International Standard-Setting Activities, 26188-26198 [E9-12647]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 103 (Monday, June 1, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26188-26198]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-12647]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[FDMS Docket No. FSIS-2009-0005]


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, 2008, to May 31, 
2009, and June 1, 2009, to May 31, 2010, seeks comments on standards 
under consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by either 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 online instructions at that site for 
submitting comments.
     Mail, including floppy disks or CD-ROMs, and hand- or 
courier-delivered items: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Room 2534, South Agriculture Building, Washington, DC 
20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must 
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2009-0005. 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.
    Docket: For access to comments received, go to the FSIS Docket Room 
at the address listed above between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday.
    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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Stuck, 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; Phone: (202) 205-
7760; Fax: (202) 720-3157.
    USCodex@fsis.usda.gov. 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

[[Page 26189]]

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 
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, 2008, to May 31, 2009, and June 1, 2009, to May 
31, 2010. Attachment 2 provides the list of U.S. Codex Officials 
(includes U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of 
forthcoming Codex sessions 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 
minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are aware of this 
notice, FSIS will announce it online through the FSIS Web page located 
at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/2009_Notices_Index/. FSIS 
will also 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, and other types of information 
that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and 
stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free 
electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, 
consumer interest groups, health professionals, and other individuals 
who have asked to be included. The Update is also available on the FSIS 
Web page. Through the Listserv and Web page, FSIS is able to provide 
information to a much broader and 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

[[Page 26190]]

and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and 
have the option to password protect their accounts.

    Done at Washington, DC on May 27, 2009.
Karen Stuck,
United States Manager for Codex.

Attachment 1: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex

Codex Alimentarius Commission and Executive Committee

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission will hold its Thirty-Second 
Session June 29-July 4, 2009, in Rome, Italy. At that time, it will 
consider 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, the 
management of the Trust Fund for the Participation of Developing 
Countries and Countries in Transition in the Work of the Codex 
Alimentarius, as well as budgetary and strategic planning issues. At 
this Session, the Commission will elect a Chairperson and three Vice 
Chairpersons.
    Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will have 
met at its Sixty-second Session on June 23-26, 2009. 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 2008-2013; 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.
    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 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 a 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 Limit for Residues of Veterinary Drugs (MRLVD) is 
the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of a 
veterinary drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis) 
that is recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be 
permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on a food. An MRLVD is 
based on the type and amount of residue considered to be without any 
toxicological hazard for human health as expressed by the Acceptable 
Daily Intake (ADI) or on the basis of a temporary ADI that utilizes an 
additional safety factor. The MRLVD also takes into account other 
relative 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 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.
    An Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is 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 18th Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary 
Drugs in Foods met in Natal, Brazil, on May 11-15, 2009. The reference 
document is ALINORM 9/32/31. The following items will be considered by 
the Commission at its 32nd Session in July 2009.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft MRL for Melengestrol Acetate in cattle.
     Guidelines for the Design and Implementation of National 
Regulatory Food Safety Assurance Programs Associated with the Use of 
Veterinary Drugs in Food Producing Animals.
     Draft MRLs for Ractopamine in pigs and cattle.
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Draft MRLs for Avilamycin in pigs, chicken, turkey, and 
rabbits.
     Draft MRLs for Dexamethasone in cattle, pigs, and horses.
     Draft MRLs for Monensin in cattle, sheep, goats, chicken, 
turkey, and quail.
     Draft MRLs for Narasin in chicken.
     Draft MRLs for Triclabendazole in cattle and sheep.
     Draft MRLs for Tylosin in cattle, pigs, and chicken.
    At the 18th CCRVDF, the Committee completed a Priority List of 
Veterinary Drugs Requiring Evaluation or Re-evaluation by JECFA. These 
drugs are Monepantel (establishment of ADI and recommended MRLs in 
sheep), Monensin (re-evaluation of MRL in cattle), Derquantel 
(establishment of ADI and recommended MRLs in sheep), and Ractopamine 
(review of depletion data in pig tissues).
    The Committee will continue work on the following:
     Draft MRLs for Narasin in cattle and pigs.
     Draft MRLs for Tilmicosin in chicken and turkey.
     A project document on risk management recommendations for 
veterinary drugs for which no ADI or MRL has been recommended by JECFA. 
The United States will lead an electronic Working Group to define the 
scope for the work.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CVM; 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, and, where necessary, revises 
existing guidelines 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 held its Third Session in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 
from March 23-27, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/41. The 
following items are to be considered by the 32nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2009.
    To be considered for adoption at step 8:
     Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Acrylamide in 
Foods.
     Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Contamination 
of Food

