International Standard-Setting Activities, 33230-33240 [2015-14306]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 112 (Thursday, June 11, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33230-33240]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14306]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2015-0010]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Office of Food Safety, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission (Codex), in accordance with section 491 of the Trade 
Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, and the Uruguay Round Agreements 
Act. This notice also provides a list of other standard-setting 
activities of Codex, including commodity standards, guidelines, codes 
of practice, and revised texts. This notice, which covers Codex 
activities during the time periods from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, 
and June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, 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, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop 3782, 
Room 8-163B, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
     Hand- or courier-delivered items: Deliver to OPPD, RIMS, 
Docket Clearance Unit, Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-164, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must 
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2015-0010. Comments 
received in response to this docket will be made available for public 
inspection and posted without change, including any personal 
information, to https://www.regulations.gov.
    Please state that your comments refer to Codex and, if your 
comments relate to specific Codex committees, please identify the 
committee(s) in your comments and submit a copy of your comments to the 
delegate from that particular committee.
    Docket: For access to background documents or comments received, 
visit the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 
8-164, Washington, DC 20250-3700, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday. A complete list of U.S. delegates and alternate 
delegates can be found in Attachment 2 of this notice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Frances Lowe, United States 
Manager for Codex, 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, contact the 
delegate of that committee. Documents pertaining to Codex and specific 
committee agendas are accessible via the Internet at https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/. The U.S. Codex Office 
also maintains a Web site at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/international-affairs/us-codex-alimentarius.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 
1995, as the common international institutional framework for the 
conduct of trade relations among its members in matters related to the 
Uruguay Round Trade Agreements. The WTO is the successor organization 
to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). United States 
membership in the WTO was approved and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act 
(Uruguay Round Agreements) was signed into law by the President on 
December 8, 1994, Public Law 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809. The Uruguay Round 
Agreements became effective, with respect to the United States, on 
January 1, 1995. The Uruguay Round Agreements amended the Trade 
Agreements Act of 1979. Pursuant to section 491 of the Trade Agreements 
Act of 1979, as amended, the President is required to designate an 
agency to be ``responsible for informing the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary (SPS) standard-setting activities of each international 
standard-setting organization.'' (19 U.S. C. 2578) The main 
international standard-setting organizations are Codex, the World 
Organisation for Animal Health, and the International Plant Protection 
Convention. The President, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6780 of March 
23, 1995 (60 FR 15845), designated the U.S. Department of Agriculture 
as the agency responsible for informing the public of the SPS standard-
setting activities of each international standard-setting organization. 
The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the Office of Food Safety 
the responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex. The Office of Food Safety has, in turn, assigned 
the responsibility for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office.
    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.

[[Page 33231]]

    TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE STANDARDS LISTED IN ATTACHMENT 1, PLEASE 
CONTACT THE CODEX DELEGATE OR THE U.S. CODEX OFFICE.
    This notice also solicits public comment on standards that are 
currently under consideration or planned for consideration and 
recommendations for new standards. The delegate, in conjunction with 
the responsible agency, will take the comments received into account in 
participating in the consideration of the standards and in proposing 
matters to be considered by Codex.
    The U.S. delegate will facilitate public participation in the 
United States Government's activities relating to Codex Alimentarius. 
The U.S. delegate will maintain a list of individuals, groups, and 
organizations that have expressed an interest in the activities of the 
Codex committees and will disseminate information regarding U.S. 
delegation activities to interested parties. This information will 
include the status of each agenda item; the U.S. Government's position 
or preliminary position on the agenda items; and the time and place of 
planning meetings and debriefing meetings following 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/wps/portal/fsis/topics/international-affairs/us-codex-alimentarius. If 
you would like to access or receive information about specific 
committees, please visit the Web page or notify the appropriate U.S. 
delegate or the U.S. Codex Office, Room 4861, South Agriculture 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700 
(uscodex@fsis.usda.gov).
    The information provided in Attachment 1 describes the status of 
Codex standard-setting activities by the Codex Committees for the time 
periods from June 1, 2014, to May 31, 2015, and June 1, 2015, to May 
31, 2016. Attachment 2 provides a list of U.S. Codex Officials 
(including U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of 
forthcoming Codex sessions may be found at: https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/.

