOC/NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Fats and Oils The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) is responsible for elaborating worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, and marine origin, including margarine and olive oil. The 25th Session of the Committee will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 2017. The Committee will consider: • Proposed draft Standard for Fish Oils; • Amendments to Appendix 2 ‘‘List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes’’ of the Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Edible Fats and Oils in Bulk (CAC/RCP 36–1987); • Addition of Palm Oil with High Oleic Acid (OxG); • Revision of Fatty Acid Composition and Other Quality Factors of Peanut Oil; • Revision of Limits of Oleic and Linoleic Acids in Sunflower Seed Oils; and • Inclusion of provisions for Walnut Oil, Almond Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Pistachio Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Avocado Oil. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service (ARS). U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) is responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and related texts for all types of processed fruits and vegetables including, but not limited to canned, dried, and frozen products, as well as fruit and vegetable juices and nectars. The Committee will convene its 28th Session in Washington, DC, September 12–16, 2016. The committee will continue to discuss the following items: • Proposed draft Annex on Canned Pineapples; and • Proposed draft Annexes on Quick Frozen Vegetables. (Including methods of analysis for quick frozen vegetables) • Amendments to food additive provisions in the standards for canned PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42637 chestnuts and canned chestnut puree, canned bamboo shoots, canned mushrooms (certain canned vegetables), and pickles fruits and vegetables; • Amendments to food additive and packing media provisions in Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables; • Status of work on the review/ revision of Codex standards for processed fruits and vegetables; and • Discussion paper on standardization of dry and dried produce. Responsible Agencies: USDA/ Agricultural Marketing Service; HHS/ FDA. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Sugars The Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS) elaborates worldwide standards for all types of sugars and sugar products. The Committee has been reactivated electronically to work on a standard for Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice. The following item will be considered by the Commission at its 39th Session in July 2016. To be considered for adoption: • Draft Standard for NonCentrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice at Step 6. The Committee will continue working on: • No additional work is ongoing in this Committee. It will again be adjourned sine die once the work on the Standard for Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice is adopted. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Cereals Pulses & Legumes The Codex Committee on Cereals Pulses & Legumes (CCCPL) elaborates worldwide standards and/or codes of practice as appropriate for cereals, pulses and legumes and their products. The Committee has been reactivated electronically to draft an international quality standard for Quinoa. • No additional work is ongoing in this Committee. It will again be adjourned sine die once the work on the international quality standard for Quinoa is adopted. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA. U.S. Participation: Yes. Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP) elaborates worldwide standards, codes and related text for milk and milk products. The Committee has been reactivated to work by correspondence on a general standard for processed cheese, but has not reached consensus on that standard. E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 42638 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices The Commission at its 39th Session in June 2016 will consider next steps for the Committee to take on this draft standard. Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS. U.S. Participation: Yes. Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean Coordinating Committee for the Near East Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific Certain Codex Commodity Committees Coordinating Committee for Africa Several Codex Alimentarius Commodity Committees have adjourned sine die. The following Committees fall into this category: • Cocoa Products and Chocolate— adjourned 2001 Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA. U.S. Participation: Yes. • Meat Hygiene—adjourned 2003 Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS. U.S. Participation: Yes. • Natural Mineral Waters—adjourned 2008 The Committee (CCAfrica) will convene its 22nd Session January 16– 20, 2017. The Committee will discuss the following items: • Proposed draft regional Standard for dried meat, if approved as new work by the Commission at its June 2016 session; • Proposed draft Regional Standard for fermented cooked cassava based products; • Proposed draft Regional Standard for Shea Butter; and • Proposed draft Regional Standard for Gnetum Spp. Leaves. Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer). Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA. U.S. Participation: Yes. • Vegetable Proteins—adjourned 1989 Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS. U.S. Participation: Yes. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees Coordinating Committee for Asia The FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees define the problems and needs of the regions concerning food standards and food control; promote within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising from food control and stimulate the strengthening of food control infrastructures; recommend to the Commission the development of worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including products considered by the Committees to have an international market potential in the future; develop regional standards for food products moving exclusively or almost exclusively in intra-regional trade; draw the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission’s work of particular significance to the region; promote coordination of all regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental and nongovernmental organizations within each region; exercise a general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission; and promote the use of Codex standards and related texts by members. There are six regional coordinating committees: Coordinating Committee for Africa Coordinating Committee for Asia Coordinating Committee for Europe VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 The Committee (CCAsia) will convene its 20th Session in New Delhi, India, September 26–30, 2016. The committee will discuss the following items: • Key Note Address on Role of Codex in Strengthening National Food Control Systems in the Asian Region—A way forward; • Food Safety and Quality Situation in the Countries of the Region; • Prioritization of the Needs of the Region and Possible Approaches to Address Them; • Use of Codex Standards in the Region: Relevance of Existing Regional Standards and Need for New Standards; • Matters Arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and Other Codex Committees; • Codex Work Relevant to the Region; • Monitoring of the Implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan; • Proposed draft Regional Standard for Laver Products; • Proposed draft Regional Code of Hygienic Practice for Street-Vended Foods; • Discussion paper on the Development of a Regional Standard for Makgeolli; • Discussion paper on the Development of a Regional Standard for Natto; and • Nomination of the Coordinator. Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer). PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Coordinating Committee for Europe The Committee (CCEurope) will convene its 30th Session in Astana Kazakhstan, October 3–7, 2016. The Committee will discuss the following items: • Regional Strategic Plan for CCEURO Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer). Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean The Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean (CCLAC) will convene its 20th Session in Chile, November 21–25, 2016. The Committee will discuss the following items: • Proposed draft Regional Standard for Yacon Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer). Coordinating Committee for the Near East The Committee (CCNEA) will convene its 9th Session in Iran, February 20–24, 2017. The Committee will discuss the following items: • Regional Standard for Doogh; • Proposed draft Regional Standard for Labneh; • Proposed draft Regional Standard for Zaatar; • Discussion paper on a Standard for Camel Milk; and • Draft Strategic Plan for CCNEA 2015–2020. Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/ USCO. U.S. Participation: No. Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific (CCNASWP) The Committee (CCNASWP) will convene its 14th Session in Port Vila Vanuatu, September 19–22, 2016. The Committee will discuss the following items: • Keynote address on the MultiSectorial Aspects of Codex and Opportunities for Strengthening Codex as a means to contribute to development of the economic, trade, agriculture, health, and nutrition sectors; • Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the region; • Prioritization of the needs of the region and possible approaches to address them; • Use of Codex standards in the region: relevance of existing regional standards and need for new standards; E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices • Matters arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission other Codex Committees; • Codex work relevant to the region; • Monitoring of the implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan for CCNASWP 2014–2019, Status of implementation); • Proposed draft Regional Standard for Fermented Noni Juice; • Discussion paper on the development of a Regional Standard for kava product that can be used as a beverage when mixed with water; and • Nomination of the Coordinator. Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes. Contact U.S. Codex Office, United States Department of Agriculture, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–3700, Phone: (202) 205–7760, Fax: (202) 720–3157, Email: uscodex@fsis.usda.gov. Attachment 2 U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials Codex Chairpersons From The United States Codex Committee on Food Hygiene Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, Ph.D., Executive Associate for Laboratory Services, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service,U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546– 3429, Fax: (706) 546–3428, Email: emilio.esteban@fsis.usda.gov. Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables Richard Boyd, Chief, Contract Services Branch, Specialty Crops Program, Fruit and Vegetable Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 0247, Room 0726—South Building, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690–1201, Fax: (202) 690–1527, Email: richard.boyd@ams.usda.gov. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods Kevin Greenlees, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Advisor for Science & Policy, Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, HFV– 100, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402–0638, Fax: +1 (240) 276–9538, kevin.greenlees@fda.hhs.gov. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates General Subject Committees Commodity Committees (Active and Adjourned) ad hoc Task Forces Regional Coordinating Committees Worldwide General Codex Subject Committees Contaminants in Foods (Host Government—The Netherlands) U.S. Delegate Dr. Lauren Posnick Robin, Branch Chief, Plant Products Branch, Division of Plant Products and Beverages, Office of Food Safety (HFS–317), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402– 1369, Lauren.Robin@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate Terry Dutko, Laboratory Director, Food Safety and Inspection Service, OPHS, 4300 Goodfellow Building, 105D Federal, St. Louis, MO 63120–0005, Phone: +1 (314) 263–2680 Ext. 344, Terry.Dutko@fsis.usda.gov. Food Additives (Host Government— China) U.S. Delegate Susan E. Carberry, Ph.D., Supervisory Chemist, Division of Petition Review, Office of Food Additive Safety (HFS– 265), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1269, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2972, Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate Paul S. Honigfort, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Division of Food Contact Notifications (HFS–275), Office of Food Additive Safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1206, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2965, Paul.Honigfort@fda.hhs.gov. Food Hygiene (Host Government— United States) U.S. Delegate Jenny Scott, Senior Advisor, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS–300, Room 3B– 014, College Park, MD 20740–3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402–2166, Fax: +1 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 42639 (301) 436–2632, Jenny.Scott@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegates Andrew Chi Yuen Yeung, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, CFSAN, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS– 316, College Park, MD 20740, United States of America, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1541, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2632, Andrew.Yeung@fda.hhs.gov. Dan Engeljohn, Ph.D., Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Jamie Whitten Building, Room 349–E, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20520, Phone: +1 (202) 720–8803, Fax: +1 (202) 720– 3157, Daniel.Engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov. Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection Systems (Host Government—Australia) U.S. Delegate Mary Stanley, Director, Office of International Coordination, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2925, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720–0287, Fax: +1 (202) 720– 4929, Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov. Alternate Delegate Vacant Food Labelling (Host Government— Canada) U.S. Delegate Felicia B. Billingslea, Director, Food Labeling and Standards Staff, Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway (HFS–820), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402– 2371, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2636, Felicia.Billingslea@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate Jeffrey Canavan, Deputy Director, Labeling and Program Delivery Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 5273, Patriots Plaza 3, 8th Floor– 161A, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (301) 504–0860, Fax: +1 (202) 245– 4792, Jeff.Canavan@fsis.usda.gov. General Principles (Host Government— France) Delegate Note: A member of the Steering Committee heads the E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1 42640 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government—Hungary) Gregory Noonan, Director, Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Division of Analytical Chemistry, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–2250, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2332, Gregory.Noonan@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate Timothy Norden, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Technology & Science Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 10383 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 64153, USA, Phone: +1 (816) 891– 0470, Fax: +1 (816) 891–8070, Timothy.D.Norden@gipsa.usda.gov. Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (Host Government—Germany) U.S. Delegate Vacant. Alternate Delegate Pamela R. Pehrsson, Ph.D., Research Leader, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory, Room 105, Building 005, BARC-West, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, 301.504.0630 (voice), 301.504.0632, (fax), Pamela.Pehrsson@ars.usda.gov. Pesticide Residues (Host Government—China) U.S. Delegate David Miller, Chief, Chemistry & Exposure Branch and Acting Chief, Toxicology & Epidemiology Branch, Health Effects Division, William Jefferson Clinton Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460, Phone: +1 (703) 305–5352, Fax: +1 (703) 305– 5147, Miller.Davidj@epa.gov. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Alternate Delegate Dr. Pat Basu, Senior Leader, Chemistry, Toxicology & Related Sciences, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 3805, Washington, DC 20250–3766, Phone: +1 (202) 690–6558, Fax: +1 (202) 690– 2364, Pat.Basu@fsis.usda.gov. 20:01 Jun 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 Dr. William Jones, Deputy Director, Division of Seafood Safety, Office of Food Safety (HFS–325), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1700, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2601, William.Jones@fda.hhs.gov. U.S. Delegate U.S. Delegate VerDate Sep<11>2014 U.S. Delegate (Host Government—United States) delegation to meetings of the General Principles Committee. Brandi Robinson, MPH, CPH, ONADE International Coordinator, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place, HFV–100, Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402–0645, Brandi.Robinson@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate Dr. Charles Pixley, DVM, Ph.D., Director, Laboratory Quality Assurance Staff, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: +1 (706) 546–3559, Fax: +1 (706) 546– 3453, Charles.Pixley@fsis.usda.gov. Alternate Delegate Steven Wilson, Deputy Director, Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, Phone: +1 (301) 427–8312, Steven.Wilson@noaa.gov. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Host Government—Mexico) Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active) U.S. Delegate Fats and Oils (Host Government—Malaysia) U.S. Delegate Dr. Paul South, Director, Division of Plant Products and Beverages, Office of Food Safety (HFS–317), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD, USA 20740–3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1640, Fax: +1 (301) 436– 2632, Paul.South@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate Robert A. Moreau, Ph.D., Research Leader, Eastern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, Phone: +1 (215) 233–6428, Fax: +1 (215) 233–6406, Robert.Moreau@ars.usda.gov. Cereals, Pulses & Legumes (Host Government—United States) U.S. Delegate Vacant. Alternate Delegate Mr. Patrick McCluskey, Supervisory Agricultural Marketing Specialist, United States Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, 10383 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153, Phone: +1 (816) 659– 8403, Patrick.J.Mccluskey@usda.gov. Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mail Stop 0247, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250–0247, Phone: +1 (202) 690–4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690– 1527, Dorian.Lafond@usda.gov. Alternate Delegate Samir K. Assar, Ph.D., Director, Produce Safety Staff, Office of Food Safety, Food and Drug Administration, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1636, Samir.Assar@fda.hhs.gov. Milk and Milk Products (Host Government—New Zealand) U.S. Delegate Christopher Thompson, Dairy Standardization Branch, Stop 0230, Room 2742, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720–9382, Fax: +1 (202) 720–2643, Christopher.D.Thompson@ ams.usda.gov. [FR Doc. 2016–15632 Filed 6–29–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P Fish and Fishery Products (Host Government—Norway) PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\30JNN1.SGM 30JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 126 (Thursday, June 30, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42631-42640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15632]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2016-0012]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Office of Food Safety, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission (Codex), in accordance with section 491 of the Trade 
Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, and the Uruguay Round Agreements 
Act. This notice 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 Codex 
activities during the time periods from June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, 
and June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2017, seeks comments on standards under 
consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit their comments on 
this notice. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the 
ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this 
Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at the Web site 
for submitting comments.
     Mail, including CD-ROMs, etc.: Mail to the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 
3782, Room 8-163B, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
     Hand- or courier-delivered items: Deliver to OPPD, RIMS, 
Docket Clearance Unit, Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-164, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or email are to include 
the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2016-0012. Comments received in 
response to this docket will be made available for public inspection 
and posted without change, including any personal information to https://www.regulations.gov.
    Please state that your comments refer to Codex and, if your 
comments relate to specific Codex committees, please identify the 
committee(s) in your comments and submit a copy of your comments to the 
delegate from that particular committee.
    Docket: For access to background documents or comments received, 
visit the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 
8-164, Washington, DC 20250-3700, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday. A complete list of U.S. delegates and alternate 
delegates can be found in Attachment 2 of this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Frances Lowe, United States 
Manager for Codex Alimentarius, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office 
of Food Safety, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Room 4861, Washington, DC 20250-3700; Telephone: (202) 205-7760; 
Fax: (202) 720-3157; Email: USCodex@fsis.usda.gov.
    For information pertaining to particular committees, contact the 
delegate of that committee. Documents pertaining to Codex and specific 
committee agendas are accessible via the Internet at https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/. The U.S. Codex Office 
also maintains a Web site at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/international-affairs/us-codex-alimentarius.