[[Page 26191]]

with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) from Smoking and Direct 
Drying Processes.
     Proposed Draft Revision to the Preamble of the GSCTF.
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Ochratoxin A Contamination in Coffee.
    The Committee is continuing to work on:
     Amendments to Paragraph 10, Sample Preparation in the 
Sampling Plans for Aflatoxin Contamination in Ready-to-Eat Treenuts and 
Treenuts Destined for Further Processing: Almonds, Hazelnuts and 
Pistachos.
     Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Total Aflatoxins in 
Brazil Nuts.
     Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Fumonisins in Maize and 
Maize-Products and Associated Sampling Plans (new work).
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Ethyl 
Carbamate in Stone Fruit Distillates (new work).
     Proposed Draft Revision of the Code of Practice for the 
Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin in Tree Nuts (additional measures 
for Brazil Nuts).
     Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Melamine in Food and 
Feed (new work).
     Priority List of Contaminants and Naturally Occurring 
Toxicants Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA.
     Discussion Paper on Mycotoxins in Sorghum.
    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 acceptable maximum levels for individual food 
additives, prepare a priority list of food additives for risk 
assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, 
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 consider and elaborate standards or codes for 
related subjects such as the labeling of food additives when sold as 
such. The Committee met in Shanghai, China, on March 16-20, 2009. The 
relevant document is ALINORM 9/32/12. The following items will be 
considered by the 32nd Session of the Commission in July 2009.
    To be considered for adoption:
     Amendment to the Annex to Table 3 of the GFSA.
     Amendments to the names and descriptors of the Food 
Category System of the GSFA.
     Priority List of Food Additives Proposed for Evaluation by 
JECFA.
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Draft and proposed draft Food Additive Provisions of the 
General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
     Proposed draft amendments to the International Numbering 
System (INS) for Food Additives.
     Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food 
Additives arising from the 69th JECFA meeting.
    The Committee will continue to work on (step 1/2/3):
     Proposed draft Guidelines and Principles for the Use of 
Substances Used as Processing Aids (N04-2008).
     Amendments to the INS List.
     Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food 
Additives arising from the 71st JECFA meeting.
     Food Additive provisions to be considered by the physical 
Working Group on the GSFA.
     Discussion Paper on identification of problems and 
recommendations related to the inconsistent presentation of food 
additive provisions in Codex commodity standards.
     Discussion Paper on the updating of the Standard for Food 
Grade Salt (CODEX STAN 150-1985).
     Discussion paper on innovative proposals to expedite the 
work on the GSFA.
     Discussion paper on principles regarding the need for 
justification for proposals of changes to the INS.
     Inventory of Substances used as Processing Aids (IPA), 
(updated list).
     Discussion Paper on mechanisms for re-evaluation of 
substances by JECFA.
     Proposal for the revision of the food category system.
     Working Document for Information and Support to the 
Discussion on the GSFA.
    Discontinued work:
     Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the 
General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
    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 Acceptable Daily Intake 
(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).
    The 41st Session of the Committee met in Beijing, China, on April 
20-25, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/24. The following 
items will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session in July 
2009.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft and Revised Draft Maximum Residue Limits for 
Carbaryl (on 1 commodity), Triadimefon (on 4 commodities), Flusilazole 
(4 commodities), and Triadimefon (4).
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft and Revised Draft Maximum Residue Limits 
for Dimethoate (3 commodities), Diphenylamine (2), Ethoxyquin (1), 
Malathion (2), Methomyl (6), Cypermethrin (37), Profenofos (10), 
Buprofezin (8), Tebuconazole (9), Chloropropham (2), Imidacloprid (20), 
Azoxystrobin (52), Chloroantraniliprole (19), Mandipropamid (15), 
Prothioconazole (16), Spinetoram (21), and Spirotetramate (21) (see 
ALINORM 09/32/24, appendices II & III for lists of the commodities).
    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 defines the 
criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis and Sampling; serves 
as a coordinating body for Codex with other international groups 
working in methods of analysis and sampling and quality assurance 
systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of final 
recommendations submitted to it by the other bodies referred to above, 
Reference Methods of Analysis and Sampling appropriate to Codex 
Standards which are generally

