International Standard-Setting Activities, 30743-30753 [E7-10327]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 106 (Monday, June 4, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30743-30753]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10327]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
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statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 106 / Monday, June 4, 2007 / 
Notices

[[Page 30743]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[FDMS Docket No. FSIS-2007-0006]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission (Codex), in accordance with section 491 of the Trade 
Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, and the Uruguay Round Agreements 
Act, Public Law 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809. 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 the time periods from June 1, 2006, to May 31, 
2007, and June 1, 2007, to May 31, 2008, seeks comments on standards 
under consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any 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. FSIS prefers to 
receive comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and, in the ``Search for Open Regulations'' box, 
select ``Food Safety and Inspection Service'' from the agency drop-down 
menu, and then click on ``Submit.'' In the Docket ID column, select 
FDMS Docket Number FSIS-2007-0006 to submit or view public comments and 
to view supporting and related materials available electronically. 
After the close of the comment period, the docket can be viewed using 
the ``Advanced Search'' function in Regulations.gov.
     Mail, including floppy disks or CD-ROM's, and hand- or 
courier-delivered items: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 300 12th Street, SW., 
Room 102 Cotton Annex, Washington, DC 20250.
    All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number 
FSIS-2007-0006. Please state that your comments refer to Codex and, if 
your comments relate to specific Codex committees, please identify 
those committees in your comments and submit a copy of your comments to 
the delegate from that particular committee. All comments submitted in 
response to this proposal will be posted to the regulations.gov Web 
site. The comments also will be available for public inspection in the 
FSIS Docket Room at the address listed above between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m., Monday through Friday. The comments also will be posted on the 
Agency's Web site at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/
2007_Notices_Index/index.asp.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: F. Edward Scarbrough, PhD, United 
States Manager for Codex, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the 
Under Secretary for Food Safety, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700; (202) 205-
7760. For information pertaining to particular committees, the delegate 
of that committee may be contacted. (A complete list of U.S. delegates 
and alternate delegates can be found in Attachment 2 to this notice.) 
Documents pertaining to Codex are accessible via the World Wide Web at 
the following address: https://www.codexalimentarius.net/current.asp. 
The U.S. Codex Office also maintains a Web site at https://
www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Codex_Alimentarius/
index.asp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 
1995, as the common international institutional framework for the 
conduct of trade relations among its members in matters related to the 
Uruguay Round Trade Agreements. The WTO is the successor organization 
to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). U.S. membership 
in the WTO was approved and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act was signed 
into law by the President on December 8, 1994. The Uruguay Round 
Agreements became effective, with respect to the United States, on 
January 1, 1995. Pursuant to section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 
1979, as amended, the President is required to designate an agency to 
be ``responsible for informing the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary (SPS) standard-setting activities of each international 
standard-setting organization.'' The main 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 SPS 
standard-setting activities of each international standard-setting 
organization. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the 
Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the 
responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex. The FSIS Administrator has, in turn, assigned the 
responsibility for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office, FSIS.
    Codex was created in 1962 by two U.N. organizations, the Food and 
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 
Codex is the principal international organization for encouraging fair 
international trade in food and protecting the health and economic 
interests of consumers. Through adoption of food standards, codes of 
practice, and other guidelines developed by its committees and by 
promoting their adoption and implementation by governments, Codex seeks 
to protect the health of consumers, ensure fair trade practices in the 
food trade, and promote coordination of food standards work undertaken 
by international governmental and non-governmental organizations. In 
the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); 
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human

[[Page 30744]]

Services (HHS); and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manage 
and carry out U.S. Codex activities.
    As the agency responsible for informing the public of the SPS 
standard-setting activities of Codex, FSIS publishes this notice in the 
Federal Register annually. Attachment 1 (Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Activities of Codex) sets forth the following information:

    1. the 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 those standards listed in Attachment 1 that are 
under consideration by Codex, please contact the Codex delegate or the 
U.S. Codex Office. This notice also solicits public comment on those 
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 United States delegate will facilitate public participation in 
the United States Government's activities relating to Codex 
Alimentarius. The United States delegate will maintain a list of 
individuals, groups, and organizations that have expressed an interest 
in the activities of the Codex committees and will disseminate 
information regarding United States delegation activities to interested 
parties. This information will include the status of each agenda item; 
the United States Government's position or preliminary position on the 
agenda items; and the time and place of planning meetings and 
debriefing meetings following Codex committee sessions. In addition, 
the U.S. Codex Office makes much of the same information available 
through its Web page, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_
Policies/Codex_Alimentarius/index.asp. Please visit the web page or 
notify the appropriate U.S. delegate or the Office of U.S. Codex 
Alimentarius, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, if you would like to access or 
receive information about specific committees.
    The information provided in Attachment 1 describes the status of 
Codex standard-setting activities by the Codex Committees for the time 
periods from June 1, 2006, to May 31, 2007, and June 1, 2007, to May 
31, 2008. Attachment 2 provides the list of U.S. Codex Officials 
(includes U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of 
forthcoming Codex sessions may be found at: https://
www.codexalimentarius.net/web/current.jsp?lang=en.