Additional Public Notification

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

    Done at Washington, DC, on: June 8, 2015.
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 convene for its 38th Session 
July 6-11, 2015, in Geneva, Switzerland. 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 
regional coordinating committees 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 and a proposal for a successor 
initiative to the Trust Fund, papers prepared by the Secretariat on 
Codex Work Management and Functioning of the Executive Committee and 
Revitalization of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committees, as well as 
financial and budgetary issues.
    Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet 
at its 17th Session, June 30-July 3, 2015. 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. Canada is the elected representative from North America; 
the United States will participate as an advisor. The Executive 
Committee will conduct a critical review of the elaboration of Codex 
standards and will consider the implementation status of the Codex 
Strategic Plan, the management of the Trust Fund for the Participation 
of Developing Countries and Countries in Transition in the Work of the 
Codex Alimentarius and a proposal for a successor initiative to the 
Trust Fund, papers prepared by the Secretariat on Codex Work Management 
and Functioning of the Executive Committee and Revitalization of the 
FAO/WHO Coordinating Committees, as well as financial and budgetary 
issues.
    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.

[[Page 33232]]

    When establishing an MRL, consideration is also given to residues 
that occur in food of plant origin or the environment. Furthermore, the 
MRL may be reduced to be consistent with official recommended or 
authorized usage, approved by national authorities, of the veterinary 
drugs under practical conditions.
    An 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 met for its 22nd Session in San Jos[eacute], Costa 
Rica, from April 27-May 1, 2015. The relevant document is REP15/RVDF. 
The following items are to be considered for adoption by the 38th 
Session of the Commission in July 2015:
    To be considered for approval:

 Priority List of veterinary drugs requiring evaluation or re-
evaluation by JECFA

    To be considered at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft MRLs for derquantel (sheep tissues), emamectin 
benzoate (salmon and trout tissues) and monepantel (sheep tissues) 
recommended by the 78th JECFA (2013)
 Proposed draft Risk Management Recommendations (RMRs) for 
dimetridazole, ipronidazole, metronidazole, and ronidazole

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Draft RMR for gentian violet
 Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin (cattle muscle) and 
lasalocid sodium (chicken, turkey, quail and pheasant tissues)
 Discussion paper on the establishment of a rating system to 
establish priority for CCRVDF work (eWG chaired by France)
 Discussion paper on unintended presence of residues of 
veterinary drugs in food commodities resulting from the carry-over of 
drug residues into feed (eWG chaired by the United States and co-
chaired by Canada)
 Global survey to provide information to the CCRVDF to move 
compounds from the database on countries needs for MRLs to the JECFA 
Priority List (eWG co-chaired by the United States and Costa Rica)
 Database on countries needs for MRLs

    The Committee recommended that work on the following items be 
considered for discontinuation:

 Proposed draft MRLs for derquantel (sheep tissues), and 
monepantel (sheep tissues) recommendations of the 75th JECFA (2011)
 Draft provisions on establishment of MRLs for honey (for 
inclusion in the Risk Analysis Principles applied by CCRVDF)

    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine; USDA/
FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods
    The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) establishes or 
endorses permitted maximum levels (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 convened for its 9th Session in New Delhi, India, 
March 16-20, 2015. The relevant document is REP15/CF. The following 
items are to be considered for adoption by the 38th Session of the 
Commission in July 2015:
    To be considered for approval:

 Priority list of contaminants and naturally occurring 
toxicants for JECFA evaluation

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

 Draft and proposed draft maximum levels for lead in fruit 
juices and nectars (excluding juices exclusively from berries and other 
small fruits), ready to drink; canned fruits (excluding berries and 
other small fruits); canned vegetables (excluding canned brassica, 
canned leafy vegetables and canned legume vegetables); berries and 
other small fruits (excluding cranberry, currant and elderberry); 
cranberry; currant; elderberry; brassica vegetables; legume vegetables; 
fruiting vegetables, cucurbits; fruiting vegetables, other than 
cucurbits (excluding fungi and mushrooms)

    To be considered for adoption at Step 8:

 Draft maximum levels for deoxynivalenol (DON) in cereal-based 
foods for infants and young children; in flour, meal, semolina and 
flakes derived from wheat, maize or barley; and in cereal grains 
(wheat, maize and barley) destined for further processing, including 
sampling plans and performance criteria for methods of analysis

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5:

 Proposed draft maximum level for inorganic arsenic in husked 
rice
 Proposed draft revision of the Code of Practice for the 
Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 
51-2003)

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft maximum level for total aflatoxins in ready to 
eat peanuts including sampling plan
 Proposed draft maximum levels for lead in selected fruits and 
vegetables (fresh and processed)
 Proposed draft maximum level for cadmium in chocolate and 
cocoa-derived products
 Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Arsenic Contamination in Rice
 Proposed draft annexes to the Code of Practice for the 
Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 
51-2003)
 Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Spices
 Ergot Alkaloids
 Maximum levels for Methylmercury in fish
 Maximum levels for mycotoxins in spices
 Priority list of contaminants and naturally occurring 
toxicants proposed for evaluation by JECFA
 Submission and use of data from Global Environment Monitoring 
Systems/Food
 Approaches for phasing-in of lower maximum levels for 
contaminants
 Radionuclides in foods

    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

[[Page 33233]]

and purity for food additives for adoption by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission; considers methods of analysis for the determination of 
additives in food; and considers and elaborates standards or codes of 
practice for related subjects such as the labeling of food additives 
when sold as such. The 47th Session of the Committee met in Xi'an, 
China, March 23-27, 2015. The relevant document is REP15/FA. 
Immediately prior to the Plenary Session, there was a two-day physical 
Working Group on the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) chaired 
by the United States. The following items will be considered by the 
38th Session of the Commission in July 2015:
    To be considered for approval:

 Proposal for additions and changes to the priority-list of 
substances proposed for evaluation by JECFA

    To be considered for adoption:

 Revised food additives section of the Standard for Bouillons 
and Consomm[eacute]s (Codex Stan 117-1981)
 Revised food additives provisions of GSFA food category 12.5 
(Soups and broths) and its sub-categories
 Corrections to food additive provisions of GSFA related to the 
alignments of the five meat commodity standards

    To be considered at Step 8 and 5/8:

 Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the GSFA

    To be considered at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Specifications for the Identity and Purity of 
Food Additives
 Proposed draft amendments to the International Numbering 
System (INS) for Food Additives (CAC/GL 36-1989)

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft food additive provisions of the GSFA
    [cir] Information and justification on the use of nisin (INS 234) 
in food category 08.3.2 (Heat-treated processed comminuted meat, 
poultry, and game products) in general, and specifically in products 
conforming to the corresponding commodity standards (electronic Working 
Group (eWG) led by the United States)
    [cir] Outstanding food additive provisions in Table 1 and 2 in food 
categories 01.2 through 08.4, with the exclusion of food categories 
04.1.2.4, 04.2.2.4, 04.2.2.5, 04.2.2.6, 05.1.1, 05.1.3 and 05.1.4 (from 
the 47th CCFA, Agenda Item 5(c))
 Proposed draft revision of the food category 01.1 (Milk and 
dairy-based drinks) and its sub-categories of the GSFA (eWG led by New 
Zealand)
 Alignment of the food additive provisions of commodity 
standards and relevant provisions of the GSFA (eWG led by Australia and 
the United States)
 Discussion paper of the use of specific food additives in the 
production of wine (eWG led by France and Australia)
 Discussion paper on secondary additives (eWG led by the 
European Union)
 Proposed draft revision of Sections 4.1.c and 5.1.c of the 
General Standard for the Labeling of Food Additives When Sold as Such 
(CODEX STAN 107-1981) (eWG led by the United States)
 Amendments to the INS for food additives
 Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food Additives 
(80th JECFA)
 Information document on the GSFA
 Information document on the food additive provisions in 
commodity standards
    The Committee also agreed to convene a physical Working Group on 
the GSFA immediately preceding the 48th session of CCFA to be chaired 
by the United States that will discuss:

 Outstanding provisions related to food additive provisions in 
Table 1 and 2 in food categories 01.2 through 08.4, information and 
justification on the use of nisin (INS 234) in food category 08.3.2 
(Heat-treated processed comminuted meat, poultry, and game products)
 Comments submitted in response to CL 2015/9-FA on the revision 
of the provision for quillaia extracts (INS 999(i), (ii)) in food 
category 14.1.4 (Water-based flavored drinks, including ``sport,'' 
``energy,'' or ``electrolyte'' drinks and particulate drinks
 Comments submitted in response to CL 2015/9-FA on proposals 
for the use of paprika extract (INS 160c(ii)) for inclusion in Tables 1 
and 2 of the GSFA
 New proposals and proposed revisions of food additive 
provisions in the GSFA

