International Standard-Setting Activities, 37505-37515 [2013-14862]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 120 (Friday, June 21, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37505-37515]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-14862]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2013-0002]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Office of Food Safety, 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, 2012, to May 31, 
2013, and June 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014, seeks comments on standards 
under consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit comments on this 
notice. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the 
ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this 
Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at that site for 
submitting comments.
     Mail, including CD-ROMs, etc.: Send to U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, OPPD, RIMS, Docket Clearance Unit, Patriots 
Plaza 3, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, Room 8-163B, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700.
     Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to Patriots 
Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-163B, Washington, DC 20024-3221.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must 
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2013-0002. 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 background documents or comments received, go 
to the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-
164, Washington, DC 20024-3221 between 8:00 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: Mary Frances Lowe, United States 
Manager for Codex, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Food 
Safety, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700; Telephone: (202) 205-7760; Fax: (202) 
720-3157; Email: 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 Attachment 2 of this notice.) 
Documents pertaining to Codex and specific committee agendas are 
accessible via the World Wide Web at https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/. 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 the 
SPS standard-setting activities of each international standard-setting 
organization. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the Office 
of Food Safety the responsibility to inform the public of the SPS 
standard-setting activities of Codex. The Office of Food Safety has, in 
turn, assigned the responsibility for informing the public of the SPS 
standard-setting activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office.
    Codex was created in 1963 by two United Nations organizations, the 
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health 
Organization (WHO). Codex is the principal international organization 
for establishing standards for food. Through adoption of food 
standards, codes of practice, and other guidelines developed by its 
committees and by promoting their adoption and implementation by 
governments, Codex seeks to protect the health of consumers, ensure 
fair practices in the food trade, and promote coordination of food 
standards work undertaken by international governmental and 
nongovernmental organizations. In the United States, U.S. Codex 
activities are managed and carried out by the United States Department 
of Agriculture (USDA); the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC); and 
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
    As the agency responsible for informing the public of the SPS 
standard-setting activities of Codex, the Office of Food Safety 
publishes this notice in the Federal Register annually. Attachment 1 
(Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex) sets forth the 
following information:
    1. The SPS standards under consideration or planned for 
consideration; and
    2. For each SPS standard specified:
    a. A description of the consideration or planned consideration of 
the standard;
    b. Whether the United States is participating or plans to 
participate in the consideration of the standard;
    c. The agenda for United States participation, if any; and
    d. The agency responsible for representing the United States with 
respect to the standard.
    To Obtain Copies of the Standards Listed In Attachment 1, Please 
Contact

[[Page 37506]]

the Codex Delegate or the U.S. Codex Office.
    This notice also solicits public comment on standards that are 
currently under consideration or planned for consideration and 
recommendations for new standards. The delegate, in conjunction with 
the responsible agency, will take the comments received into account in 
participating in the consideration of the standards and in proposing 
matters to be considered by Codex.
    The 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. If you would like to access or 
receive information about specific committees, please visit the Web 
page or notify the appropriate U.S. delegate or the U.S. Codex Office, 
Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-3700 (uscodex@fsis.usda.gov).
    The information provided in Attachment 1 describes the status of 
Codex standard-setting activities by the Codex Committees for the time 
periods from June 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and June 1, 2013, to May 
31, 2014. Attachment 2 provides a list of U.S. Codex Officials 
(including U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of 
forthcoming Codex sessions may be found at: https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/.

Additional Public Notification

    FSIS will announce this notice online through the FSIS Web page 
located at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Federal_Register_Notices/index.asp.
    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. In addition, FSIS offers an electronic 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_&_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 accounts.

    Done at Washington, DC, on June 17, 2013.
Mary Frances Lowe,
U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius.

Attachment 1

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex

Codex Alimentarius Commission and Executive Committee

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission will hold its Thirty Sixth 
Session July 1-5, 2013, in Rome, Italy. At that time, it will consider 
standards, codes of practice, and related matters forwarded to the 
Commission by the general subject committees, commodity committees, and 
ad hoc Task Forces for adoption as Codex standards and guidance. The 
Commission will also consider the implementation status of the Codex 
Strategic Plan, 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 financial and budgetary issues.
    Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet 
at its Sixty-eighth Session on June 25-28, 2013. It is composed of the 
chairperson; vice-chairpersons; seven members elected from the 
Commission from each of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, 
Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, and 
South-West Pacific; and regional coordinators from the six regional 
committees. The United States is the elected representative from North 
America. The Executive Committee will conduct a critical review of the 
elaboration of Codex standards; consider applications from 
international non-governmental organizations for observer status in 
Codex; consider the Codex Strategic Plan and the capacity of the 
Secretariat; review matters arising from reports of Codex Committees 
and proposals for new work; and review the Food and Agriculture 
Organization and the World Health Organisation (FAO/WHO) Trust Fund for 
Enhanced Participation in Codex.
    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 
(CCRVDF) determines priorities for the consideration of residues of 
veterinary drugs in foods and recommends Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) 
for veterinary drugs. The Committee also develops codes of practice, as 
may be required, and considers methods of sampling and analysis for the 
determination of veterinary drug residues in food. A veterinary drug is 
defined as any substance applied or administered to any food producing 
animal, such as meat or milk producing animals, poultry, fish or bees, 
whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic purposes, or 
for modification of physiological functions or behavior.
    A Codex Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for Residues of Veterinary 
Drugs is the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of 
a veterinary drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis) 
that is recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be 
permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on a food. Residues of a 
veterinary drug include the parent compounds or their metabolites in 
any edible portion of the animal product, and include residues of 
associated impurities of the veterinary drug concerned. An MRL is based 
on the type and amount of residue considered to be without any 
toxicological hazard for human health as expressed by the Acceptable 
Daily Intake (ADI) or on the basis of a temporary ADI that utilizes an 
additional safety factor. The MRL also takes into account other 
relative public health risks as well as food technological aspects.
    When establishing an MRL, consideration is also given to residues 
that occur in food of plant origin or the environment. Furthermore, the 
MRL may be reduced to be consistent with official recommended or 
authorized usage, approved by national authorities,