Additional Public Notification

    Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy 
development is important. Consequently, in an effort to ensure that the 
public and in particular minorities, women, and persons with 
disabilities, are aware of this notice, FSIS will announce it on-line 
through the FSIS Web page located at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
regulations_&_policies/2007_Notices_Index/index.asp.
    The Regulations.gov Web site is the central online rulemaking 
portal of the United States government. It is being offered as a public 
service to increase participation in the Federal government's 
regulatory activities. FSIS participates in Regulations.gov and will 
accept comments on documents published on the site. The site allows 
visitors to search by keyword or Department or Agency for rulemakings 
that allow for public comment. Each entry provides a quick link to a 
comment form so that visitors can type in their comments and submit 
them to FSIS. The Web site is located at https://www.regulations.gov.
    FSIS also will make copies of this Federal Register publication 
available through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide 
information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal 
Register notices, FSIS public meetings, recalls, and other types of 
information that could affect or would be of interest to our 
constituents and stakeholders. The update is communicated via Listserv, 
a free e-mail subscription service consisting of industry, trade, and 
farm groups, consumer interest groups, allied health professionals, 
scientific professionals, and other individuals who have requested to 
be included. The update also is available on the FSIS Web page. Through 
Listserv and the web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a 
much broader, more diverse audience.
    In addition, FSIS offers an e-mail 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/
news_and_events/email_subscription/. Options range from recalls to 
export information to regulations, directives and notices. Customers 
can add or delete subscriptions themselves and have the option to 
password protect their account.

    Done at Washington, DC on: May 23, 2007.
F. Edward Scarbrough,
United States Manager for Codex.

Attachment 1

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex Alimentarius Commission 
and Executive Committee

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission will hold its Thirtieth Session 
July 2-7, 2007, in Rome, Italy. At that time, it will consider 
procedural matters, and the standards, codes of practice, and related 
matters brought to its attention by the general subject committees, 
commodity committees, ad hoc Task Forces and member delegations. It 
will also consider options to implement recommendations from the review 
of Codex committee structure and mandates of Codex committees and task 
forces, as well as budgetary and strategic planning issues. At this 
Session, the Commission will elect a Chair and three Vice Chairs.
    Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will have 
met at its Fifty-ninth Session on June 26-30, 2007. It is composed of 
the chairperson, vice-chairpersons, and seven members elected from the 
Commission, one from each of the following geographic regions: Africa, 
Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North 
America, and South-West Pacific. Additionally, regional coordinators 
from the six regional committees serve as members of the Executive 
Committee. It will consider the Codex Strategic Plan 2008-1013; review 
the Codex committee structure and mandate of Codex committees and task 
forces; review matters arising from reports of Codex Committees, 
proposals for new work, and standards management issues; and review the 
Trust Fund for the Participation of Developing Countries and Countries 
in Transition in the Work of the Codex Alimentarius.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

    The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods 
determines priorities for the consideration of residues of veterinary 
drugs in foods

[[Page 30745]]

and recommends Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for veterinary drugs. A 
veterinary drug is defined as any substance applied or administered to 
a food producing animal, such as meat or dairy animals, poultry, fish 
or bees, for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic purposes or for 
modification of physiological functions or behavior.
    A Codex Maximum Limit for Veterinary Drugs (MRLVD) is the maximum 
concentration of residue resulting from the use of a veterinary drug 
(expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis) that is adopted 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be permitted or recognized as 
acceptable in or on a food. An MRLVD is based on the Acceptable Daily 
Intake (ADI) and indicates the amount of residue in food that is 
considered to be without appreciable toxicological hazard. An MRLVD 
also takes into account other relevant public health risks as well as 
food technological aspects.
    When establishing an MRLVD, consideration is also given to residues 
that occur in food of plant origin and/or the environment. Furthermore, 
the MRLVD may be reduced to be consistent with good practices in the 
use of veterinary drugs and to the extent that practical analytical 
methods are available.
    Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI): An estimate by the Joint FAO/WHO 
Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the amount of a 
veterinary drug, expressed on a body weight basis, that can be ingested 
daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk (standard man = 
60 kg).
    The Committee will meet in the United States on September 3-7, 
2007. The Committee will continue work on the following:
    The Committee worked on:
     Draft MRLs for Flumequine, Melengestrol acetate, Colistin, 
Ractopamine, Erithromycin, Triclabendazole.
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Design and 
Implementation of National Regulatory Food Safety Assurance Programmes 
Associated with the Use of Veterinary Drugs in Food Producing Animals.
     Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the Codex Committee on 
Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods.
     Risk Assessment Policy for the Setting of MRLs in Food.
     Priority List of Veterinary Drugs Requiring Evaluation or 
Reevaluation.
     Compendium of Methods of Analysis Identified as Suitable 
to Support Codex MRLs.
     Discussion Paper on Risk Management Topics and Options for 
the CCRVDF.
     Report of the Working Group on Residues of Veterinary 
Drugs without ADI/MRL.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods

    The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) was established 
by the 29th Session of the Commission when it decided to split the 
former Codex Committee on Additives and Contaminants into two 
committees. The CCCF establishes or endorses permitted maximum 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 (JECFA), considers 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 held its first session in 
Beijing, China, on April 16-20, 2007. The relevant document is ALINORM 
07/30/41. The following items will be considered by the 30th Session of 
the Commission on July 2-7, 2007.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Tin in Canned Foods 
(other than beverages) and in Canned Beverages.
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Control of Ochratoxin A Contamination in Wine.
    To be considered at Step 5:
     Proposed Draft Maximum Level for 3-MCPD in Liquid 
Condiments Containing Acid-HVP (excluding naturally fermented soya 
sauce).
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of 
Chloropropanols During the Production of Acid-Hydrolysed Vegetable 
Proteins (HVPs) and Products That Contain Acid-HVPs.
    To be considered for New Work:
     Elaboration of a Code of Practice on the Prevention and 
Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Dried Figs.
    The Committee is continuing to work on:
     Consideration of the Codex General Standard for 
Contaminants and Toxins in Foods.
     Proposed Draft Levels for Total Aflatoxins in Almonds, 
Hazelnuts and Pistachios ``For further processing'' and ``Ready-to-
eat''.
     Proposed Draft Sampling Plan for Aflatoxin Contamination 
in Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Hazelnuts and Pistachios.
     Discussion Paper on Maximum Levels for Total Aflatoxins in 
``Ready-to-eat'' Almonds, Hazelnuts and Pistachios.
     Discussion Paper on Aflatoxin Contamination in Brazil 
Nuts.
     Discussion Paper on Ochratoxin A in Coffee.
     Discussion Paper on Ochratoxin A in Cocoa.
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of 
Acrylamide in Food.
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of 
Contamination of Foods with PAH from Smoking and Direct Drying.
    General Issues:
     Priority List of 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 was re-established by the 
29th Session of the Commission, which split the former Codex Committee 
on Additives and Contaminants into two committees. The Committee is to 
establish or endorse permitted maximum levels for individual food 
additives, prepare a priority list of food additives for risk 
assessment by JECFA, assign functional classes to individual food 
additives, recommend specifications of identity and purity for food 
additives for adoption by the Commission, consider methods of analysis 
for the determination of additives in food, and to consider and 
elaborate standard codes for related subjects such as the labeling of 
food additives when sold as such. The Committee met in Beijing, China, 
on April 24-28, 2007. The relevant document is ALINORM 7/30/12. The 
following items will be considered by the 30th Session of the 
Commission in July 2007.
    The Committee worked on:
     Revision to the Procedural Manual: Terms of Reference.
     Revision to the Procedural Manual: Risk Analysis 
Principles Applied by the Codex Committee on Food Additives and 
Contaminants.
     Revision to the Procedural Manual: Format for Codex 
Commodity Standards.
     Revision to the Procedural Manual: Relations between 
Commodity

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Committees and General Committees: Food Additives.
     Endorsement and/or Revision of Maximum Levels for Food 
Additives and Processing Aids in Codex Standards.
     Inclusion of Food Additive Provisions of Commodity 
Standards into the Codex General Standard for Food Additives.
     General Standard for Food Additives: Draft Food Additive 
Provisions (in Tables 1, 2 and 3).
     Revisions to the General Standard for Food Additives' Food 
Category System: Project Document.
     Guidelines for the Use of Flavourings.
     Inventory of Processing Aids.
     International Numbering System and Harmonization of Terms 
Used by Codex and JECFA.
     Revision of the Class Names and International Numbering 
System for Food Additives.
     Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food 
Additives.
     Priority List of Food Additives Proposed for Evaluation by 
JECFA.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

    The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues recommends to the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission establishment of maximum limits for pesticide 
residues for specific food items or in groups of food. A Codex Maximum 
Residue Limit for Pesticide (MRLP) is the maximum concentration of a 
pesticide residue (expressed as mg/kg), recommended by the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission to be legally permitted in or on food 
commodities and animal feeds. Foods derived from commodities that 
comply with the respective MRLPs are intended to be toxicologically 
acceptable, that is, consideration of the various dietary residue 
intake estimates and determinations both at the national and 
international level in comparison with the ADI*, should indicate that 
foods complying with Codex MRLPs are safe for human consumption.
    Codex MRLPs are primarily intended to apply in international trade 
and are derived from reviews conducted by the Joint Meeting on 
Pesticide Residues (JMPR).
    (a) Review of residue data from supervised trials and supervised 
uses including those reflecting national good agricultural practices 
(GAP). Data from supervised trials conducted at the highest nationally 
recommended, authorized, or registered uses are included in the review. 
In order to accommodate variations in national pest control 
requirements, Codex MRLPs take into account the higher levels shown to 
arise in such supervised trials, which are considered to represent 
effective pest control practices.
    (b) Toxicological assessments of the pesticide and its residue.
    The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 
30th Session in July 2007. The relevant document is ALINORM 07/30/24.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft and Draft Revised Maximum Residue Limits.
    To be considered at Step \5/8\:
     Proposed Draft Maximum Residue Limits.
    To be considered at Step 5:
     Proposed Draft and Proposed Draft Revised Maximum Residue 
Limits.
    To be considered for Revocation:
     Codex CLX-Ds.
    To be considered for New Work:
     Priority List of Pesticides for review by JMPR.
    The committee is continuing work on:
     Draft and Proposed Draft MRLs.
     Revision of the List of Recommended Methods on Analysis 
for Pesticide Residues.
     Revision of the Codex Priority List of Pesticides for 
review by JMPR.
     Discussion paper on the how Codex MRLs are used at the 
national level.
     Discussion paper on the establishment of MRLs for 
Processed or Ready-to-Eat Foods.
     Extended Revision of the Codex Classification of foods and 
animal feeds.
    *Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of a chemical is the daily intake 
which, during an entire lifetime, appears to be without appreciable 
risk to the health of the consumer on the basis of all the known facts 
at the time of the evaluation of the chemical by the Joint FAO/WHO 
Meeting on Pesticide Residues. It is expressed in milligrams of the 
chemical per kilogram of body weight.
    Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/AMS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling

    The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling:
    (a) Defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis 
and Sampling;
    (b) Serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other 
international groups working in methods of analysis and sampling and 
quality assurance systems for laboratories;
    (c) Specifies, on the basis of final recommendations submitted to 
it by the other bodies referred to in (b) above, Reference Methods of 
Analysis and Sampling appropriate to Codex Standards which are 
generally applicable to a number of foods;
    (d) Considers, amends, if necessary, and endorses, as appropriate, 
methods of analysis and sampling proposed by Codex (Commodity) 
Committees, except that methods of analysis and sampling for residues 
of pesticides or veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of 
microbiological quality and safety in food, and the assessment of 
specifications for food additives do not fall within the terms of 
reference of this Committee;
    (e) Elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be required;
    (f) Considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted to 
it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and
    (g) Defines procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for 
the assessment of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality 
assurance systems for laboratories.
    The 28th Session of the Committee met in Budapest, Hungary, on 
March 5-9, 2007. The relevant document is ALINORM 07/30/23. For 
endorsement at the 30th Commission in 2007:
     Proposed Amendment to the Principles for the Establishment 
of Codex Sampling Procedures (Procedural Manual).
     Endorsement of methods of analysis in Draft Standards and 
existing standards.
     Reference to IUPA/ISO/AOAC Protocols (amendment to 
references).
    The Committee will continue to work on:
     Draft Guidelines for Evaluating Acceptable Methods of 
Analysis.
     Draft Guidelines for Settling of Disputes on Analytical 
(Test) Results.
     Proposed Draft Guideline on Analytical Terminology.
     Conversion of methods for trace elements into criteria.
     Criteria for methods of analysis for foods derived from 
biotechnology.
     Guidance on measurement uncertainty and uncertainty of 
sampling.
     Discussion paper on role and terms of reference of CCMAS.
     Discussion paper on the reliability of analytical data.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/GIPSA.
    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

[[Page 30747]]

Systems is charged with developing principles and guidelines for food 
import and export inspection and certification systems to protect 
consumers and to facilitate trade. Additionally, the Committee develops 
principles and guidelines for the application of measures by competent 
authorities to provide assurance that foods comply with essential 
requirements, especially statutory health requirements. This 
encompasses work on equivalence of food inspection systems, including 
equivalence agreements, processes and procedures to ensure that 
sanitary measures are implemented; guidelines on food import control 
systems; and guidelines on food product certification and information 
exchange. The development of guidelines for the appropriate utilization 
of quality assurance systems to ensure that foodstuffs conform to 
requirements and to facilitate trade also are included in the 
Committee's terms of reference. The Committee met November 6-10, 2006. 
The reference document is ALINORM 07/30/30. The following will be 
considered for adoption by the Commission at its 30th Session in July 
2007.
    To be considered at step \5/8\:
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for Generic Official Certificate 
Formats and the Design, Production, Issuance and use of Certificates.
    The committee is continuing work on:
     Proposed Draft Appendix to the Guidelines on the Judgment 
of Equivalence of Sanitary Measures Associated with Food Inspection and 
Certification.
     Discussion paper on the reply to the question raised by 
the 22nd Session of the Codex Committee on General Principles regarding 
the revision of the Codex Code of Ethics for International Trade of 
Foods.
     Discussion Paper on the consistency of the draft Model 
Export Certificate for Milk and Milk Products with the proposed draft 
Guidelines for Generic Official Certificate Formats and the Design, 
Production, Issuance and Use of Certificates.
     Discussion Paper identifying areas for guidance for 
national food inspection systems.
     Discussion Paper on the development of Guidelines for the 
Conduct of Foreign Audit Team Inspections.
     Discussion Paper on the need of guidance on traceability/
product tracing.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on General Principles

    The Codex Committee on General Principles deals with procedure and 
general matters as are referred to it by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission. The 24th Session was held on April 2-6, 2006, in Paris, 
France. The relevant document is ALINORM 07/30/33. Matters to be 
considered for adoption by the 29th Commission in July 2007:
     Proposed Draft Working Principles for Risk Analysis for 
Food Safety (Guidance to National Governments) for adoption at Step \5/
8\.
     Amendments to the Codex Procedural Manual clarifying the 
roles of Members elected to the Codex Executive Committee on a 
geographic basis and Regional Coordinators as members of the Executive 
Committee.
     Amendments to the Codex Procedural Manual dealing with the 
revision and amendment of Codex standards.
     Amendments to the General Principles of the Codex 
Alimentarius.
     Amendments to the Principles Concerning the Participation 
of International Non-Governmental Organizations in the Work of Codex.
     Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the Committee on 
Pesticide Residues for inclusion in the Procedural Manual.
     Risk Management Methodologies, including Risk Assessment 
Policies in the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in 
Foods for inclusion in the Procedural Manual.
     Amendment to the Principles for the Establishment or 
Selection of Codex Sampling Procedures (Codex Procedural Manual).
     Procedure for Consideration of the Entry and Review of 
Food Additive Provisions in the General Standard for Food Additives for 
inclusion in the Procedural Manual.
    The Committee continued work on:
     Code of Ethics for International Trade in Food (returned 
to Step 3).
     Consideration of the structure, content and presentation 
of the Procedural Manual.
     New definitions of risk analysis terms related to food 
safety.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Labelling