    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues
    The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) is responsible for 
establishing maximum 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 47th Session of the Committee met in Beijing, China, April 13-
18, 2015. The relevant document is REP15/PR. The following items will 
be considered at the 38th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
in July 2015:

    To be considered for adoption:

 Guidance to Facilitate the Establishment of MRLs for 
Pesticides for Minor Crops including Appendix on Methodology to Assign 
Crops into Consumption Categories (for inclusion as an annex to the 
Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the Codex Committee on Pesticide 
Residues

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5:

 Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Draft MRLs for pesticides
 Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides
 Draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed 
(vegetable commodity groups: Group 015-Pulses)
 Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed 
(other vegetable commodity groups: Group 014 Legume vegetables)
 Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and 
Feed:
    1. Group 011--Fruiting vegetables, cucurbits
    2. Group 020--Grasses of cereal grains
    3. Group 021--Grasses for sugars or syrup production
    4. Group 024--Seeds for beverages and sweets
 Proposed draft tables on examples of selection of 
representative commodities (for inclusion in the principles and 
guidance for the selection of representative commodities for the 
extrapolation of maximum residue limits for pesticides for commodity 
groups)
 Proposed draft Guidance on Performance Criteria for Methods of

[[Page 33234]]

Analysis for the Determination of Pesticide Residues
 Establishment of Codex schedules and priority list of 
pesticides for evaluation by JMPR
 Discussion paper on the impact of the relocation of Vigna spp. 
under the Beans (dry) on the CXLs for Peas (dry)

    Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
    The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) 
defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis and 
Sampling; serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other 
international groups working on methods of analysis and sampling and 
quality assurance systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of 
final recommendations submitted to it by the bodies referred to above, 
reference methods of analysis and sampling appropriate to Codex 
standards which are generally applicable to a number of foods; 
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses as appropriate, methods of 
analysis and sampling proposed by Codex commodity committees, except 
for methods of analysis and sampling for residues of pesticides or 
veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of microbiological quality and 
safety in food, and the assessment of specifications for food 
additives; elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be 
required; considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted 
to it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and defines 
procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for the assessment 
of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality assurance systems 
for laboratories.
    The 36th Session of the Committee met in Budapest, Hungary, 
February 23-27, 2015. The relevant document is REP15/MAS. The following 
items will be considered by the Commission at its 38th Session in July 
2015:
    To be considered for adoption:

 Methods of Analysis and Sampling in Codex Standards at 
different steps

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in 
International Food Trade--Proposed Draft Explanatory Notes

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Criteria for endorsement of biological methods to detect 
chemical of concern
 Practical Examples (Information Document)
 Procedures for determining uncertainty of measurement results
 Development of procedures/guidelines for determining 
equivalency to Type I methods
 Criteria approach for methods which use a ``sum of 
components''
 Review and update of methods in Codex Stan 234-1999
 Follow-up on methods of analysis and sampling plans
 Sampling in Codex standards

    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Grain Inspection, Packers and 
Stockyards Administration.
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 21st Session of the Committee convened in Brisbane, Australia, 
October 13-17, 2014. The relevant document is REP15/FICS. There are no 
items to be considered for adoption by the Commission at its 38th 
Session in July 2015. The Committee will continue working on the 
following items:

 Draft principles and/or guidelines for the exchange of 
information (including questionnaires) between countries to support 
food import and export
 Draft guidance for monitoring the performance of National Food 
Control Systems
 Revision of the Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of 
Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations (CAC/GL 19-1995)
 Revision of the Guidelines for the Exchange of Information 
between Countries on Rejections of Imported Food (CAC/GL 25-1997)
 Discussion paper on system comparability/equivalence
 Discussion paper on the possibilities of the use of electronic 
certificates by competent authorities as well as the migration to 
paperless certification

    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Labelling
    The Codex Committee on Food Labelling drafts provisions on labeling 
applicable to all foods; considers, amends, and endorses draft specific 
provisions on labeling prepared by the Codex Committees drafting 
standards, codes of practice, 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 met for its 42nd Session in Rome, Italy, October 21-
24, 2014. The relevant document is REP15/FL. There are no items to be 
considered for adoption by the Commission at its 38th Session (July 
2015). The Committee plans to continue work on the following items:

 Revision of the Guidelines for the Production, Processing, 
Labeling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods: Organic 
Aquaculture
 Revision of the General Standard for the Labelling of 
Prepackaged Foods: Date Marking
 Discussion paper on the labelling of non-retail containers
 Discussion paper on issues related to Internet sales of food
 Proposal to revise the General Guidelines for the Use of the 
Term ``Halal'' (CAC/GL 24-1997)

    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.