[[Page 37507]]

of the veterinary drugs under practical conditions.
    An Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is an estimate made by the Joint 
FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the amount of a 
veterinary drug, expressed on a body weight basis, which can be 
ingested daily in food over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
    The Committee will hold its 21st Session in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 
on August 26-30, 2013. The Committee will work on the following items:

 Matters referred by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and 
other Codex Committees and Task Forces
 Matters arising from FAO/WHO and from the Joint FAO/WHO Expert 
Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
 Report of the OIE activities, including the harmonization of 
technical requirements for registration of veterinary medicinal 
products
 Draft MRLs for Veterinary Drugs (at Step 6)
 Proposed draft MRLs for Veterinary Drugs (at Step 4)
 Risk Management Recommendations for Residues of Veterinary 
Drugs for which no ADI or MRL has been Recommended by JECFA due to 
Specific Human Health Concerns
 Proposed draft Guidelines on Performance

Characteristics for Multi-Residue Methods

 Risk Analysis Policy on Extrapolation of MRLs of Veterinary 
Drugs to Additional Species and Tissues
 Proposed ``concern form'' for the CCRVDF (format and policy 
procedure for its use)
 Draft Priority List of Veterinary Drugs Requiring Evaluation 
or Re-evaluation by JECFA
 Database on countries needs for MRLs
 Discussion paper on Guidelines on the Establishment of MRLs or 
Other Limits in Honey

    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 (ML) 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 Seventh Session in Moscow, Russian 
Federation, from April 8-12, 2013. The relevant document is REP13/CF. 
The following items are to be considered for adoption by the 36th 
Session of the Commission in July 2013:

     Maximum Levels for Hydrocyanic Acid for Cassava Flour and 
Gari (transfer from commodity standards to the General Standard for 
Contaminants & Toxins in Food and Feed) and consequential amendments to 
the Standards for Edible Cassava Flour, Gari and Sweet Cassava

    To be considered at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Maximum Levels for Lead in Fruit Juices and 
Nectars, Ready to Drink; Canned Fruits and Canned Vegetables
 Proposed draft Maximum Levels for Deoxynivalenol (DON) in 
Cereal-Based Foods for Infants and Young Children
 Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Ochratoxin A Contamination in Cocoa
 Proposed draft Code of Practice to Reduce the Presence of 
Hydrocyanic Acid in Cassava and Cassava Products

    To be considered at Step 5:

 Proposed draft Maximum Levels for DON in Raw Cereal Grains 
(Wheat, Maize and Barley), including Sampling Plans, and in Flour, 
Semolina, Meal and Flakes Derived from Wheat, Maize or Barley

    The Committee will continue working on:
 Proposed draft Annex for the Prevention and Reduction of 
Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A Contamination in Sorghum (Code of Practice 
for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals)
 Proposed draft Code of Practice for Weed Control to Prevent 
and Reduce Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Contamination in Food and Feed
 Proposed draft Maximum Levels for Arsenic in Rice and Rice 
Products
 Proposed draft Maximum Levels for Fumonisins in Maize and 
Maize Products and Associated Sampling Plans
 Proposed draft revision of the Maximum Levels for Lead in 
Fruits, Milk Products, and Infant Formula, Follow-up Formula and 
Formula for Special Medical Purposes for Infants in the General 
Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed
 Editorial amendments to the General Standard for Contaminants 
and Toxins in Food and Feed
 Discussion paper on the possibility of developing a code of 
practice for the prevention and reduction of arsenic contamination in 
rice
 Discussion paper on control measures for fumonisins in maize 
and maize products
 Discussion paper on the review of guideline levels for 
methylmecury in fish
 Discussion paper on the review of the Code of Practice for the 
Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals
 Discussion paper on aflatoxins in cereals
 Discussion paper on the establishment of maximum levels for 
total aflatoxins in ready to eat peanuts and associated sampling plan
 Priority List of Contaminants and Naturally Occurring 
Toxicants Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA

    The Committee will discontinue work on:
     Establishment of Maximum Levels for Hydrocyanic Acid for 
Cassava and Cassava Products
     Revision of guideline levels for radionuclides in foods in 
the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed 
(GSCTFF)

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

Codex Committee on Food Additives

    The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) establishes or 
endorses acceptable maximum levels (MLs) for individual food additives; 
prepares a priority list of food additives for risk assessment by the 
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); assigns 
functional classes to individual food additives; recommends 
specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission; considers methods of analysis for 
the determination of additives in food; and considers and elaborates 
standards or codes of practice for related subjects such as the 
labeling of food additives when sold as such.