    The Codex Committee on Food Labelling is responsible for drafting 
provisions on labelling issues assigned by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission. The reference document is ALINORM 07/30/22. The Committee 
held its 35th Session in Ottawa, Canada, on April 30-May 4, 2007. It 
considered the following items:
     Matters Referred by FAO and WHO: Draft Action Plan for 
Implementation of the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and 
Health.
     Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and 
Marketing of Organically Produced Foods Proposed Revised Sections: 
Annex 2--Table 3 (Other substances); Table 1 (Natural Sodium Nitrate).
     Draft Amendment to the General Standard (Draft 
Recommendations for the Labelling of Foods obtained through certain 
techniques of GM/GE): Definitions.
     Report of the Working Group on Labelling of Foods and Food 
Ingredients Obtained through Certain Techniques of Genetic 
Modification/Genetic Engineering.
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Standard for the 
Labelling of Prepackaged Foods: Quantitative Declaration of 
Ingredients.
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Guidelines for Organically 
Produced Foods (Addition of Ethylene).
     Proposed Draft Definition of Advertising in relation to 
nutrition and health claims.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene has four primary 
responsibilities. First, to draft basic provisions on food hygiene 
applicable to all food. These provisions normally take the form of 
Codes of Hygienic Practice for a specific commodity (e.g. bottled 
water) or group of commodities (e.g., milk and milk products). Second, 
to suggest and prioritize areas where there is a need for 
microbiological risk assessment at the international level and to 
consider microbiological risk management matters in relation to food 
hygiene and in relation to the risk assessment activities of FAO and 
WHO. Third, to consider, amend if necessary, and endorse food hygiene 
provisions that are incorporated into specific Codex commodity 
standards by the Codex commodity committees. Fourth, to provide such 
other general guidance to the Commission on matters relating to food 
hygiene as may be necessary. The 38th Session of the Committee met in 
Houston, TX, on December 4-8, 2006. The relevant document is ALNORM 07/
30/13. The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 
30th Session in July 2007.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft Guidelines on the Application of the General 
Principles of Food

[[Page 30748]]

Hygiene to the Control of Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods.
     Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Eggs and Egg Products.
     Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct of 
Microbiological Risk Management.
    New Work:
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter 
and Salmonella spp. in Broiler (Young Bird) Chicken Meat.
     CCHF Risk Analysis Policies.
    The committee will continue to work on:
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for Validation of Food Hygienic 
Control Measures.
     Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Powdered 
Formulae for Infants and Children.
     Endorsement of Hygiene Provisions in Codex Standards and 
Codes of Practice.
     Annex: Application of Food Safety Metrics in Risk 
Management Decision Making.
     Annex: Application of Food Safety Metrics in Risk 
Management Decision Making--Pasteurized Liquid Whole Egg.
     Microbiological Criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in 
Ready-to-Eat Foods.
    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 is responsible 
for elaborating world-wide standards and codes of practice for fresh 
fruits and vegetables. The Committee met in Mexico City, Mexico, on 
September 25-29, 2006. The relevant document is ALINORM 07/30/35. The 
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 30th 
Session in July 2007.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft Codex Standard for Table Grapes including proposed 
draft Sections 2.1.2--Maturity Requirements and 3.1--Minimum Bunch 
Weight (at Step \5/8\).
    To be considered at Step 5:
     Proposed draft Codex Standard for Bitter Cassava.
     Proposed draft Guidelines for the Inspection and 
Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for Conformity to Quality 
Standards.
    The Committee continues to work on:
     Draft Codex Standard for Tomatoes--Section 3 Provisions 
concerning sizing.
     Proposed Draft Standard for Apples.
     Standard Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables.
     Priority List for the Standardization of Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/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 nutritional issues referred 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. The Committee met October 30-November 3, 2006. The 
relevant document is ALINORM 07/30/26. The following items will be 
considered by the 30th Session of the Commission in July 2007.
    To be adopted at Step 8:
     Draft Revised Codex Standard for Infant Formula and 
Formulas for Special Medical Purposes Intended for Infants.
    To be adopted at Step 5:
     Draft Revised Advisory List of Nutrient Compounds for Use 
in Foods for Special Dietary Uses Intended for Infants and Young 
Children.
    New Work:
     Application of Risk Analysis to the Work of the CCNFSDU.
    The Committee continues work on:
     Draft Revised Standard for Gluten-Free Foods.
     Guidelines for Use of Nutrition Claims--Draft Table of 
Conditions for Nutrient Content Claims (Part B containing Provisions on 
Dietary Fibre).
     Proposed Draft Recommendations on the Scientific Basis of 
Health Claims.
     Discussion Paper on Proposals for Additional or Revised 
Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs).
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products

    The Fish and Fishery Products Committee is responsible for 
elaborating standards for fresh, frozen and otherwise processed fish, 
crustaceans and molluscs. The Committee met on September 18-22, 2006. 
The relevant document is ALINORM 07/30/18. The following items will be 
considered by the Commission at its 30th Session in July 2007.
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery 
Products (Quick Frozen Coated Products, Salted Fish).
    To be considered at Step 5:
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Canned 
Sardines and Sardine-Type Products.
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery 
Products (Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs, Lobsters and Crabs).
     Proposed Draft Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs.
    New work:
     Revision of the Procedure for the Inclusion of Additional 
Species in Standards for Fish and Fishery Products.
     Proposed Draft Standard for Fish Sauce.
     Amendment to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks 
(Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish Fillets--Breaded or in Batter 
(Nitrogen Factors).
     Proposed Draft Standard for Fresh/Live and Frozen Abalone.
    The Committee continues work on the following:
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for fish and fishery 
products (other sections).
     Draft Standard for Sturgeon Caviar.
     Proposed Draft Standard for Smoked Fish.
     Proposed Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Scallop Adductor 
Muscle Meat.
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Processing of 
Scallop Meat.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDC/NOAA/NMFS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products