[[Page 33235]]

    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene:

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

    The Committee convened for its 46th Session in Lima, Peru, November 
17-21, 2014. The relevant document is REP 15/FH. The following items 
will be considered by the Commission at its 38th Session in July 2015:
    To be considered for adoption:

 Amendments to the hygiene sections in meat commodity standards

    To be considered for adoption at Step 8:

 Draft Guidelines for the Control of Trichinella spp. In Meat 
of Suidae

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture 
Foods

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Control of Nontyphoidal 
Salmonella spp. in Beef and Pork Meat
 Proposed Draft Guidelines on the Application of General 
Principles of Food Hygiene to the Control of Foodborne Parasites
 Discussion paper on the need to revise the Code of Hygienic 
Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CAC/RCP 53-2003)
 Discussion paper on the revision of the General Principles of 
Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969) and its Hazard Analysis and Critical 
Control Points annex
 Proposed annexes to the Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-
Moisture Foods
 New Work Proposals/Forward Work Plan

    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
    The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) is 
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and codes of practice 
as may be appropriate for fresh fruits and vegetables; for consulting 
as necessary, with other international organizations in the standards 
development process to avoid duplication.
    The 19th Session of the Committee will meet in Mexico, October 5-9, 
2015. The Committee will continue discussing the following items:

 Proposed draft Standard for Ware Potato
 Proposed draft Standard for Garlic
 Proposed draft Standard for Aubergines
 Proposed draft Standard for Kiwifruit
 Proposals for new work for Codex standards for fresh fruits 
and vegetables
 Proposed layout for Codex standards for 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 convened for its 36th Session in Bali, Indonesia, 
November 24-28, 2014. The reference document is REP 15/NFSDU. The 
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 38th 
Session in July 2015:
    To be considered for adoption:

 The amendments to the annex of the Guidelines on Nutrition 
Labelling (CAC/GL2-1985)
 Proposed draft revision of the List of Food Additives in Codex 
Stan 72-1981
 Proposal for inclusion of zinc citrates in the Advisory Lists 
of Nutrient Compounds for Use in Foods for Special Dietary Uses 
Intended for Infants and Young Children (CAC/GL10-1979)
 Draft amendment to the Standard for Foods for Special Dietary 
Use for Persons Intolerant to Gluten (Codex STAN 118-1979), to add the 
term ``Khorasan wheat''

    To be considered for adoption at Step 8:

 Draft revision of the General Principles for the Addition of 
Essential Nutrients to Foods
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values 
for Labelling Purposes in the Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling (CAC/
GL2-1985)
 Proposed draft Nutrient Reference Value (NRV) for Potassium in 
Relation to the Risk of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD)

    To be recommended for discontinuation:

 Proposed draft amendment of the Standard for Processed Cereal-
Based Foods for infants and Young Children (CODEX STAN 74-1981) to 
include a New Part B for Underweight Children

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values 
for Labelling Purposes in the Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling 
(Vitamin A, D, E, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Chromium, Copper, Chloride & 
Iron)
 Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula (Codex Stan 156-
1987)
 Proposed draft definition of biofortification and/or 
biofortified foods
 Proposed draft NRV-NCD for EPA and DHA long chain omega-3 
fatty acids
 Discussion paper on Claim for ``Free'' for Trans Fatty Acids
 Discussion paper on a standard for ready to use foods (RUF)

    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service 
(ARS).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products
    The Fish and Fishery Products Committee (CCFFP) is responsible for 
elaborating standards for fresh, frozen and otherwise processed fish, 
crustaceans, and mollusks. The Committee will convene its 34th Session 
in Alesund, Norway, October 19-24, 2015. The Committee will continue 
working on the following agenda items:

 Draft Code of Practice for Processing of Fish Sauce

[[Page 33236]]