[[Page 37508]]

The 45th Session of the Committee met in Beijing, China, March 18-22, 
2013. The relevant document is REP13/FA. Immediately prior to the 
Plenary Session, there was a 2-day physical Working Group on the 
General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) chaired by the United 
States.
    The following items will be considered by the 36th Session of the 
Commission in July 2013. To be considered for adoption at Steps 8 & 5/
8:

 Specific draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of 
the GSFA

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
 Proposed draft amendments to the Codex Guideline on Class 
Names and International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives (CAC/
GL 36-1989)
 Specifications for the identity and purity of food additives 
arising from the 76th JECFA meeting

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Amendments to the INS for food additives
 Specifications for the identity and purity of food additives
 Proposals for the provisions in Table 1 and 2 of the GSFA for: 
(i) Food additives listed in Table 3 with the function of ``acidity 
regulator'' for their use for technological functions other than as 
acidity regulators; (ii) other food additives listed in Table 3 with 
technological functions other than ``emulsifier, thickener, 
stabilizer,'' ``color,'' and ``sweetener''; and (iii) for food 
additives listed in Table 3 with the technological function of 
``emulsifier, stabilizer and thickener'' in selected food categories 
(i.e., 06.2 to 14.1.5, 04.1.1.2 and 04.2.1.2)
 Prioritization exercise of compounds proposed for re-
evaluation by JECFA
 Proposal for additions and changes to the Priority List of 
Compounds Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA
 Information document on the GSFA
 Information document on food additive provisions in commodity 
standards

    The Committee recommended the following Electronic Working Groups, 
with the named lead countries:

 Revision of the Guidelines for the Simple Evaluation of Food 
Additive Intakes (CAC/GL 3-1989) (Brazil)
 Options for the use of the prioritization exercise of 
compounds for re-evaluation by JECFA (Canada)
 Amendments to the INS (Iran)
 Food additive provisions of food category 14.2.3 (Grape wines) 
and its sub-categories (France)
 Descriptors and food additive provisions of food categories 
01.1.1 (Milk and buttermilk (plain)), 01.1.1.1 (Milk (plain)), 01.1.1.2 
(Buttermilk (plain)), and 01.1.2 (Dairy based drinks, flavoured and/or 
fermented (e.g., chocolate milk, cocoa, eggnog, drinking yoghurt, whey 
based drink) (New Zealand)
 Alignment of the food additive provisions of commodity 
standards and relevant provisions of the GSFA (Australia)
 The GSFA (United States), including:
    [cir] Recommendations for the entry of proposals for new food 
additive provisions in food category 16.0 (Prepared foods) into the 
GSFA
    [cir] Recommendations for the new entry and revision of existing 
provisions in CX/FA 13/45/12 (except those for food category 14.2.3 
(Grape wines) and its sub-categories, and those for aspartame (INS 951) 
and aspartame-acesulfame (INS 962) in the GSFA
    [cir] Proposals for the provisions in Tables 1 and 2 of the GSFA 
for food additives listed in Table 3 with the function of ``acidity 
regulator'' for their use for technological functions other than as 
acidity regulators
    [cir] Proposals for consideration of the provisions in Tables 1 and 
2 of the GSFA for food additives listed in Table 3 with functions other 
than ``emulsifier, stabilizer, sweetener,'' ``color,'' and 
``sweetener''
 The use of Note 161 (``Subject to national legislation of the 
importing country aimed, in particular, at consistency with Section 3.2 
of the Preamble.'') in provisions for selected sweeteners (United 
Kingdom)
 The Committee will also prepare a discussion paper on the use 
of additives in additives (European Union).

    The Committee also agreed to hold a physical Working Group on the 
GSFA immediately preceding the 46th session of CCFA to be chaired by 
the United States that will discuss: (i) The recommendations of the 
electronic Working Groups on the GSFA, the food additive provisions in 
food category 14.2.3 (Grape wines), and on Note 161 of the GSFA; and 
(ii) the proposals for provisions in Table 1 and 2 of the GSFA for 
certain food additives listed in Table 3.
    The Committee recommended the work on the following items be 
postponed:

 Proposals for provisions in nisin (INS 234) in food category 
08.0 (Meat and meat products, including poultry and game) and its sub-
categories
 Proposals for new provisions and/or revision of provisions for 
acesulfame potassium (INS 950), aspartame (INS 951), and aspartame-
acesulfame salt (INS 962) contained in the compilation document (CRD 2, 
Appendix VIII), other than in the context as an example for the work of 
the electronic Working Group on Note 161 of the GSFA

    The Committee recommended the work on the following items be 
revoked:

 Provisions for aluminum-containing food additives in certain 
commodity standards
 Specifications for mineral oil, medium and low viscosity (INS 
905e, f, g)

    The Committee recommended the work on the following items be 
discontinued:

 Draft and proposed draft provisions for certain food additives 
in the GSFA

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

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

    The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) is responsible for 
establishing maximum limits for pesticide residues in specific food 
items or in groups of food; establishing maximum limits for pesticide 
residues in certain animal feeding stuffs moving in international trade 
where this is justified for reasons of protection of human health; 
preparing priority lists of pesticides for evaluation by the Joint FAO/
WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR); considering methods of 
sampling and analysis for the determination of pesticide residues in 
food and feed; considering other matters in relation to the safety of 
food and feed containing pesticide residues and; establishing maximum 
limits for environmental and industrial contaminants showing chemical 
or other similarity to pesticides in specific food items or groups of 
food.
    The 45th Session of the Committee met in Beijing, China, on May 6-
11, 2013. The relevant document is REP13/PR. The following items will 
be considered at the 36th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
in July 2013. To be considered at Steps 5 and 8:

 Draft and proposed draft Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides 
in Foods and Feeds

    The Committee will continue working on:


[[Page 37509]]


 Draft revision of the Classification of Foods and Animal 
Feeds: Selected vegetable commodity groups at Step 7
 Proposed draft revision of the Classification of Foods and 
Animal Feeds: Other selected vegetable commodity groups
 Proposed draft Table 2--Examples of selection of 
representative commodities for selected vegetable commodity groups 
(item 7a) and other selected commodity groups (Item 7b) (for inclusion 
in the Principles and Guidance for the Selection of Representative 
Commodities for the Extrapolation of Maximum Residue Limits for 
Pesticides to Commodity Groups)
 Discussion paper on Guidance to Facilitate the Establishment 
of Maximum Residue Limits for Pesticides for Minor Crops/Specialty 
Crops
 Revision of the Risk Analysis Principles applied by the Codex 
Committee on Pesticide Residues
 Establishment of the Codex Schedules and Priority Lists of 
Pesticides