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). United States 
membership in the WTO was approved and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act 
(Uruguay Round Agreements) was signed into law by the President on 
December 8, 1994, Public Law 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809. The Uruguay Round 
Agreements became effective, with respect to the United States, on 
January 1, 1995. The Uruguay Round Agreements amended the Trade 
Agreements Act of 1979. 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'' (19 U.S.C. 2578). The

[[Page 42632]]

main international standard-setting organizations are Codex, the World 
Organisation for Animal Health, 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 the SPS standard-
setting activities of each international standard-setting organization. 
The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the Office of Food Safety 
the responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex. The Office of Food Safety has, in turn, assigned 
the responsibility for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office (USCO).
    Codex was created in 1963 by two United Nations organizations, the 
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health 
Organization (WHO). Codex is the principal international organization 
for establishing standards for food. 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 protect the health of consumers, ensure 
fair practices in the food trade, and promote coordination of food 
standards work undertaken by international governmental and 
nongovernmental organizations. In the United States, U.S. Codex 
activities are managed and carried out by the United States Department 
of Agriculture (USDA); the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC); and 
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    As the agency responsible for informing the public of the SPS 
standard-setting activities of Codex, the Office of Food Safety 
publishes this notice in the Federal Register annually. Attachment 1 
(Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex) sets forth the 
following information:
    1. The SPS standards under consideration or planned for 
consideration; and
    2. For each SPS 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 THE STANDARDS LISTED IN ATTACHMENT 1, PLEASE 
CONTACT THE CODEX DELEGATE OR THE U.S. CODEX OFFICE.
    This notice also solicits public comment on standards that are 
currently under consideration or planned for consideration and 
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 U.S. delegate will facilitate public participation in the 
United States Government's activities relating to Codex. The U.S. 
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 U.S. delegation 
activities to interested parties. This information will include the 
status of each agenda item; the U.S. Government's position or 
preliminary position on the agenda items; and the time and place of 
planning meetings and debriefing meetings following the Codex committee 
sessions. In addition, the U.S. Codex Office makes much of the same 
information available through its Web page at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/international-affairs/us-codex-alimentarius. If 
you would like to access or receive information about specific 
committees, please visit the Web page or notify the appropriate U.S. 
delegate or the U.S. Codex Office, Room 4861, South Agriculture 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700 
(uscodex@fsis.usda.gov).
    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, 2015, to May 31, 2016, and June 1, 2016, to May 
31, 2017. Attachment 2 provides a list of U.S. Codex Officials 
(including U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of 
forthcoming Codex sessions may be found at: https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/.

Additional Public Notification

    Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy 
development is important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this Federal 
Register publication on-line through the FSIS Web page located at: 
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register.
    FSIS also will make copies of this publication available through 
the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information 
regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register 
notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that 
could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and 
stakeholders. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the 
Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more 
diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription 
service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food 
safety news and information. This service is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe.
    Options range from recalls to export information, regulations, 
directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions 
themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts.

    Done at Washington, DC, on: June 27, 2016.
Paulo Almeida,
Acting U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius.

Attachment 1

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex

Codex Alimentarius Commission and Executive Committee
    The Codex Alimentarius Commission will convene for its 39th Session 
June 27-July 1, 2016, in Rome, Italy. At that time, it will consider 
proposals for new work as well as proposed standards, codes of 
practice, and related matters forwarded to the Commission by the 
general subject committees, commodity committees, and regional 
coordinating committees for adoption as Codex standards and guidance. 
The Commission will also consider the relations between FAO and WHO 
policies, strategies and guidelines and Codex work; Codex work on 
antimicrobial resistance; FAO/WHO Scientific Support for Codex; and the 
FAO/WHO Project and Trust Fund for Enhanced Participation in Codex; and 
financial and budgetary issues.
    Before the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet at 
its 71st Session, June 20-23, 2016. It is composed of the chairperson; 
vice-chairpersons; seven members elected from the Commission from each 
of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin 
America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, and South-West 
Pacific; and regional