[[Page 26192]]

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 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; 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 30th Session of the Committee met in Balatonalmadi, Hungary, on 
March 9-13, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/23. The 
following items will be considered for adoption by the 32nd Session of 
the Commission in July 2009:
     Draft Guidelines for Settling Disputes on Analytical 
(Test) Results (at step 8).
     Draft Guidelines on Analytical Terminology (at step 8).
     Consequential Amendment to the General Criteria for the 
Selection of Methods of Analysis (terminology).
     Endorsed or updated status of several methods of analysis 
in Codex standards.
     Amendment to the Working Instructions for the 
Implementation of the Criteria Approach in Codex in the Procedural 
Manual.
    The Committee will continue to work on:
     Endorsement of Methods of Analysis in Codex Standards.
     Proposed Draft Guidelines on Criteria for Methods for the 
Detection and Identification of Foods Derived from Biotechnology 
(returned to step 2/3).
     Proposed Draft Revision of the Guidelines on Measurement 
Uncertainty (returned to step 2/3).
     Guidance on Uncertainty from Sampling.
     Methods of Analysis for Natural Mineral Waters.
    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 Systems is charged with 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. Additionally, the Committee develops 
principles and guidelines for the application of measures by the 
competent authorities of exporting and importing countries to provide 
assurances, where necessary, that foodstuffs comply with requirements, 
especially statutory health requirements; develops guidelines for the 
utilization, as and when appropriate, of quality assurance systems to 
ensure that foodstuffs conform with requirements and promotes the 
recognition of these systems in facilitating trade in food products 
under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by countries; develops 
guidelines and criteria with respect to format, declarations, and 
language of such official certificates as countries may require with a 
view towards international harmonization; makes recommendations for 
information exchange in relation to food import/export control; 
consults as necessary with other international groups working on 
matters related to food inspection and certification systems; and 
considers other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation to 
food inspection and certification systems.
    The 17th Session of the Committee met in Cebu, Philippines, on 
November 24-28, 2008. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/30. The 
following will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session in 
July 2009.
    To be considered at step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Generic Model Official Certificate (Annex 
to Guidelines for Design, Production, Issuance and Use of Generic 
Official Certificate).
    The committee is continuing work on:
     Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct 
of Foreign On-site Audits and Inspections.
     Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for National Food 
Control Systems.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on General Principles

    The Codex Committee on General Principles deals with procedures and 
general matters as are referred to it by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission. Such matters have included the establishment of the General 
Principles, which define the purpose and scope of the Codex 
Alimentarius, the nature of Codex standards, and the development of a 
mechanism for examining any economic impact statements submitted by 
governments concerning possible implications for their economies of 
some of the individual standards or some of the provisions thereof, and 
the establishment of a Code of Ethics for International Trade in Food.
    The Committee held its 25th Session in Paris, France, on March 30-
April 3, 2009. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/33. The 
following will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session in 
July 2009:
     Proposed amendment to the Guidelines to Chairpersons of 
Codex Committees and Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces.
     Proposed Amendment to the Terms of Reference of the 
Committee on General Principles.
     Proposed inclusion of an information footnote to the 
fourth paragraph of the Statements of Principle Concerning the Role of 
Science in the Codex Decision-Making Process and the Extent to Which 
Other Factors are Taken into Account indicating that the acceptance 
procedure had been abolished in 2005.
    To be considered at step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Code of Ethics for International Trade in 
Food Including Concessional and Food Aid Transactions.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS, HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Labelling

    The Codex Committee on Food Labelling drafts provisions on 
labelling applicable to all foods; considers, amends, and endorses 
draft specific provisions on labelling prepared by the Codex Committees 
drafting standards, codes of practice and 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 held its 37th Session in Calgary, Canada, on May 4-8, 
2009. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/22. The following items 
are to be considered by the 32nd Session of the Commission in July 
2009.
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Guidelines for the 
Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced 
Food (CAC/GL 32-1999), Annex 2, Table 2, modifying the use provisions 
for Rotenone.