    The Committee has agreed to the following New Work:

 Discussion paper on performance criteria for suitability 
assessment of methods of analysis for pesticide residues

    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 (CCMAS) 
defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis and 
Sampling; serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other 
international groups working on methods of analysis and sampling and 
quality assurance systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of 
final recommendations submitted to it by the bodies referred to above, 
reference methods of analysis and sampling appropriate to Codex 
standards which are generally applicable to a number of foods; 
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses as appropriate, methods of 
analysis and sampling proposed by Codex commodity committees, except 
for methods of analysis and sampling for residues of pesticides or 
veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of microbiological quality and 
safety in food, and the assessment of specifications for food 
additives; elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be 
required; considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted 
to it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and defines 
procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for the assessment 
of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality assurance systems 
for laboratories.
    The 34th Session of the Committee met in Budapest, Hungary, from 
March 4-8, 2013. The relevant document is REP13/MAS. The following 
items will be considered by the Commission at its 36th Session in July 
2013. To be considered for adoption at step 8:

 Methods of Analysis and Sampling in Codex Standards at 
Different Steps
 Draft Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in 
International Food Trade: Other Standards and Related Texts
 Proposed amendment to the Guidelines for Establishing Numeric 
Values for Method Criteria and/or Assessing Methods for Compliance 
Thereof in the Procedural Manual

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Other Sections--Explanatory Notes for the proposed draft 
Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in International Food 
Trade
 Discussion paper on considering procedures for establishing 
criteria:
    [cir] For multi-analyte methods that are used for specifications 
that require a combination of components or use toxicity equivalent 
factors
    [cir] Applicable to Type I methods
    [cir] Where there is considerable scientific or statistical overlap 
between (i) and (ii). These will be considered together
 Discussion paper on the Elaboration of Procedures for Regular 
Updating of Methods
 Discussion paper on Sampling in Codex Standards
    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 responsible for developing principles and 
guidelines for food import and export inspection and certification 
systems, with a view to harmonizing methods and procedures that protect 
the health of consumers, ensure fair trading practices, and facilitate 
international trade in foodstuffs; developing principles and guidelines 
for the application of measures by the competent authorities of 
exporting and importing countries to provide assurance, where 
necessary, that foodstuffs comply with requirements, especially 
statutory health requirements; developing guidelines for the 
utilization, as and when appropriate, of quality assurance systems to 
ensure that foodstuffs conform with requirements and promote the 
recognition of these systems in facilitating trade in food products 
under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by countries; developing 
guidelines and criteria with respect to format, declarations, and 
language of such official certificates as countries may require with a 
view towards international harmonization; making recommendations for 
information exchange in relation to food import/export control; 
consulting as necessary with other international groups working on 
matters related to food inspection and certification systems; and 
considering other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation 
to food inspection and certification systems.
    The 20th Session of the Committee met in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 
February 18-22, 2013. The relevant document is REP13/FICS. The 
following items will be considered by the 36th Session of the 
Commission in July 2013. To be considered for adoption at Step 8:

 Draft amendments to Guidelines for the Exchange of Information 
in Food Safety Emergency Situations

    To be considered for adoption at Step 8 & 5/8:

 Draft and proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for 
National Food Control Systems (Sections 1-3 at Step 6 and Section 4 at 
Step 3)

    The Committee is continuing work on:

 Discussion paper on Principles and Guidelines for the 
Elaboration and Management of Questionnaires Directed at Exporting 
Countries
 Discussion paper on Principles and Guidelines for Monitoring 
Regulatory Performance of National Food Control Systems
 Discussion paper on the revision of the Principles and 
Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency 
Situations
 Draft amendments to Guidelines for the Exchange of Information 
between Countries on Rejections of Imported Food

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

Codex Committee on Food Labelling

    The Codex Committee on Food Labelling drafts provisions on labeling 
applicable to all foods; considers,

[[Page 37510]]

amends, and endorses draft specific provisions on labeling 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 41st Session in Charlottetown, Prince Edward 
Island, Canada, on May 14-17, 2013. The reference document is REP 13/
FL. The following items will be considered at the 36th Session of the 
Codex Alimentarius Commission in July 2013. To be considered at Step 8:
    Consideration of labelling provisions in draft Codex standards for 
the draft standard for:

 Smoked Fish, Smoke-Flavoured Fish and Smoke-Dried Fish;
 Raw, Fresh and Quick Frozen Scallop Products; and
 Guidelines on Formulated Complementary Foods for Older Infants 
and Young Children
 Implementation of the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical 
Activity and Health
 Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and 
Marketing of Organically Produced Foods

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Organic Aquaculture

    The Committee has agreed to the following New Work:

 General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods to 
address the issue of date marking.

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

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH):

 Develops basic provisions on food hygiene applicable to all 
food or to specific food types;
 Considers and amends or endorses provisions on food hygiene 
contained in Codex commodity standards and codes of practice developed 
by other Codex commodity committees;
 Considers specific food hygiene problems assigned to it by the 
Commission;
 Suggests and prioritizes areas where there is a need for 
microbiological risk assessment at the international level and develops 
questions to be addressed by the risk assessors; and
 Considers microbiological risk management matters in relation 
to food hygiene and in relation to FAO/WHO risk assessments.