[[Page 42633]]

coordinators from the six regional committees. Canada is the elected 
representative from North America; the United States will participate 
as an advisor. The Executive Committee will conduct a critical review 
of the elaboration of Codex standards and will consider the 
implementation status of the Codex Strategic Plan (2014-2019), 
preparation for the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, Codex work on 
antimicrobial resistance, Codex work management and functioning of the 
Executive Committee, scientific support for Codex work, issues related 
to committees working by correspondence, and financial and budgetary 
issues.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
    The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods 
(CCRVDF) determines priorities for the consideration of residues of 
veterinary drugs in foods and recommends Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) 
for veterinary drugs. The Committee also develops codes of practice, as 
may be required, and considers methods of sampling and analysis for the 
determination of veterinary drug residues in food. A veterinary drug is 
defined as any substance applied or administered to any food producing 
animal, such as meat or milk producing animals, poultry, fish, or bees, 
whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic purposes, or 
for modification of physiological functions or behavior.
    A Codex Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for residues of veterinary 
drugs 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. Residues of a 
veterinary drug include the parent compounds or their metabolites in 
any edible portion of the animal product, and include residues of 
associated impurities of the veterinary drug concerned. An MRL 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. When establishing an MRL, consideration is 
also given to residues that occur in food of plant origin or the 
environment. Furthermore, the MRL may be reduced to be consistent with 
official recommended or authorized usage, approved by national 
authorities, of the veterinary drugs under practical conditions.
    An ADI is an estimate made by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on 
Food Additives (JECFA) of the amount of a veterinary drug, expressed on 
a body weight basis, which can be ingested daily in food over a 
lifetime without appreciable health risk.
    The Committee will convene its 23rd Session in Houston, Texas, 
October 17-21, 2016. The Committee plans to discuss the following 
items:
     Matters of Interest arising from FAO/WHO and from the 81st 
Meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 
(JECFA);
     Report of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) 
activities, including the harmonization of technical requirements for 
registration of veterinary medicinal products;
     Proposed draft Risk Management Recommendation (RMR) for 
gentian violet at Step 3;
     Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin (cattle muscle) and 
lasalocid sodium (chicken, turkey, quail and pheasant kidney, liver, 
muscle, skin + fat) at Step 4;
     Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin (cattle fat, kidney, 
muscle), teflubenzuron (salmon fillet, muscle) and zilpaterol 
hydrocholoride (cattle fat, kidney, liver, muscle) at Step 3;
     Discussion paper on unintended presence of residues of 
veterinary drugs in food commodities resulting from the carry-over of 
drug residues into feed;
     Discussion paper on the establishment of a rating system 
to establish priority for CCRVDF work;
     Global survey to provide information to the CCRVDF to move 
compounds from the database on countries' needs for MRLs to the JECFA 
Priority List (Report of EWG);
     Draft priority list of veterinary drugs requiring 
evaluation or re-evaluation by JECFA; and
     Other Business and Future Work.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine; USDA/
FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods
    The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) establishes or 
endorses permitted maximum levels (MLs) or guideline levels for 
contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed; 
prepares priority lists of contaminants and naturally occurring 
toxicants for risk assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on 
Food Additives; considers and elaborates methods of analysis and 
sampling for the determination of contaminants and naturally occurring 
toxicants in food and feed; considers and elaborates standards or codes 
of practice for related subjects; and considers other matters assigned 
to it by the Commission in relation to contaminants and naturally 
occurring toxicants in food and feed.
    The Committee convened for its 10th Session in Rotterdam, The 
Netherlands, April 4-8, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/CF. The 
following items are to be considered for adoption by the 39th Session 
of the Commission in June 2016:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 8:
     Draft ML for inorganic arsenic in husked rice; and
     Draft revised Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51-2003).
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft MLs for lead in fruit juices and nectars 
ready to drink (inclusion of passion fruit); canned fruits (inclusion 
of canned berries and other small fruits); canned vegetables (inclusion 
of canned leafy vegetables and canned legume vegetables); jams, 
jellies, and marmalades (lower ML and inclusion of marmalades); pickled 
cucumbers (lower ML); preserved tomatoes (lower ML and note on the 
application of a concentration factor); and table olives (lower ML); 
and
     Proposed draft annexes on zearalenone, fumonisins, 
ochratoxin A, trichothecenes and aflatoxins to the Code of Practice for 
the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals 
(CAC/RCP 51-2003).
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft annex on ergot and ergot alkaloids in 
cereal grains (Annex to the Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51-2003);
     Outstanding issues related to the review of MLs for lead 
in selected fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed) and other 
selected food categories;
     Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Arsenic Contamination in Rice;
     Proposed draft MLs for cadmium in chocolate and cocoa-
derived products;
     Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Spices and its annexes;

[[Page 42634]]

     Proposed draft MLs for total aflatoxins in ready to eat 
peanuts following the JECFA evaluation;
     Discussion paper on MLs for mycotoxins in spices;
     Discussion paper on methylmercury in tuna (fresh/frozen 
and canned) and in other fish species;
     Discussion paper on non-dioxin like PCBs in the Code of 
Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Dioxins and Dioxin like 
PCB Contamination in Food and Feeds (CAC/RCP 62-2006);
     Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids following the outcome of the JECFA 
evaluation; and
     Priority list on contaminants and naturally occurring 
toxicants proposed for evaluation by JECFA.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Additives
    The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) establishes or 
endorses acceptable maximum levels (MLs) for individual food additives; 
prepares a priority list of food additives for risk assessment by the 
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); assigns 
functional classes to individual food additives; recommends 
specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission; considers methods of analysis for 
the determination of additives in food; and considers and elaborates 
standards or codes of practice for related subjects such as the 
labeling of food additives when sold as such. The 48th Session of the 
Committee convened in Xi'an, China, March 14-18, 2016. The relevant 
document is REP16/FA. Immediately prior to the Plenary Session, there 
was a two-day physical Working Group on the General Standard for Food 
Additives (GSFA) chaired by the United States.
    The following items will be considered by the 39th Session of the 
Commission in June 2016:
    To be considered for approval:
     Amendments to food additive provisions in commodity 
standards.
    To be considered for adoption:
     Revised food additives section of the Standards for Cocoa 
Butter (CODEX STAN 86-1981), Chocolate and Chocolate Products (CODEX 
STAN 87-1981), Cocoa (Cacao) Mass (Cocoa/Chocolate liquor) and Cocoa 
Cake (CODEX STAN 141-1983) and Cocoa Powders (Cocoas) and Dry Mixtures 
of Cocoa and Sugars (CODEX STAN 105-1981);
     Revised food additive provisions of the GSFA related to 
the alignment of the four commodity standards for chocolate and 
chocolate products and the commodity standards identified by the 
Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP); and
     Revised the food additive provision of the GSFA for 
benzoates in water-based flavored drinks in response to a 
recommendation from JECFA.
    To be considered at Step 8 and 5/8:
     Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the 
GSFA.
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft specifications for the identity and purity 
of food additives;
     Proposed draft amendments to the International Numbering 
System (INS) for Food Additives (CAC/GL 36-1989);
     Proposed draft revision of food category 01.1 ``Fluid milk 
and milk products'' of the GSFA and consequential changes; and
     Proposed draft revision of Sections 4.1c and 5.1c of the 
General Standard for the Labeling of Food Additives When Sold as Such 
(CODEX STAN 107-1981).
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft food additive provisions of the GSFA (eWG 
led by the United States);
     Amendments to the INS for food additives; and
     Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food 
Additives (82nd JECFA);
     Alignment of the food additive provisions of commodity 
standards and relevant provisions of the GSFA (eWG led by Australia and 
the United States);
     Recommendations on the use of food additives in wine and 
specific provisions for acidity regulators, stabilizers, and 
antioxidants (eWG led by France and Australia);
     Discussion paper on the management of CCFA work (China and 
United States);
     Discussion paper on the use of nitrates and nitrites 
(Netherlands);
     Proposal for additions and changes to the Priority List of 
Substances Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA;
     Information document on the GSFA; and
     Information document on food additive provisions in 
commodity standards.
    The Committee also agreed to hold a physical Working Group on the 
GSFA immediately preceding the 49th Session of CCFA to be chaired by 
the United States. The group will discuss:
     The recommendations of the eWG on the GSFA on food 
additive provisions to be circulated for comment.
     The comments submitted in responses to a circular letter 
requesting information on the use and use levels of adipic acid.
     The new proposals and proposed revisions of food additive 
provisions in the GSFA.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues
    The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) is responsible for 
establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues in 
specific food items or in groups of food; establishing MRLs for 
pesticide residues in certain animal feeding stuffs moving in 
international trade where this is justified for reasons of protection 
of human health; preparing priority lists of pesticides for evaluation 
by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR); considering 
methods of sampling and analysis for the determination of pesticide 
residues in food and feed; considering other matters in relation to the 
safety of food and feed containing pesticide residues; and establishing 
maximum limits for environmental and industrial contaminants showing 
chemical or other similarity to pesticides in specific food items or 
groups of food.
    The 48th Session of the Committee met in Chongqing, China, April 
25-30, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/PR. The following items 
will be considered at the 39th Session of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission in June 2016:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
 Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Draft MRLs for pesticides
 Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides
 Draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed 
(vegetable commodity groups: Group 015--Pulses)
 Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed 
(selected commodity groups Group 015--Grasses of Cereal grains)
 Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed 
(other vegetable commodity groups: Group 014--Legume vegetables, Group 
011--Fruiting vegetables, cucurbits)
 Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and 
Feed:

    1. Group 021--Grasses for sugars or syrup production and;
    2. Group 024--Seeds for beverages and sweets.

 Proposed draft tables on examples of selection of 
representative commodities (for inclusion in the principles and 
guidance for the selection of representative commodities for the 
extrapolation of

[[Page 42635]]

maximum residue limits for pesticides for commodity groups)
 Proposed draft Guidance on Performance Criteria for Methods of 
Analysis for the Determination of Pesticide Residues
 Establishment of Codex schedules and priority list of 
pesticides for evaluation by JMPR
 Discussion paper on the possible revision of the International 
Estimated Short-Term Intake (IESTI) equations

    Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
    The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) 
defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis and 
Sampling; serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other 
international groups working on methods of analysis and sampling and 
quality assurance systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of 
final recommendations submitted to it by the bodies referred to above, 
reference methods of analysis and sampling appropriate to Codex 
standards which are generally applicable to a number of foods; 
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses as appropriate, methods of 
analysis and sampling proposed by Codex commodity committees, except 
for 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; elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be 
required; considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted 
to it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and defines 
procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for the assessment 
of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality assurance systems 
for laboratories.
    The 37th Session of the Committee met in Budapest, Hungary, 
February 22-26, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/MAS. The following 
items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th Session in June 
2016:
    To be considered for adoption:
     Methods of Analysis and Sampling in Codex Standards; and
     Amendments to the Procedural Manual.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Guidance on the criteria approach for methods which use a 
``sum of components'';
     Criteria for endorsement of biological methods to detect 
chemicals of concern;
     Procedures for determining uncertainty of measurement 
results (improvements and amendments to CAC/GL-54-2004);
     Review general guidelines on sampling (CAC/GL 50-2004) for 
potential revision;
     Practical examples on the selection of appropriate 
sampling plans; and
     Review and update of methods in Codex STAN 234-1999.
    The following items have been discontinued:
     Development of procedures/guidelines for determining 
equivalency of Type I methods.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Grain Inspection, Packers and 
Stockyards Administration.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification 
Systems
    The Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and 
Certification Systems (CCFICS) is responsible for developing principles 
and guidelines for food import and export inspection and certification 
systems, with a view to harmonizing methods and procedures that protect 
the health of consumers, ensure fair trading practices, and facilitate 
international trade in foodstuffs; developing principles and guidelines 
for the application of measures by the competent authorities of 
exporting and importing countries to provide assurance, where 
necessary, that foodstuffs comply with requirements, especially 
statutory health requirements; developing guidelines for the 
utilization, as and when appropriate, of quality assurance systems to 
ensure that foodstuffs conform with requirements and promote the 
recognition of these systems in facilitating trade in food products 
under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by countries; developing 
guidelines and criteria with respect to format, declarations, and 
language of such official certificates as countries may require with a 
view towards international harmonization; making recommendations for 
information exchange in relation to food import/export control; 
consulting as necessary with other international groups working on 
matters related to food inspection and certification systems; and 
considering other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation 
to food inspection and certification systems.
    The 22nd Session of the Committee convened in Melbourne, Australia, 
February 6-12, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/FICS. There 
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th 
Session in June 2016:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange 
of Information Between Importing and Exporting Countries to Support the 
Trade in Food;
     Proposed draft Revision of the Principles and Guidelines 
for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations 
(CAC/GL 19-1995); and
     Proposed draft Revision of the Guidelines for the Exchange 
of Information Between Countries on Rejections of Imported Food (CAC/GL 
25-1997).
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5:
     Proposed draft Guidance for Monitoring the Performance of 
National Food Control Systems.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Discussion paper on the Use of Electronic Certificates by 
Competent Authorities and Migration to Paperless Certification;
     Discussion paper on Third Party Certification (with broad 
parameters);
     Discussion paper on Consideration of Emerging Issues and 
Future Directions for the Work of the Codex Committee on Food Import 
and Export Inspection and Certification Systems; and
     Discussion paper on Food Integrity/Food Authenticity As 
Emerging Issues.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Labelling
    The Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) drafts provisions on 
labeling applicable to all foods; considers, amends, and endorses draft 
specific provisions on labeling prepared by the Codex Committees 
drafting standards, codes of practice, guidelines; and studies specific 
labeling problems assigned by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The 
Committee also studies problems associated with the advertisement of 
food with particular reference to claims and misleading descriptions.
    The Committee convened for its 43rd Session in Ottawa, Ontario, 
Canada May 9-13, 2016.
    There following items will be considered by the Commission at its 
39th Session in June 2016:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5:

[[Page 42636]]