[[Page 26193]]

     Editorial Amendments to Several Standards, specifically: 
(a) Section 4.3.1 of the General Standard for the Labelling of and 
Claims for Prepackaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses (Codex Standard 
146-1985); (b) Section 3.4 (a) of the General Guidelines on Claims 
(CAC/GL 1-1979); (c) Purpose, Section 2.3, Section 3.2.6.2, Section 
3.2.7, Footnote 4, Footnote 5, and Section 5 of the Guidelines on 
Nutritional Labelling (CAC/GL 2-1985); and (d) Section 8 of the 
Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of 
Organically Produced Food (CAC/GL 32-1999).
    The Committee will continue to work on:
     Proposed Draft Revision of the Guidelines on Nutrition 
Labelling (CAC/GL 2-1985) concerning the list of nutrients that are 
always declared on a voluntary or mandatory basis (at Step 3 of the 
Procedure).
     Proposed Draft Recommended Principles and Criteria for the 
Legibility of Nutritional Labelling (at Step 3 of the Procedure).
     Proposed Draft recommendations for the labelling of foods 
obtained through certain techniques of genetic modification/genetic 
engineering (at Step 3 of the Procedure).
     Draft Amendment to the General Standard for the Labelling 
of Prepackaged Foods (Codex Standard 1-1985): Definitions for ``Food 
and food ingredients obtained through certain techniques of genetic 
modification/genetic engineering,'' ``Organism,'' ``Genetically 
modified/engineered organism,'' and ``Modern biotechnology'' (at Step 7 
of the Procedure).
     Draft Amendment to the Guidelines for the Production, 
Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Food (CAC/
GL 32-1999), Section 5.1 relating to other uses of ethylene.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene drafts basic provisions on food 
hygiene application to all food; considers, amends if necessary and 
endorses provision on hygiene prepared by Codex commodity committees 
and contained in Codex commodity standards; considers, amends if 
necessary, and endorses provisions on hygiene prepared by Codex 
commodity committees and contained in Codex codes of practice unless, 
in specific cases, the Commission has decided otherwise; drafts 
provisions on hygiene applicable to specific food items or food groups, 
whether coming within the terms of reference of a Codex commodity 
committee or not; considers specific 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, 
including food irradiation, and in relation to the risk assessment of 
FAO and WHO.
    The 40th Session of the Committee met in Guatemala City, Guatemala, 
on December 1-5, 2008. The relevant document is ALNORM 09/32/13. The 
following items related to the activities of the Codex Committee on 
Food Hygiene will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session 
in July 2009.
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Microbiological Criteria for Listeria 
Monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods.
     Microbiological Criteria for Powdered Follow-up Formulae 
and Formulae for Special Medical Purposes for Young Children (Annex II 
to the Code of Hygiene Practice for Powdered Formulae for Infants and 
Young Children.
    The committee is continuing work on:
     Proposed Draft Guideline for the Control of Campylobacter 
and Salmonella spp. in Chicken Meat.
     Proposed Draft Annex on Leafy Green Vegetables Including 
Leafy Herbs to the Code of Hygiene Practice for Fresh Fruit and 
Vegetables.
     Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Vibrio spp. 
in Seafood.
     Annex on Control Measures for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and 
Vibrio vulnificus in Molluscan Shelfish to the Proposed Draft Code of 
Hygienic Practice for Vibrio spp. in Seafood.
     Risk Analysis Policy of the CCFH.
     Possible Revision of the Recommended International Code of 
Hygienic Practice for Collecting, Processing and Marketing of Natural 
Mineral Waters.
     Possible Elaboration of the Code of Hygienic Practice for 
Cocoa and Chocolate Production and Processing.
    New Work:
     Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Control of 
Viruses in Food.
    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 has not met since the conclusion 
of the 31st Session of the Commission. Therefore, it has no recommended 
draft standards being considered for adoption at the 32nd Session of 
the Commission in June 2009. The next session of the Committee will be 
in October 2009 in Mexico City.
    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 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 held its 30th Session in Cape Town, South Africa, on 
November 3-7, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/26. The 
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd 
Session in July 2009.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Guidelines for Use of Nutrition and Health Claims: Table 
of Conditions for Nutrient Contents (Part b: Provisions on Dietary 
Fibre).
     Advisory Lists of Nutrient Compounds for Use in Foods for 
Special Dietary Uses Intended for Infants and Young Children: Section D 
Advisory List of Food Additives for Special Nutrient Forms: Provisions 
on Gum Arabic (Gum acacia).
     Draft Nutritional Risk Analysis Principles and Guidelines 
for Application to the Work of the Committee on Nutrition and Foods for 
Special Dietary Uses.
     Proposed Draft Recommendations on the Scientific 
Substantiation of Health Claims.
    The Committee will continue work on:
     Methods of Analysis for Dietary Fibre.
     Proposed Draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference 
Values (NRVs) for Vitamins and Minerals.
     Proposal for New Work to Amend the Codex General 
Principles for the