    The Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products is responsible for 
establishing international codes and standards for milk and milk 
products. The Committee will hold its 8th Session in 2008 in New 
Zealand. The Committee is working on:
     Proposed Draft Model Export Certificate for Milk and Milk 
Products.
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Codex Standard for 
Fermented Milks pertaining to Fermented Milk Drinks.
     Proposed Draft Standard for Processed Cheese.
     Amendment to the List of Additives of the Codex Standard 
for Creams and Prepared Creams.
     Food Additive Listings for the Codex Standard for 
Fermented Milks (flavoured fermented milks).
     Methods of Analysis and Sampling for Milk and Milk 
Products Standards.
     Discussion paper on sampling plans for milk products in 
presence of significant measurement error.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

[[Page 30749]]

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils

    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils is responsible for elaborating 
standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, and marine origin. 
The Committee met February 19-23, 2007. The relevant document is 
ALINORM 07/30/17. To be considered by the Commission at Step 8:
     Draft Standard for Fat Spreads and Blended Spreads.
    New Work:
     Proposed Draft Amendments to the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: inclusion of palm kernel olein and palm kernel stearin.
    The Committee continues work on:
     Draft List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes.
     Proposed Draft List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes.
     Proposed Draft Amendments to the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: Rice Bran Oil.
     Proposed Draft Amendments to the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils.
     Unbleached palm oil: total carotenoids.
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Olive Oils 
and Olive Pomace Oils: linolenic acid.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables is 
responsible for elaborating standards for Processed Fruits and 
Vegetables. The Committee met on October 16-21, 2006. The relevant 
document is ALINORM 07/30/27. The following items will be considered by 
the Commission at its 30th Session in July 2007.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft Codex Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables.
     Draft Codex Standard for Processed Tomato Concentrates.
     Draft Codex Standard for Preserved (Canned) Tomatoes.
     Draft Codex Standards for Certain Canned Citrus Fruits.
    To be considered at Step 5:
     Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Jams, Jellies, and 
Marmalades.
     Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Certain Canned 
Vegetables.
    The Committee continues to work on:
     Annexes to the Proposed Draft Standard for Canned 
Vegetables and the Guidelines for Packing Media for Canned Vegetables.
     Standard Layout for Processed Fruits and Vegetables, 
Methods of Analysis for Processed Fruits and Vegetables.
     Priority List for the Standardization of Processed Fruits 
and Vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Certain Codex Commodity Committees

    Several Codex Alimentarius Commodity Committees have adjourned sine 
die. The following Committees fall into this category:
     Cocoa Products and Chocolate.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Meat Hygiene.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Natural Mineral Water.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Sugars.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/ARS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Vegetable Proteins.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/ARS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Cereals, Pulses and Legumes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/GIPSA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance.
    The ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance 
was created by the 29th Session of the Commission. The Task Force, 
hosted by the Republic of Korea, would have a time-frame of four 
sessions starting with its first meeting scheduled for October 2007. 
Its objective is to develop science-based guidance to assess the risks 
to human health associated with the presence in food and feed, 
including aquaculture, of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms and 
antimicrobial resistance genes and to develop appropriate risk 
management advice based on that assessment to reduce such risk. A 
Circular Letter was issued requesting proposals for new work for the 
Committee to discuss at its first session.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology

    The Commission established this task force to develop standards, 
guidelines, or recommendations, as appropriate, for foods derived from 
biotechnology or traits introduced into foods by biotechnology, on the 
basis of scientific evidence, risk analysis and having regard, where 
appropriate, to other legitimate factors relevant to the health of 
consumers and the promotion of fair trade practices. The Task Force, 
established by the 23rd Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
for a four year period of time, completed its work, but was re-
established at the 27th Session of the Commission. The relevant 
document is ALINORM 07/30/34. The Committee will hold its 7th Session 
in Japan on November 26-30, 2007. The Task Force will discuss the 
following items:
     Proposed Draft Guideline for the Conduct of Food Safety 
Assessment of Foods Derived from Recombinant-DNA Animals.
     Proposed Draft Annex to the Guideline for the Conduct of 
Food Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Recombinant-DNA Plants: 
Food Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Recombinant DNA-Plants 
Modified for Nutritional or Health Benefits.
     Proposed Draft Annex to the Guideline for the Conduct of 
Food Safety Assessment of Foods Derived from Recombinant-DNA Plants on 
Low-Level Presence of Recombinant-DNA Plant Material.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/APHIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on the Processing and Handling of 
Quick Frozen Foods

    The Ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on the Processing and 
Handling of Quick Frozen Foods was created by the 29th Session of the 
Commission to resolve all outstanding issues including the quality and 
safety provisions of the Code of Practice for the Processing and 
Handling of Quick Frozen Foods. The Task Force, hosted by Thailand, was 
given two years to finalize the Code. Thailand and the United States 
prepared a Circular Letter requesting comments on a revised Code. The 
resulting document prepared from these comments will serve as the basis 
for discussion at the Session of the Task Force that will take place in 
early 2008.

FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission is made up of an Executive 
Committee, as well as approximately 30 subsidiary bodies. Included in 
these subsidiary bodies are coordinating committees for groups of 
countries located in proximity to each other who share common concerns. 
There are currently six Regional Coordinating Committees:
     Coordinating Committee for Africa.
     Coordinating Committee for Asia.
     Coordinating Committee for Europe.
     Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the 
Caribbean.

[[Page 30750]]

     Coordinating Committee for the Near East.
     Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-
West Pacific.
    The United States participates as an active member of the 
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West Pacific, 
and is informed of the other coordinating committees through meeting 
documents, final reports, and representation at meetings. Each regional 
committee:
     Defines the problems and needs of the region concerning 
food standards and food control;
     Promotes within the committee contacts for the mutual 
exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems 
arising from food control and stimulates the strengthening of food 
control infrastructures;
     Recommends to the Commission the development of world-wide 
standards for products of interest to the region, including products 
considered by the committee to have an international market potential 
in the future; and
     Serves a general coordinating role for the region and 
performs such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the 
Commission.

Codex Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West 
Pacific

    The Coordinating Committee is responsible for defining problems and 
needs concerning food standards and food control of all Codex member 
countries of the region. Items on the agenda for the next meeting may 
include:
     Draft new Strategic Plan for NASWP.
     Report of the Electronic Working Group on Objective 6 of 
the Strategic Plan for CCNASWP.
     Discussion Paper on the Development of a Standard for 
Kava.
     Discussion Paper on the Development of a Standard for Nonu 
(Noni) Products.
     Progress Report: Joint FAO/WHO Evaluation of the Codex 
Alimentarius and other FAO and WHO Work on Food Standards.
     Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Trust Fund for the 
participation of developing countries in Codex.
     Nomination of regional coordinator.
    Responsible agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Attachment 2

U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials Codex Committee Chairpersons

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

Dr. Karen Hulebak, Chief Scientist, Office of Public Health Science, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 3130, South Building, Washington, 
DC 20250-3700, Phone: (202) 720-5735, Fax: (202) 720-2980, E-mail: 
karen.hulebak@fsis.usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

Mr. Terry Bane, Branch Chief, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and 
Vegetable Programs, AMS, Room 0709, South Building, Stop 9247, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0247, Phone: (202) 720-
4693, Fax: (202) 690-1087, E-mail: terry.bane@usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

Dr. Stephen F. Sundlof, Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food 
and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place (HFV-1), Rockville, MD 
20855, Phone: (301) 827-2950, Fax: (301) 827-8401, E-mail: 
ssundlof@cvm.fda.gov.

Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (adjourned sine die)

Mr. Steven N. Tanner, Director, Technical Services Division, Grain 
Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 10383 N. Executive Hills Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64153-
1394, Phone: (816) 891-0401, Fax: (816) 891-0478, E-mail: 
Stephen.n.tanner@gipsa.usda.gov.

Listing of U.S. Delegates and Alternates Worldwide General Subject 
Codex Committees

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (Host 
Government--United States)

U.S. Delegate
Steven D. Vaughn, D.V.M., Director, Office of New Animal Drug 
Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA, 7500 Standish Place, 
Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: (301) 827-1796, Fax: (301) 594-2297, E-
mail: SVaughn@cvm.fda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Emilio Esteban, PhD, Director, Western Laboratory, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 620 Central Avenue, 
Building 2-A, Alameda, CA 95501, Phone: (510) 337-5031, ext. 3004, Fax: 
(510) 337-5036, Emilio.Esteban@fsis.usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Food Additives (Host Government--China)

U.S. Delegate
Dennis M. Keefe, PhD, Office of Premarket Approval, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA (HFS-200), Harvey W. Wiley Federal 
Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, 
Phone: (202) 418-3113, Fax: (202) 418-3131, E-mail: 
dennis.keefe@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Susan E. Carberry, PhD, Supervisory Chemist, Division of Petition 
Review, Office of Food Additive Safety (HFS-265), Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (301) 436-1269, Fax: 
(301) 436-2972, E-mail: Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (Host Government--the 
Netherlands)

U.S. Delegate
Nega Beru, PhD, Director, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods, (HFS-300), 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: (301) 436-1700, Fax: (301) 436-2651, E-mail: 
Nega.Beru@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Kerry Dearfield, PhD, Scientific Advisor for Risk Assessment, Office of 
Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 380, 
Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690-6451, Fax: 
(202) 690-6337, E-mail: Kerry.Dearfield@fsis.usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (Host Government--China)

U.S. Delegate
Lois Rossi, Director of Registration Division, Office of Pesticide 
Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building, 
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, Phone: (703) 305-
5035, Fax: (703) 305-5147, E-mail: rossi.lois@epa.gov.

[[Page 30751]]

Alternate Delegate
Robert Epstein, PhD, Associate Deputy Administrator, Science and 
Technology, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, P.O. Box 96456, Room 
3522S, Mail Stop 0222, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20090, Phone: (202) 720-2158, Fax: (202) 720-1484, E-mail: 
robert.epstein@usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government--
Hungary)

U.S. Delegate
Gregory Diachenko, PhD, Director, Division of Product Manufacture and 
Use, Office of Premarket Approval, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition (CFSAN), FDA (HFS-300), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (301) 
436-2387, Fax: (301) 436-2364, E-mail: gregory.diachenko@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Donald C. Kendall, Technical Services Division, Grain, Inspection, 
Packers & Stockyards Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
10383 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153-1394, Phone: (816) 
891-0463, Fax: (816) 891-0478, E-mail: Donnald.C.Kendall@usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification 
Systems (Host Government--Australia)

U.S. Delegate
Catherine Carnevale, D.V.M, Director, International Affairs Staff, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA (HFS-550), Harvey W. 
Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 
20740-3835, Phone: (301) 436-2380, Fax: (301) 436-2612, E-mail: 
catherine.carnevale@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Mary Stanley, Director, Office of International Affairs, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2147-South 
Building, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 
(202) 720-0287, Fax: (202) 720-6050, E-mail: 
Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov.