     Revision of the General Standard for the Labelling of 
Prepackaged Foods: Date marking.
    The Committee proposed that the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
identify a more appropriate forum for the revision of the Guidelines 
for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically 
Produced Foods: Organic Aquaculture
    The Committee agreed to propose new work on:
     Guidance for the labelling of Non-retail containers
    The Committee will continue to work on:
     Front of Pack Labelling;
     Consideration of issues surrounding consumer preference 
claims; and
     Discussion paper on future work for the Committee.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH):
     Develops basic provisions on food hygiene applicable to 
all food or to specific food types;
     Considers and amends or endorses provisions on food 
hygiene contained in Codex commodity standards and codes of practice 
developed by other Codex commodity committees;
     Considers specific food hygiene problems assigned to it by 
the Commission;
     Suggests and prioritizes areas where there is a need for 
microbiological risk assessment at the international level and develops 
questions to be addressed by the risk assessors; and
     Considers microbiological risk management matters in 
relation to food hygiene and in relation to FAO/WHO risk assessments.
    The Committee convened for its 47th Session in Boston, 
Massachusetts, November 9-13, 2015. The relevant document is REP 16/FH. 
The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th 
Session in June 2016:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
     Guidelines for the Control of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella 
spp. in Beef and Pork Meat;
     Guidelines on the Application of General Principles of 
Food Hygiene to the Control of Foodborne Parasites; and
     Proposed draft Annex I ``Examples of Microbiological 
Criteria for Low-Moisture Foods when Deemed Appropriate in accordance 
with the Principles and Guidelines for the Establishment and 
Application of Microbiological Criteria Related to Foods (CAC/GL 21-
1997)'' and Annex II ``Guidance for the Establishment of Environmental 
Monitoring Programs for Salmonella app. And other Enterobacteriaceae in 
Low-Moisture Food Processing Areas'' to the Code of Hygienic Practice 
for Low-Moisture Foods (CAC/RCP 75-2015).
    To be considered for adoption at step 8:
     Draft Annex III ``Spices and Dried Aromatic Herbs'' to the 
Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture Foods (CAC/RCP 75-2015)
    To be considered for revocation:
     Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Dried Aromatic 
Herbs (CAC/RCP 42-1995)
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Compiling all guidance for the control of foodborne 
parasites into a single document, e.g., merging the General Principles 
of Food Hygiene to the Control of Foodborne Parasites and the 
Guidelines for the control of Trichinella spp. in meat of Suidae (CAC/
GL 86-2015) and the Guidelines for the Control of Taenia saginata in 
meat of domestic cattle (CAC/GL 85-2014).
    The Committee agreed to the following items for new work:
     Revision of the General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/
RCP 1-1969) and its HACCP Annex;
     Revision of the Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits 
and Vegetables (CAC/RCP 53-2003); and
     New work proposals/Forward Work plan.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS/.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
    The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) is 
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and codes of practice, 
as may be appropriate for fresh fruits and vegetables; for consulting 
as necessary, with other international organizations in the standards 
development process to avoid duplication.
    The 19th Session of the Committee met in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, 
Guerrero, Mexico October 5-9, 2015. The relevant document is REP 16/
FFV. The following items will be considered at the 39th Session of the 
Codex Alimentarius Commission in June 2016.
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Standard for Aubergines.
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5:
     Proposed draft Standard for Garlic; and
     Proposed draft Standard for Kiwifruit.
    The Committee will continue discussing the following items:
     Proposed draft Standard for Ware Potatoes;
     Proposals for new work for Codex standards for fresh 
fruits and vegetables;
     Layout for Codex standards for fresh fruits and 
vegetables;
     Selected provisions in the Layout for Codex/FFV standards 
pending further consideration by CCFFV; and
     Preparation of a draft Glossary of Terms for Application 
in the Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS); 
HHS/FDA.
    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 
(CCNFSDU) is responsible for studying nutrition issues referred to it 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Committee also drafts general 
provisions, as appropriate, on nutritional aspects of all foods and 
develops standards, guidelines, or related texts for foods for special 
dietary uses in cooperation with other committees where necessary; 
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses provisions on nutritional 
aspects proposed for inclusion in Codex standards, guidelines, and 
related texts.
    The Committee convened for its 37th Session in Bad Soden am Taunus, 
Germany, November 23-27, 2015. The reference document is REP 16/NFSDU. 
The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th 
Session in June 2016:
    To be considered for adoption:
     Draft amendment to the Annex of the Guidelines on 
Nutrition Labelling (CAC/GL 2-1985) to add a definition for RASBs (i.e. 
Recognized Authoritative Scientific Body); and
     Draft amendment to Section 10, Methods of analysis in 
Standard for Infant Formula and Formulas for Special Medical Purposes 
Intended for Infants (Codex STAN 72-1981).
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference 
Values for Labelling Purposes in the Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling 
(CAC/GL2-1985).
    The Committee will continue working on:

[[Page 42637]]