    The Committee held its 44th Session in New Orleans, Louisiana from 
November 12-16, 2012. The reference document is REP 13/FH. The 
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 36th 
Session in July 2013. To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for the Establishment 
and Application of Microbiological Criteria Related to Foods
 Proposed draft Annex on Berries to the Code of Hygienic 
Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

    The Committee agreed to request the Commission to approve new work 
on a Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture Foods.
    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Guidelines for Control of Specific Zoonotic 
Parasites in Meat: Trichinella spp. and Cysticercus bovis
 Proposed draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Dried 
Aromatic Herbs
 Criteria for evaluating and prioritizing new work, which will 
be used in the development of a ``forward workplan''

    In addition, the Committee will consider the following:

 Discussion paper on occurrence and control of parasites
 Discussion paper on the need to revise the Code of Hygienic 
Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
 Proposals for new work
 Proposed draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture 
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 worldwide standards and codes of practice as may be 
appropriate for fresh fruits and vegetables; for consulting with the 
UNECE Working Party on Agricultural Quality Standards in the 
elaboration of worldwide standards and codes of practice, with 
particular regard to ensuring that there is no duplication of standards 
or codes of practice and that they follow the same broad format; and 
for consulting, as necessary, with other international organizations 
which are active in the area of standardization of fresh fruits and 
vegetables.
    The 17th Session of the Committee met in Mexico City, Mexico, 
September 3-7, 2012. The relevant document is REP13/FFV. The following 
items will be considered by the 36th Session of the Commission in July 
2013. To be considered for adoption at Step 8:

 Draft Standard for Avocado (revision of Codex STAN 197-1995)
 Draft provisions for uniformity rules and other size related 
provisions (sections 5.1--uniformity and 6.2.4--commercial 
identification) (draft Standard for Avocado)
 Draft Standard for Pomegranate
 Proposed draft provisions for sizing and uniformity rules 
(sections 3 and 5.1) (draft Standard for Pomegranate)
 Proposed draft Standard for Golden Passion Fruit
 Proposed draft Standard for Durian
 Proposed draft Standard for Okra
 Proposed draft Standard for Ware Potato
 Proposals for new work on Codex standards for fresh fruits and 
vegetables
 Revision of the terms of reference of the Codex Committee on 
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 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 34th Session in Bad Soden am Taunus, 
Germany, on December 3-7, 2012. The reference document is REP 13/NSFDU. 
The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 36th 
Session in July 2013. To be considered for adoption:

 Consolidation of the General Principles for Establishing 
Nutrient Reference Values of Vitamins and Minerals and General 
Principles for Establishing Nutrient Reference Values for Nutrients 
Associated with Risk of Diet-Related Non-Communicable Diseases (NRVs-
NCD) (for labelling purposes)

    To be considered for adoption at Step 8:


[[Page 37511]]


 Draft revision of the Guidelines on Formulated Supplementary 
Foods for Older Infants and Young Children
 Draft NRVs-NCD for saturated fatty acids and sodium

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft General Principles for Establishing Nutrient 
Reference Values for Nutrients Associated with Risk of Diet-Related 
Non-Communicable Diseases for General Population (NRVs-NCD)
 Proposed draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values 
for Labeling Purposes in the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition Labeling 
(Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin 
B12, Pantothenate, Biotin, Calcium and Iodine, and related footnotes)

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values 
for Labelling Purposes in the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling 
(Other values than described above, including protein)
 Proposed draft Revision of the Codex General Principles for 
the Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods
 Proposed draft Amendment of the Standard for Processed Cereal-
Based Foods for Infants and Young Children to include a New Part B for 
Underweight Children
 Proposal to review the Codex Standard for Follow-up Formula
 Discussion paper on a potential NRV for Potassium in relation 
to the risk of NCD
 Proposed draft revision of the List of Food Additives
 Discussion paper on biofortification

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

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils

    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) is responsible for 
elaborating worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, 
and marine origin, including margarine and olive oil.
    The Committee held its 23rd Session in Langkawi, Malaysia, from 
February 25-March 1, 2013. The reference document is REP 13/FO. The 
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 36th 
Session in July 2013. To be considered for adoption:

 Amendments to the Standard for Edible Fats and Oils Not 
Covered by Individual Standards (Codex STAN 19-1981), the Standard for 
Named Animal Fats (CODEX STAN 211-1999), and the Standard for Olive 
Oils and Olive Pomace Oils (CODEX STAN 33-1981)
 Amendments to the lists of acceptable previous cargoes in the 
Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Edible Fats and Oils 
in Bulk

    To be considered for adoption at step 5/8:

 Proposed draft amendment to parameters for rice bran oil in 
the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Standard for Fish Oils
 Review of the lists of acceptable previous cargoes in the Code 
of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Edible Fats and Oils in 
Bulk
 Discussion paper on the amendment of the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: Sunflower Seed Oils
 Discussion paper on cold pressed oils
 Discussion paper on the amendment of the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: High Oleic Soybean Oil
 Discussion paper on the amendment of the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: Palm Oil with High Oleic Acid OxG

    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 (CCPFV) is 
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and related text for 
all types of processed fruits and vegetables including but not limited 
to canned, dried, and frozen products, as well as fruit and vegetable 
juices and nectars.
    The 26th Session of the CCPFV met in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on 
October 15-19, 2012. The following items will be considered by the 
Commission at its 36th Session in July 2013. To be considered for 
adoption:

 Amendment to the Guidelines for Packing Media for Canned 
Fruits
 Amendment to the Standards for Preserved Tomatoes, Processed 
Tomato Concentrates and Certain Canned Citrus Fruits (section 4--Food 
additives)
 Amendment to the Standard for Canned Applesauce (Codex STAN 
17-1981) (Section 9--Methods of Analysis)

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Standard for Table Olives (revision of Codex 
Standard 66-1981)

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5:

 Proposed draft Standard for Certain Canned Fruits (general 
provisions) and proposed draft Annex on Mangoes
 Proposed draft Standard for Certain Quick Frozen Vegetables 
(general provisions)

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Sampling Plan including Metrological Provisions 
for Controlling the Minimum Drained Weight in Canned Fruits and 
Vegetables in Packing Media
 Proposed draft annexes on pears and pineapples (proposed draft 
Standard for Certain Canned Fruits)
 Proposed draft annexes on several quick frozen vegetables 
(proposed draft Standard for Certain Quick Frozen Vegetables)
 Proposal for the extension of the territorial application of 
the Regional Standard for Ginseng Products
 Food additive provisions in the Standards for Pickled Fruits 
and Vegetables (CODEX STAN 260-2007), Canned Bamboo Shoots (CODEX STAN 
241-2003) and the Annex on Mushrooms of the Standard for Certain Canned 
Vegetables (CODEX STAN 297-2009)
 Packing Media provisions for pickled vegetables in the 
Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables (CODEX STAN 260-2007)
 Status of work on the revision of Codex Standards for 
Processed Fruits and Vegetables

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

Codex Committee on Sugars

    The Codex Committee on Sugars is responsible for elaborating 
worldwide standards for all types of sugar and sugar products. The 
Committee had been adjourned sine die, but became active again 
following the request from Colombia at the 34th Session of the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission (2011).
    The Committee decided to work in electronic form, and established 
an electronic Working Group, led by Colombia. The Working Group is 
currently circulating the draft Standard for Panela for consensus. The 
Working Group hopes to send the Standard for Panela forward to the 36th 
Session of the Commission in July 2013 for adoption at Step 5/8.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Certain Codex Commodity Committees

    Several Codex Alimentarius Commodity Committees have adjourned

[[Page 37512]]

sine die. The following Committees fall into this category:
 Cereals, Pulses and Legumes
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
 Cocoa Products and Chocolate
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
 Meat Hygiene
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
 Milk and Milk Products
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
 Natural Mineral Waters
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
 Vegetable Proteins
    Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding

    The objective of the ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal 
Feeding (TFAF) is to ensure the safety and quality of foods of animal 
origin. Therefore, the Task Force develops guidelines or standards, as 
appropriate, on Good Animal Feeding practices. The Task Force was re-
activated in 2011 for the purpose of: (a) Developing guidelines, 
intended for governments, on how to apply the existing Codex risk 
assessment methodologies to the various types of hazards related to 
contaminants/residues in feed ingredients, such as feed additives used 
in feeding stuffs for food producing animals, and using specific 
science-based risk assessment criteria to apply to feed contaminants/
residues; and (b) developing a prioritized list of hazards in feed 
ingredients and feed additives for governmental use.
    The Committee held its 7th session in Berne, Switzerland, on 
February 4-8, 2013. The relevant document is REP 13/AF. The following 
items will be considered at the 36th session of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission in July 2013. To be considered at Step 8:

 Draft Guidelines on the Application of Risk Assessment for 
Feed

    To be considered at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Guidance for Use by Governments in Prioritizing 
the National Feed Hazards (renamed Guidance on Prioritizing Hazards in 
Feed)

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

FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees

    The FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees define the problems 
and needs of the regions concerning food standards and food control; 
promote within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of 
information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising 
from food control and stimulate the strengthening of food control 
infrastructures; recommend to the Commission the development of 
worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including 
products considered by the Committees to have an international market 
potential in the future; develop regional standards for food products 
moving exclusively or almost exclusively in intra-regional trade; draw 
the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission's work 
of particular significance to the region; promote coordination of all 
regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental 
and non-governmental organizations within each region; exercise a 
general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as 
may be entrusted to it by the Commission; and promote the use of Codex 
standards and related texts by members.
    There are six regional coordinating committees:

Coordinating Committee for Africa
Coordinating Committee for Asia
Coordinating Committee for Europe
Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
Coordinating Committee for the Near East
Coordinating Committee for North America and the Southwest Pacific

Coordinating Committee for Africa

    The Committee (CCAfrica) held its 20th session in Cameroon, from 
January 29-February 1, 2013. The relevant document is REP13/Africa.
    The Committee:

 Agreed to consider the need for development of a regional 
standard for processed cheese;
 Agreed that there is justification for the establishment of a 
new Codex Committee for Spices, Aromatic Plants and their Formulations; 
and
 Considered the Draft Strategic Plan 2014-2019 and made a 
number of comments and suggestions.

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Asia

    The Committee (CCAsia) held its 18th session in Tokyo, Japan, from 
November 5-9, 2012. The relevant document is REP 13/ASIA. The following 
items will be considered by the Commission at its 36th Session in July 
2013.
    The Committee:

 Considered the Draft Strategic Plan 2014-2019 and made a 
number of comments and suggestions.

    To be considered for adoption:

 Amendments to some food additive provisions in the Regional 
Standards for Fermented Soybean Paste and for Chili Sauce

    To be considered at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Regional Standard for Tempe

    To be considered at Step 5:

 Proposed draft Standard for Non-Fermented Soybean Products

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Standard for Laver Products
 Proposed draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Street-Vended 
Foods
 Discussion paper on New Work on a Regional Standard for Edible 
Crickets on their Products
 Preparation of the Strategic Plan for CCASIA 2015-2020

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Europe

    The Committee (CCEurope) held its 28th session in Batumi, Georgia, 
from September 25-28, 2012. The relevant document is REP 13/EURO. The 
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 36th 
Session in July 2013.
    The Committee:

 Considered the Draft Strategic Plan 2014-2019 and made a 
number of comments and suggestions

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Revised Regional Standard for Chanterelles

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Regional Standard for Ayran

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: No.

Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean

    The Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean 
(CCLAC) held its 18th session in Costa Rica, from

[[Page 37513]]

November 19-23, 2012. The relevant document is REP 13/LAC. The 
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 36th 
Session in July 2013.
    The Committee:

 Considered the Draft Strategic Plan 2014-2019 and made a 
number of comments and suggestions

    To be considered for adoption:

 Reappointment of Costa Rica for a second term as Coordinator 
for Latin America and the Caribbean (unanimous agreement to recommend)
 Proposal for new work on a Codex Regional Standard for 
Ya[cacute]on

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for the Near East

    The Committee (CCNEA) held its 7th session in Beirut, Lebanon, from 
January 21-25, 2013. The relevant document is REP 13/NEA. The following 
items will be considered by the Commission at its 36th Session in July 
2013.
    The Committee:

 Considered the Draft Strategic Plan 2014-2019 and made a 
number of comments and suggestions

    To be considered at Step 8:

 Regional Code of Practice for Street-Vended Foods

    To be considered at Step 5/8:

 Regional Standard for Date Paste

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Regional Standard for Doogh
 Standard for Halal Food
 Regional Standard for Labneh
 Regional Standard for Mixed Zaatar
 Standard for Refrigerated and Frozen Meat
 Preparation of the Strategic Plan for CCNEA 2015-2020

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: No.

Coordinating Committee for North America and the Southwest Pacific 
(CCNASWP)

    The Committee (CCNASWP) will hold its 12th Session in Madang, Papua 
New Guinea, from September 19-22, 2012. The relevant document is REP 
13/NASWP. The following item will be considered by the Commission at 
its 36th Session in July 2013.
    The Committee:

 Considered the Draft Strategic Plan 2014-2019 and made a 
number of comments and suggestions

    The committee will continue working on:

 Draft Strategic Plan for the CCNASWP 2014-2019
 A revision to the discussion paper on the development of a 
regional standard for kava, focusing on the dried product that can be 
used as a beverage when mixed with water
 A new discussion paper to collect information identifying the 
products and the related food safety or trade issues that could be 
addressed by regional standards and to develop a mechanism for their 
prioritization

    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Contact: U.S. Codex Office, United States Department of 
Agriculture, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone: (202) 205-7760, Fax: 
(202) 720-3157, Email: uscodex@fsis.usda.gov.

Attachment 2

U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials

Codex Chairpersons From the United States

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, Ph.D., Executive Associate for 
Laboratory Services, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station 
Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546-3429, Fax: (706) 546-3428, 
Email: emilio.esteban@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Richard Boyd, Head, Contract Services Section, Inspection Branch, 
Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Fruit and Vegetable Program, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 0247, Room 0726--South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-5021, Fax: (202) 690-1527, 
Email: richard.boyd@ams.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
Steven D. Vaughn, DVM, Director, Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, 
Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, MPN 
1, Room 236, 7520 Standish Place, Rockville, Maryland 20855, Phone: 
(240) 276-8300, Fax: (240) 276-8242, Email: Steven.Vaughn@fda.hhs.gov.

Listing of U.S. Delegates and Alternates

Worldwide General Subject Codex Committees

Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (Host Government--the 
Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
Nega Beru, Ph.D., Director, Office of Food Safety (HFS-300), Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-
1700, Fax: (301) 436-2651, Email: Nega.Beru@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Kerry Dearfield, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Office of Public Health 
Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 9-195, PP 3 (Mail Stop 3766), 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690-6451, Fax: (202) 
690-6337, Email: Kerry.Dearfield@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Food Additives (Host Government--China)
U.S. Delegate
Susan E. Carberry, Ph.D., Supervisory Chemist, Division of Petition 
Review, Office of Food Additive Safety (HFS-265), Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-1269, 
Fax: (301) 436-2972, Email: Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Paul S. Honigfort, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Division of Food 
Contact Notifications (HFS-275), Office of Food Additive Safety, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, 
MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-1206, Fax: (301) 436-2965, Email: 
paul.honigfort@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Jenny Scott, Senior Advisor, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-300, Room 3B-014, College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone: (240) 402-2166, Fax: (301) 436-2632, Email: 
Jenny.Scott@fda.hhs.gov.

[[Page 37514]]