Codex Committee on General Principles (Host Government--France)

U.S. Delegate

    Note: A member of the Steering Committee heads the delegation to 
meetings of the General Principles Committee.

Codex Committee on Food Labeling (Host Government--Canada)

U.S. Delegate
Barbara O. Schneeman, PhD, Director, Office of Nutritional Products, 
Labelling and Dietary Uses, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, FDA, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway (HFS-800), College Park, MD 
20740, Phone: (301) 436-2373, Fax: (301) 436-2636, E-mail: 
barbara.schneeman@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Robert Post, PhD, Director, Labeling and Consumer Protection Staff, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW. 
(602 Annex), Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 205-0279, Fax: (202) 
205-3625, E-mail: Robert.post@fsis.usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (Host Government--United States)

U.S. Delegate
Robert L. Buchanan, PhD, Lead Scientist, Food Safety Initiative, Center 
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA (HFS-006), Harvey W. Wiley 
Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone: (301) 436-2369, Fax: (301) 436-2360, E-mail: 
robert.buchanan@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegates
Daniel Engeljohn, PhD, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of 
Policy, Program, and Employee Development, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, USDA, Room 350-E, Jamie L. Whitten Building, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 205-0495, Fax: (202) 
401-1760, E-mail: daniel.engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov.
Rebecca Buckner, PhD, Consumer Safety Officer, Center for Food Safety 
and Applied Nutrition, FDA, Room 3B-0033, Harvey Wiley Building, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 10740, Phone: (301) 436-1486, 
Fax: (301) 436-2632, E-mail: rebecca.buckner@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Nutrition and Food for Special Dietary Uses (Host 
Government--Germany)

U.S. Delegate
Barbara O. Schneeman, PhD, Director, Office of Nutritional Products, 
Labeling and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, FDA, 5100 Paint Branch Highway (HFS-800), College Park, MD 
20740, Phone: (301) 436-2373, Fax: (301) 436-2636, E-mail: 
barbara.schneeman@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Allison Yates, PhD, Director, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research 
Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
10300 Baltimore Avenue, Bldg 307C, Room 117, Beltsville, MD 20705, 
Phone: (301) 504-8157, Fax: (301) 504-9381, E-mail: 
Allison.Yates@ars.usda.gov.

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits 
and Vegetables (Host Government--Mexico)

U.S. Delegate
Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetables Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 2086, 
South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: (202) 690-4944, Fax: (202) 720-4722, E-mail: 
dorian.lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Michelle Smith, PhD, Interdisciplinary Scientist, Office of Plant and 
Dairy Foods, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and 
Drug Administration (HFS-306), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (301) 436-
2024, Fax: (301) 436-2651, E-mail: Michelle.Smith@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (Host Government--Norway)

U.S. Delegate
Donald Kraemer, Acting Director, Office of Seafood, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Harvey W. 
Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 
20740-3835, Phone: (301) 436-2300, Fax: (301) 436-2599, E-mail: 
donald.kraemer@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Timothy Hansen, Director, Seafood Inspection Program, National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, Room 10837, 
1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: (301) 713-2355, 
Fax: (301) 713-1081 E-mail: Timothy.Hansen@noaa.gov.

Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Host Government--United 
States)

U.S. Delegate
Henry Kim, PhD, Supervisory Chemist, Division of Plant Product Safety,

[[Page 30752]]

Office of Plant and Dairy Foods, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, FDA, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: (301) 436-2023, Fax: (301) 436-2651, E-mail: 
henry.kim@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (Host Government--New 
Zealand)

U.S. Delegate
Duane Spomer, Food Defense Advisor, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2750, South Building, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-1861, 
Fax: (202) 205-5772, E-mail: duane.spomer@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
John F. Sheehan, Director, Division of Dairy and Egg Safety, Office of 
Plant and Dairy Foods and Beverages, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, FDA (HFS-306), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (301) 436-1488, Fax: 
(301) 436-2632, E-mail: john.sheehan@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (Host Government--United Kingdom)

U.S. Delegate
Dennis M. Keefe, PhD, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA (HFS-200), Harvey W. Wiley Federal 
Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, 
Phone: (301) 436-1284, Fax: (301) 436-2972, E-mail: 
dennis.keefe@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Kathleen Warner, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 N. 
University Street, Peoria, IL 61604, Phone: (309) 681-6584, Fax: (309) 
681-6668, E-mail: warnerk@ncaur.usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate (Host Government--
Switzerland)

U.S. Delegate
Michelle Smith, PhD, Food Technologist, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods 
and Beverages, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FDA (HFS-
306), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, 
College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (301) 436-2024, Fax: (301) 436-
2651, E-mail: michelle.smith@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Sugars (Host Government--United Kingdom)

U.S. Delegate
Martin Stutsman, J.D., Office of Plant a