     Proposed draft NRV-R for Vitamin D and the dietary 
equivalents and conversion factor for Vitamin E);
     Review if the Standard for Follow-Up Formula (CODEX STAN 
156-1987) (Section 2.1.1 and 2.2 and essential composition and optional 
ingredients) (6-12 months);
     Review of the Standard for Follow-Up Formula (CODEX STAN 
156-1987);
     Proposed draft Definition for Biofortification;
     Proposed draft NRV-NCD for EPA and DHA long chain omega-3 
fatty acids;
     Proposed guideline for Ready-to-Use Foods (RUF);
     Discussion paper on Claim for ``Free'' of Trans Fatty 
Acids; and
     Alignment of Food Additive provisions in standards 
developed by CCNFSDU.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service 
(ARS).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products
    The Fish and Fishery Products Committee (CCFFP) is responsible for 
elaborating standards for fresh, frozen and otherwise processed fish, 
crustaceans, and mollusks. The Committee convened for its 34th Session 
in Alesund, Norway October 19-24, 2015. The relevant document is REP16/
FFP.
    The following items will be considered by the 39th Session of the 
Commission in July 2016:
    To be considered for approval:
     Sampling plans in the Standard for Live Abalone and for 
Raw, Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct Consumption or for 
Further Processing (CODEX STAN 312-2013); Standard for Smoked Fish, 
Smoked Flavored Fish and Smoke-Dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311-2013); and 
Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (CODEX STAN 
315-2014);
     Amendments to Food Additive Provisions in Standards for 
Fish and Fishery Products;
     Amendments to Section 7.4--Estimation of fish content of 
the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions 
and Fish Fillets--Breaded or in Batter (CODEX STAN 166-1989); and
     Amendment to Section 11--Processing of salted and dried 
salted fish of the Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CAC/
RCP52-2003).
    The following items have recommended for discontinuation:
     Appendices 1-11 to the Code of Practice for Fish and 
Fishery Products (CAC/RCP 52-2003); and
     Proposal for a standard for fresh chilled pirarucu fillet 
or whole fish.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     New work guidance for histamine control in the Code of 
Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CAC/RCP 52-2003) and sampling 
plans for histamine in standards for fish and fishery products.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; DOC/NOAA/National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) is responsible for 
elaborating worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, 
and marine origin, including margarine and olive oil. The 25th Session 
of the Committee will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 2017. 
The Committee will consider:
     Proposed draft Standard for Fish Oils;
     Amendments to Appendix 2 ``List of Acceptable Previous 
Cargoes'' of the Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of 
Edible Fats and Oils in Bulk (CAC/RCP 36-1987);
     Addition of Palm Oil with High Oleic Acid (OxG);
     Revision of Fatty Acid Composition and Other Quality 
Factors of Peanut Oil;
     Revision of Limits of Oleic and Linoleic Acids in 
Sunflower Seed Oils; and
     Inclusion of provisions for Walnut Oil, Almond Oil, 
Hazelnut Oil, Pistachio Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Avocado Oil.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service 
(ARS).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
    The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) is 
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and related texts for 
all types of processed fruits and vegetables including, but not limited 
to canned, dried, and frozen products, as well as fruit and vegetable 
juices and nectars.
    The Committee will convene its 28th Session in Washington, DC, 
September 12-16, 2016.
    The committee will continue to discuss the following items:
     Proposed draft Annex on Canned Pineapples; and
     Proposed draft Annexes on Quick Frozen Vegetables. 
(Including methods of analysis for quick frozen vegetables)
     Amendments to food additive provisions in the standards 
for canned chestnuts and canned chestnut puree, canned bamboo shoots, 
canned mushrooms (certain canned vegetables), and pickles fruits and 
vegetables;
     Amendments to food additive and packing media provisions 
in Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables;
     Status of work on the review/revision of Codex standards 
for processed fruits and vegetables; and
     Discussion paper on standardization of dry and dried 
produce.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Sugars
    The Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS) elaborates worldwide standards 
for all types of sugars and sugar products.
    The Committee has been reactivated electronically to work on a 
standard for Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice.
    The following item will be considered by the Commission at its 39th 
Session in July 2016.
    To be considered for adoption:
     Draft Standard for Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane 
Juice at Step 6.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     No additional work is ongoing in this Committee. It will 
again be adjourned sine die once the work on the Standard for Non-
Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice is adopted.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Cereals Pulses & Legumes
    The Codex Committee on Cereals Pulses & Legumes (CCCPL) elaborates 
worldwide standards and/or codes of practice as appropriate for 
cereals, pulses and legumes and their products.
    The Committee has been reactivated electronically to draft an 
international quality standard for Quinoa.
     No additional work is ongoing in this Committee. It will 
again be adjourned sine die once the work on the international quality 
standard for Quinoa is adopted.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP) elaborates 
worldwide standards, codes and related text for milk and milk products. 
The Committee has been reactivated to work by correspondence on a 
general standard for processed cheese, but has not reached consensus on 
that standard.

[[Page 42638]]

The Commission at its 39th Session in June 2016 will consider next 
steps for the Committee to take on this draft standard.
    Responsible Agencies: 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:

 Cocoa Products and Chocolate--adjourned 2001

    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
 Meat Hygiene--adjourned 2003

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

 Natural Mineral Waters--adjourned 2008

    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

 Vegetable Proteins--adjourned 1989

    Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees

    The FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees define the problems 
and needs of the regions concerning food standards and food control; 
promote within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of 
information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising 
from food control and stimulate the strengthening of food control 
infrastructures; recommend to the Commission the development of 
worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including 
products considered by the Committees to have an international market 
potential in the future; develop regional standards for food products 
moving exclusively or almost exclusively in intra-regional trade; draw 
the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission's work 
of particular significance to the region; promote coordination of all 
regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental 
and non-governmental organizations within each region; exercise a 
general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as 
may be entrusted to it by the Commission; and promote the use of Codex 
standards and related texts by members.
    There are six 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 the Near East
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific
Coordinating Committee for Africa
    The Committee (CCAfrica) will convene its 22nd Session January 16-
20, 2017.
    The Committee will discuss the following items:
     Proposed draft regional Standard for dried meat, if 
approved as new work by the Commission at its June 2016 session;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for fermented cooked 
cassava based products;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Shea Butter; and
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Gnetum Spp. Leaves.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for Asia
    The Committee (CCAsia) will convene its 20th Session in New Delhi, 
India, September 26-30, 2016.
    The committee will discuss the following items:
     Key Note Address on Role of Codex in Strengthening 
National Food Control Systems in the Asian Region--A way forward;
     Food Safety and Quality Situation in the Countries of the 
Region;
     Prioritization of the Needs of the Region and Possible 
Approaches to Address Them;
     Use of Codex Standards in the Region: Relevance of 
Existing Regional Standards and Need for New Standards;
     Matters Arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and 
Other Codex Committees;
     Codex Work Relevant to the Region;
     Monitoring of the Implementation of the Codex Strategic 
Plan;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Laver Products;
     Proposed draft Regional Code of Hygienic Practice for 
Street-Vended Foods;
     Discussion paper on the Development of a Regional Standard 
for Makgeolli;
     Discussion paper on the Development of a Regional Standard 
for Natto; and
     Nomination of the Coordinator.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for Europe
    The Committee (CCEurope) will convene its 30th Session in Astana 
Kazakhstan, October 3-7, 2016.
    The Committee will discuss the following items:

 Regional Strategic Plan for CCEURO

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
    The Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean 
(CCLAC) will convene its 20th Session in Chile, November 21-25, 2016.
    The Committee will discuss the following items:

 Proposed draft Regional Standard for Yacon

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for the Near East
    The Committee (CCNEA) will convene its 9th Session in Iran, 
February 20-24, 2017.
    The Committee will discuss the following items:
     Regional Standard for Doogh;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Labneh;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Zaatar;
     Discussion paper on a Standard for Camel Milk; and
     Draft Strategic Plan for CCNEA 2015-2020.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: No.
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific 
(CCNASWP)
    The Committee (CCNASWP) will convene its 14th Session in Port Vila 
Vanuatu, September 19-22, 2016.
    The Committee will discuss the following items:
     Keynote address on the Multi-Sectorial Aspects of Codex 
and Opportunities for Strengthening Codex as a means to contribute to 
development of the economic, trade, agriculture, health, and nutrition 
sectors;
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the 
region;
     Prioritization of the needs of the region and possible 
approaches to address them;
     Use of Codex standards in the region: relevance of 
existing regional standards and need for new standards;

[[Page 42639]]

     Matters arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
other Codex Committees;
     Codex work relevant to the region;
     Monitoring of the implementation of the Codex Strategic 
Plan (Strategic Plan for CCNASWP 2014-2019, Status of implementation);
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Fermented Noni Juice;
     Discussion paper on the development of a Regional Standard 
for kava product that can be used as a beverage when mixed with water; 
and
     Nomination of the Coordinator.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Contact
U.S. Codex Office, United States Department of Agriculture, Room 4861, 
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20250-3700, Phone: (202) 205-7760, Fax: (202) 720-3157, Email: 
uscodex@fsis.usda.gov.