[[Page 26194]]

Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods.
     Proposal for New Work to Establish a Standard for 
Processed Cereal-based Foods for Underweight Infants and Young 
Children.
     Proposal to Revise the Codex Guidelines on Formulated 
Supplementary Foods for Older Infants and Young Children.
     Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) for Nutrients Associated 
with Risk of Non-Communicable Disease.
    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 mollusks. The Committee has not met since the 
conclusion of the 31st Session of the Commission. Therefore, it has no 
recommended draft standards being considered for adoption at the 32nd 
Session of the Commission in June 2009. The next session of the 
Committee will be in September 2009 in Agadir, Morocco.
    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 has not met since the 31st Session of the 
Commission. Therefore, it has no recommended draft standards being 
considered for adoption at the 32nd Session of the Commission. The 
Committee will hold its next session in 2010 in New Zealand. The 
Committee will continue work on:
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Codex Standard for 
Fermented Milks pertaining to Fermented Milk Drinks at Step 6.
     Proposed Draft Standard for Processed Cheese--discussion 
on working group outcome and discontinuation of current processed 
cheese standards.
     Maximum Levels for Annatto Extracts in Codex individual 
cheese standards.
     Methods of Analysis and Sampling for Milk and Milk 
Products Standards, including AOAC standards.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils

    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils is responsible for elaborating 
standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, and marine origin. 
The Committee held its 21st Session in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on 
February 16-20, 2009. The Committee is working on:
     Proposed Draft List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes.
     Proposed Draft Criteria (Code of Practice for the Storage 
and Transport of Fats and Oils in Bulk).
     Proposed Draft Amendments to the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: total carotenoids in unbleached palm oil.
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Olive Oils 
and Olive Pomace Oils: linolenic acid.
     Proposed Draft Amendments to the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: inclusion of palm kernel olein and palm kernel stearin.
    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 worldwide standards for all types of 
processed fruits and vegetables including dried products, canned dried 
peas and beans, and jams and jellies, but not dried prunes, and fruit 
and vegetable juices. The Commission has also allocated to this 
Committee the work of revising standards for quick frozen fruits and 
vegetables.
    The Committee held its 24th Session in Washington, DC, on September 
15-20, 2008. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/27. The following 
will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session in July 2009.
    To be considered at step 8:
     Draft Codex for Jams, Jellies and Marmalades.
     Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Certain Canned 
Vegetables (General Provisions).
    To be considered at step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Provisions for Packing Media for Certain 
Canned Vegetables: Section 3.1.3 (Draft Codex Standard for Certain 
Canned Vegetables).
     Proposed Draft Annexes specific to Certain Canned 
Vegetables (Draft Codex Standard for Certain Canned Vegetables).
    The Committee is continuing work on:
     Proposed Draft Sampling Plans including Metrological 
Provisions for Controlling Minimum Drained Weight of Canned Fruits and 
Vegetables in Packing Media.
     Methods of Analysis for Processed Fruits and Vegetables--
Aqueous Coconut Products: Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk.
     Food Additive Provisions for Processed Fruits and 
Vegetables.
     Proposals for Amendments to the Priority List for 
Standardization of Processed Fruits and Vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters

    The Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters is responsible for 
elaborating standards for all types of natural mineral water products. 
The Committee was reactivated by the 30th Session of the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission to address discrepancies of the health-related 
limits of certain substances between the Codex Standard for Natural 
Mineral Waters (CODEX STAN 108-1981) and the current version of the WHO 
Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. The Committee should complete 
the task in no more than two sessions and should propose a revised 
Section 3.2, ``Health-related limits for certain substances,'' of the 
Codex Standard for Natural Mineral Waters for final adoption by the 
Commission at its Session in 2009.
    The 8th Session of the Committee for Natural Mineral Waters was 
held February 11-15, 2008, in Lugano, Switzerland. The Committee noted 
that it had completed the work assigned to it by the 30th Session of 
the Commission, therefore, no further sessions are planned.
    Responsible Agencies: 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.

Sugars

    Responsible Agencies: USDA/ARS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Vegetable Proteins

    Responsible Agencies: USDA/ARS; HHS/FDA.

[[Page 26195]]

    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, has a time frame 
of four sessions, which started with its first meeting in October 2007. 
Its objective is to develop science-based guidance to be used to assess 
the risks to human health associated with the presence in food and 
feed, including aquaculture, and the transmission through food and feed 
of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance 
genes and to develop appropriate risk management advice based on that 
assessment to reduce such risk. In this process, work undertaken in 
this field at national, regional, and international levels should be 
taken into account.
    The Second Session of the Committee met in Seoul, Republic of 
Korea, on October 20-24, 2008. The relevant document is Alinorm 09/32/
42.
    The Committee is continuing work on:
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for Risk Analysis of Foodborne 
Antimicrobial Resistance (N01-2008, N02-2008, N03/2008).
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology

    The ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from 
Biotechnology completed its work and was dissolved in July 2008 by the 
31st Session of the Commission.

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 completed its work and was dissolved in 
July 2008 by the 31st Session of the Commission.

FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees

    The FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees define the problems 
and needs of each 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's work of particular significance to 
each 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 each of the regions and such other functions as may be entrusted to 
them by the Commission; and promote the use of Codex standards and 
related texts by members.

Coordinating Committee for Africa

    The Committee (CCAfrica) held its 18th session in Accra, Ghana, 
from February 24-27, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/18. 
The Committee did not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd 
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Asia

    The Committee (CCAsia) held its 16th session in Denpasar, 
Indonesia, from November 17-21, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 
09/32/15. The Committee referred the following items for action at the 
32nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 
2009.
    To be considered at step 8:
     Draft Regional Standard for Gochujang.
     Draft Regional Standard for Ginseng Products.
     Proposed Draft Regional Standard for Fermented Soybean 
Paste.
     Proposed Draft Regional Standard for Edible Sago Flour.
    The Committee is continuing to work on:
     Proposed Draft Standard for Non-fermented Soybean 
Products.
     Proposed Draft Regional Standard for Chili Sauce.
     Status of Implementation of the Strategic Plan for the 
Coordinating Committee for Asia 2009-2014.
     Discussion Paper on tempe and tempe products.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Europe

    The Committee (CCEurope) held its 26th session in Warsaw, Poland, 
from October 7-10, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/19. The 
Committee did not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd 
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: No.

Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean

    The Committee (CCLAC) held its 16th session in Acapulco, Mexico, 
from November 10-14, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/36. 
The Committee did not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd 
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009.
    The Committee is continuing to work on:
     Draft proposed regional standards for:
     Culantro.
     Lucuma.
     Project Document on the Standardization of Quinoa.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for the Near East

    The Committee (CCNEA) held its 5th session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 
January 26-29, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/40. The 
Committee did not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd 
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009. 
The Committee is continuing to work on:
     Proposed Draft Regional Code of Practice for Street-Vended 
Foods.
     Project Document for a Regional Standard for Pomegranate.
     Project Document for a Regional Standard for Harissa (hot 
pepper paste).
     Project Document for a Regional Standard for Halwa 
Tehenia.
     Discussion Paper on the Difficulties Faced in the Region 
when Implementing Codex Standards.
     Project Document for a Regional Standard for Camel Milk.
     Project Documents for Regional Standards for Date Paste 
and Date Molasses.
     Discussion Paper on the Classification of Foods Based on 
Risks.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

[[Page 26196]]

Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific

    The Committee held its 10th session in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, from 
October 28-31, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/32. The 
Committee will not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd 
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009. 
The Committee continues to work on:
     Implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan and Adoption of 
the Regional Strategic Plan.
     Discussion Paper on Kava.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Attachment 2

U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials; Codex Chairpersons

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, PhD, Scientific Advisor for 
Laboratory Services and Research, 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.
    E-mail: emilio.esteban@fsis.usda.gov.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    Mr. Terry Bane, Branch Chief, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and 
Vegetable Programs, Agriculture Marketing Service, Room 0709, South 
Agriculture 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. Bernadette Dunham, Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, 
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug 
Administration, 7519 Standish Place (MPN4), Rockville, MD 20855.
    Phone: (240) 276-9000.
    Fax: (240) 276-9001.
    E-mail: Bernadette.dunham@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Adjourned Sine Die)

    VACANT.

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
    Dr. Charles Pixley, Director, Laboratory Quality Assurance 
Division, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605.
    Phone: (706) 546-3559.
    Fax: (706) 546-3452.
    E-mail: charles.pixley@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, Food and Drug Administration (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 Avenue, 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) 305-5447.
    Fax: (703) 305-6920.
    E-mail: rossi.lois@epa.gov.
Alternate Delegate
    Robert Epstein, PhD, Associate Deputy Administrator, Science and 
Technology, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 3522S, Mail Stop 0222, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20090.
    Phone: (202) 720-5231.
    Fax: (202) 720-6496.
    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), Food and Drug Administration (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.

[[Page 26197]]

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

U.S. Delegate
    Mary Stanley, International Policy Issues Advisor, Office of Policy 
and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 4544, South Agriculture Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250.
    Phone: (202) 720-0287.
    Fax: (202) 720-4929.
    E-mail: Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
    H. Michael Wehr, Senior Advisor and Codex Program Coordinator, 
International Affairs Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway (HFF-550), College Park, MD 20740.
    Phone: (301) 436-1724.
    Fax: (301) 436-2618.
    E-mail: Michael.wehr@fda.hhs.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, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 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
    Heejeong Latimer, Risk Analyst, Risk Assessment Division, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Room 333, Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20250.
    Phone: (202) 690-0823.
    Fax: (202) 205-3625.
    E-mail: Heejeong.Latimer@fsis.usda.gov.

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

U.S. Delegate
    Donald Zink, Senior Science Advisor, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-302), Harvey W. 
Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 
20740-3835.
    Phone: (301) 436-1692.
    Fax: (301) 436-2632.
    E-mail: Donald.Zink@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegates
    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 Avenue, SW., Room 
380, Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20250.
    Phone: (202) 690-6451.
    Fax: (202) 690-6337.
    E-mail: Kerry.Dearfield@fsis.usda.gov. 
    Rebecca Buckner, PhD, Consumer Safety Officer, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Room 3B-
0033, Harvey Wiley Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, 
MD 20740.
    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, Food and Drug Administration, 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 (Adjourned--Sine Die) 
(Host Government--United States)

U.S. Delegate
    Henry Kim, PhD, Supervisory Chemist, Division of Plant Product 
Safety, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Adminstration, 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 1114, South Agriculture Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250.
    Phone: (202) 720-1861.
    Fax: (202) 205-5772.

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    E-mail: duane.spomer@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
    John F.