Alternate Delegates
Kerry Dearfield, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Office of Public Health 
Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 9-195, PP 3 (Mail Stop 3766), 1400 Independence 
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690-6451, Fax: (202) 
690-6337, Email: Kerry.Dearfield@fsis.usda.gov.
Dr. Joyce Saltsman, Interdisciplinary Scientist, Office of Food Safety 
(HFS-317), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and 
Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: (352) 391-5023, Email: Joyce.Saltsman@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification 
Systems (Host Government--Australia)
U.S. Delegate
Mary Stanley, Director, International Policy Division, Office of Policy 
and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Room 2925, South Agriculture Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-0287, 
Fax: (202) 720-4929, Email: 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, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway 
(HFS-550), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-1724, Fax: (301) 
436-2618, Email: Michael.wehr@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Food Labeling (Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate
Felicia B. Billingslea, Director, Food Labeling and Standards Staff, 
Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway (HFS-820), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 
402-2371, Fax: (301) 436-2636, felicia.billingslea@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Jeffrey Canavan, Deputy Director, Labeling and Program Delivery 
Division, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.--Stop 5273, Patriots Plaza 3, 
8th Floor-161A, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (301) 504-0860, Fax: (202) 
245-4792, Email: jeff.canavan@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 Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government--
Hungary)
U.S. Delegate
Gregory O. Noonan, Ph.D., Research Chemist, Division of Analytical 
Chemistry, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: 240-402-2250, Fax: 301-436-2634, Email: 
Gregory.Noonan@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
David B. Funk, Deputy Director, Chief Scientist, GIPSA, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards 
Administration, Technology & Science Division, 10383 Ambassador Dr., 
Kansas City, MO 64153, Phone: (816) 891-0473, Fax: (816) 891-8070, 
Email: David.b.funk@usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Nutrition and Food for Special Dietary Uses (Host 
Government--Germany)
U.S. Delegate
Paula R. Trumbo, Ph.D., Director (A), Nutrition Programs, Office of 
Nutrition, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, US Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway HFS-830, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-2579, Fax: 
(301) 436-2579, Email: Paula.Trumbo@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Allison Yates, Ph.D., Associate Director, Beltsville Area, Agricultural 
Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore 
Avenue, Bldg 003, Room 223, Beltsville, MD 20705, Phone: (301) 504-
5193, Fax: (301) 504-5863, Email: Allison.Yates@ars.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, Email: rossi.lois@epa.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Pat Basu Senior Leader Chemistry, Toxicology & Related Sciences 
Office of Public Health Science Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture Patriots Plaza III, Room 9-205, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20250-3766, Phone: (202) 690-
6558, Fax: (202) 690-2364, Email: Pat.Basu@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (Host 
Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Kevin Greenlees, Senior Advisor for Science & Policy, Office of New 
Animal Drug Evaluation, HFV-100, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration, 7520 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, 
Phone: (240) 276-8214, Fax: (240) 276-9538, Email: 
Kevin.Greenlees@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Charles Pixley, DVM, Ph.D., Director, Laboratory Quality Assurance 
Division, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station Road, 
Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546-3559, Fax: (706) 546-3452, Email: 
charles.pixley@fsis.usda.gov.

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active)

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (Host Government--Malaysia)
U.S. Delegate
Martin J. Stutsman, J.D., Office of Food Safety (HFS-317), Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (240) 
402-1642, Fax: (301) 436-2651, Email: Martin.Stutsman@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Robert A. Moreau, Ph.D., Research Chemist, Eastern Regional Research 
Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, Phone: (215) 233-6428, Fax: 
(215) 233-6406, Email: robert.moreau@ars.usda.gov.

[[Page 37515]]

Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (Host Government--Norway)
Delegates
Timothy Hansen, Director, Seafood Inspection Program, National Marine 
Fisheries Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
1315 East West Highway SSMC3, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 
(301) 713-2355, Fax: (301) 713-1081, Email: Timothy.Hansen@noaa.gov.
Dr. William Jones, Director, Division of Seafood Safety, Office of Food 
Safety (HFS-325), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-2300, Fax: (301) 436-
2601, Email: William.Jones@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Host Government--
Mexico)
U.S. Delegate
    Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0247, South 
Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20250-0247, Phone: (202) 690-4944, Fax: (202) 690-1527, Email: 
dorian.lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
    Dongmin (Don) Mu, Product Evaluation and Labeling Team, Food 
Labeling and Standards Staff, Office of Nutrition, Labeling and Dietary 
Supplements, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-1775, Fax: (301) 436-
2636, Email: dongmin.mu@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (Host Government--
United States)
U.S. Delegate
Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0247, South 
Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20250-0247, Phone: (202) 690-4944, Fax: (202) 690-1527, Email: 
dorian.lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Paul South, Ph.D., Office of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-1640, Fax: (301) 436-
2561, Email: paul.south@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Sugars (Host Government--United Kingdom)
U.S. Delegate
Martin J. Stutsman, J.D., Office of Food Safety (HFS-317), Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (240) 
402-1642, Fax: (301) 436-2651, Email: Martin.Stutsman@fda.hhs.gov.

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Adjourned)

Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate (Adjourned Sine Die) 
(Host Government--Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
Michelle Smith, Ph.D., Food Technologist, Office of Plant and Dairy 
Foods and Beverages, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration (HFS-306), Harvey W. Wiley Federal 
Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, 
Phone: (240) 402-2024, Fax: (301) 436-2651, Email: 
michelle.smith@fda.hhs.gov.
Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Adjourned Sine Die) (Host Government--
United States)
Delegate
Henry Kim, Ph.D., Supervisory Chemist Division of Plant Product Safety, 
Office of Plant and Dairy Foods, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (240) 402-2023, Fax: (301) 436-
2651, Email: henry.kim@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene (Adjourned Sine Die) (Host Government--
New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
VACANT
Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (Adjourned Sine Die) (Host 
Government--New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
Duane Spomer, Chief, Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness 
Branch, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Room 2095, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-1861, Fax: (202) 205-5772, 
Email: duane.spomer@ams.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
John F. Sheehan, Director, Division of Plant and Dairy Food Safety, 
Office of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (HFS-3 15), Harvey W. Wiley Federal 
Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: 
(240) 402-1488, Fax: (301) 436-2632, Email: john.sheehan@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters (Host Government--
Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
Lauren Posnick Robin, Sc.D., Review Chemist, Office of Food Safety, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration, Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (240) 402-1639, Fax: (301) 
301-436-2632, Email: Lauren.Robin@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins (Adjourned Sine Die) (Host 
Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate
VACANT

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding (Host 
Government--Switzerland)
Delegate
Daniel G. McChesney, Ph.D., Director, Office of Surveillance & 
Compliance, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration, 7529 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: (240) 
453-6830, Fax: (240) 453-6880, Email: Daniel.McChesney@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate
Dr. Patty Bennett Branch Chief, Risk Assessment Division, Office of 
Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 901 Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: (202) 690-6189, Fax: (202) 690-6337, Email: 
patty.bennett@fsis.usda.gov.

[FR Doc. 2013-14862 Filed 6-20-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P