Attachment 2

U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials

Codex Chairpersons From The United States

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, Ph.D., Executive Associate for 
Laboratory Services, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service,U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station 
Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546-3429, Fax: (706) 546-3428, 
Email: emilio.esteban@fsis.usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

Richard Boyd, Chief, Contract Services Branch, Specialty Crops Program, 
Fruit and Vegetable Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 
0247, Room 0726--South Building, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 
690-1201, Fax: (202) 690-1527, Email: richard.boyd@ams.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
Kevin Greenlees, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Advisor for Science & Policy, 
Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, HFV-100, Center for Veterinary 
Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place, 
Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402-0638, Fax: +1 (240) 276-9538, 
kevin.greenlees@fda.hhs.gov.

U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates

General Subject Committees
Commodity Committees (Active and Adjourned)
ad hoc Task Forces
Regional Coordinating Committees

Worldwide General Codex Subject Committees

Contaminants in Foods (Host Government--The Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Lauren Posnick Robin, Branch Chief, Plant Products Branch, Division 
of Plant Products and Beverages, Office of Food Safety (HFS-317), 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: +1 (240) 402-1369, Lauren.Robin@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Terry Dutko, Laboratory Director, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
OPHS, 4300 Goodfellow Building, 105D Federal, St. Louis, MO 63120-0005, 
Phone: +1 (314) 263-2680 Ext. 344, Terry.Dutko@fsis.usda.gov.
Food Additives (Host Government--China)
U.S. Delegate
Susan E. Carberry, Ph.D., Supervisory Chemist, Division of Petition 
Review, Office of Food Additive Safety (HFS-265), Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1269, 
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2972, Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Paul S. Honigfort, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Division of Food 
Contact Notifications (HFS-275), Office of Food Additive Safety, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, 
MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1206, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2965, 
Paul.Honigfort@fda.hhs.gov.
Food Hygiene (Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Jenny Scott, Senior Advisor, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-300, Room 3B-014, College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2166, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
Jenny.Scott@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegates
Andrew Chi Yuen Yeung, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, CFSAN, U.S. Food 
and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-316, College 
Park, MD 20740, United States of America, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1541, 
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, Andrew.Yeung@fda.hhs.gov.
Dan Engeljohn, Ph.D., Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and 
Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Jamie Whitten 
Building, Room 349-E, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20520, Phone: +1 (202) 720-8803, Fax: +1 (202) 720-3157, 
Daniel.Engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov.
Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection Systems (Host 
Government--Australia)
U.S. Delegate
Mary Stanley, Director, Office of International Coordination, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
2925, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-0287, Fax: +1 (202) 720-4929, 
Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Vacant
Food Labelling (Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate
Felicia B. Billingslea, Director, Food Labeling and Standards Staff, 
Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway (HFS-820), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 
402-2371, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2636, Felicia.Billingslea@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Jeffrey Canavan, Deputy Director, Labeling and Program Delivery Staff, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 5273, Patriots Plaza 3, 8th 
Floor-161A, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (301) 504-0860, Fax: +1 
(202) 245-4792, Jeff.Canavan@fsis.usda.gov.
General Principles (Host Government--France)
    Delegate Note: A member of the Steering Committee heads the

[[Page 42640]]

delegation to meetings of the General Principles Committee.
Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government--Hungary)
U.S. Delegate
Gregory Noonan, Director, Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Division 
of Analytical Chemistry, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 
Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, 
MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2250, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2332, 
Gregory.Noonan@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Timothy Norden, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Grain Inspection, Packers and 
Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Technology & Science Division, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 10383 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO 
64153, USA, Phone: +1 (816) 891-0470, Fax: +1 (816) 891-8070, 
Timothy.D.Norden@gipsa.usda.gov.
Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
(Host Government--Germany)
U.S. Delegate
    Vacant.
Alternate Delegate
Pamela R. Pehrsson, Ph.D., Research Leader, USDA, Agricultural Research 
Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory, Room 105, Building 005, BARC-West, 
10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, 301.504.0630 (voice), 
301.504.0632, (fax), Pamela.Pehrsson@ars.usda.gov.
Pesticide Residues
(Host Government--China)
U.S. Delegate
David Miller, Chief, Chemistry & Exposure Branch and Acting Chief, 
Toxicology & Epidemiology Branch, Health Effects Division, William 
Jefferson Clinton Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, 
DC 20460, Phone: +1 (703) 305-5352, Fax: +1 (703) 305-5147, 
Miller.Davidj@epa.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Pat Basu, Senior Leader, Chemistry, Toxicology & Related Sciences, 
Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 3805, 
Washington, DC 20250-3766, Phone: +1 (202) 690-6558, Fax: +1 (202) 690-
2364, Pat.Basu@fsis.usda.gov.
Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Brandi Robinson, MPH, CPH, ONADE International Coordinator, Center for 
Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish 
Place, HFV-100, Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402-0645, 
Brandi.Robinson@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Charles Pixley, DVM, Ph.D., Director, Laboratory Quality Assurance 
Staff, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station Road, 
Athens, GA 30605, Phone: +1 (706) 546-3559, Fax: +1 (706) 546-3453, 
Charles.Pixley@fsis.usda.gov.

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active)

Fats and Oils
(Host Government--Malaysia)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Paul South, Director, Division of Plant Products and Beverages, 
Office of Food Safety (HFS-317), Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD, USA 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1640, 
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, Paul.South@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Robert A. Moreau, Ph.D., Research Leader, Eastern Regional Research 
Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, Phone: +1 (215) 233-6428, 
Fax: +1 (215) 233-6406, Robert.Moreau@ars.usda.gov.
Cereals, Pulses & Legumes
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
    Vacant.
Alternate Delegate
Mr. Patrick McCluskey, Supervisory Agricultural Marketing Specialist, 
United States Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and 
Stockyards Administration, 10383 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 
64153, Phone: +1 (816) 659-8403, Patrick.J.Mccluskey@usda.gov.
Fish and Fishery Products
(Host Government--Norway)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. William Jones, Deputy Director, Division of Seafood Safety, Office 
of Food Safety (HFS-325), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1700, Fax: 
+1 (301) 436-2601, William.Jones@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Steven Wilson, Deputy Director, Office of International Affairs and 
Seafood Inspection, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, U.S. 
Department of Commerce, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 
20910, Phone: +1 (301) 427-8312, Steven.Wilson@noaa.gov.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
(Host Government--Mexico)
U.S. Delegate
Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mail Stop 0247, 
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20250-0247, Phone: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527, 
Dorian.Lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Samir K. Assar, Ph.D., Director, Produce Safety Staff, Office of Food 
Safety, Food and Drug Administration, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1636, 
Samir.Assar@fda.hhs.gov.
Milk and Milk Products
(Host Government--New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
Christopher Thompson, Dairy Standardization Branch, Stop 0230, Room 
2742, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 
720-9382, Fax: +1 (202) 720-2643, Christopher.D.Thompson@ams.usda.gov.

[FR Doc. 2016-15632 Filed 6-29-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.