 Proposed draft Code of Practice on the Processing of Fresh and 
Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (section on sturgeon caviar)
 Proposed food additive provisions in the Standard for Fish and 
Fishery Products
 Discussion paper on Nitrogen Factors (amendments to section 
7.4 of the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish 
Portions and Fish Fillets- Breaded or in Batter (Codex Stan 166-1989)
 Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (optional final 
product requirements for commodities/appendix on Map)
 Discussion paper on histamine

Other Business and Future Work

 New work proposal on a Standard for Fresh Chilled Pirarucu 
Fillet or Whole Fish
 Discussion paper on the future of the Committee

    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDC/NOAA/NMFS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) is responsible for 
elaborating worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, 
and marine origin, including margarine and olive oil.
    The 24th session of the Committee convened in Melaka, Malaysia, 
February 9-13, 2015. The reference document is REP 15/FO. The following 
items will be considered by the Commission at its 38th Session in July 
2015:
    To be considered for adoption:

 Amendments to Appendix 2 ``List of Acceptable Previous 
Cargoes'' of the Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of 
Edible Fats and Oils in Bulk (CAC/RCP 36-1987)
 Reference to Acceptance/Voluntary Application in Codex 
Standards

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5:

 Proposed draft Standard for Fish Oils

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Amendments to Appendix 2 ``List of Acceptable Previous 
Cargoes'' of the Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of 
Edible Fats and Oils in Bulk (CAC/RCP 36-1987)
 Addition of Palm Oil with High Oleic Acid (OxG)
 Revision of Fatty Acid Composition and Other Quality Factors 
of Peanut Oil
 Revision of the Limit for Campesterol
 Revision of Limits of Oleic and Linoleic Acids in Sunflower 
Seed Oils
 Inclusion of provisions for Walnut Oil, Almond Oil, Hazelnut 
Oil, Pistachio Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Avocado Oil
 Replacement of Acid Value with Free Fatty Acids for Virgin 
Palm Oils
 Inclusion of Quality Parameters for Crude Rice Bran Oil
 Discussion paper on the amendment of the Standard for Named 
Animal Fats (Codex Stan 211-1999) Inclusion of Unrefined Edible Tallow

    To be recommended for discontinuation:

 Inclusion of provisions for High Oleic Soybean Oil
 Inclusion of provisions for High Stearic High Oleic Acids of 
Sunflower Seed Oils
 Contents of delta-7-stigmastenol
 Discussion paper on the amendment of the Code of Practice for 
the Storage and Transport of Edible Fats and Oils in Bulk (CAC/RCP 36-
1987)
 Discussion paper on the amendment of the Code of Practice for 
the Storage and Transport of Edible Fats and Oils in Bulk

    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 texts for 
all types of processed fruits and vegetables including but not limited 
to canned, dried, and frozen products, as well as fruit and vegetable 
juices and nectars.
    The Committee convened its 27th Session in Philadelphia, 
Pennsylvania, September 8-12, 2014. The reference document is REP 15/
PFV. The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 
38th Session in July 2015:
    To be considered for adoption:

 Amendments to food additive provisions in the standards for 
canned chestnuts and canned chestnut puree, canned bamboo shoots, 
canned mushrooms (certain canned vegetables), and pickled fruits and 
vegetables
 Amendments to food additive and packing media provisions in 
the Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables

    To be considered for adoption at Step 8:

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

    To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:

 Proposed draft Annex on Canned Pears (draft Standard for 
Certain Canned Fruits)
 Proposed draft Annexes for Certain Quick Frozen Vegetables: 
Leeks, Carrots, Corn-on the Cob, Whole Kernel Corn (draft Standard for 
Quick Frozen Vegetables)
 Proposed draft Standard for Ginseng Products

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Annex on Canned Pineapples
 Proposed draft Annexes on Quick Frozen Vegetables (including 
methods of analysis for quick frozen vegetables)
 Status of work on the review/revision of Codex standards for 
processed fruits and vegetables

    The Committee also agreed to forward the following items to the 
47th session of CCFA for endorsement:

 Food additive provisions for canned chestnut and canned 
chestnut puree, canned bamboo shoots, canned mangoes and pickled fruits 
and vegetables for endorsement by CCFA

    Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products
    The Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP) establishes 
international codes and standards concerning milk and milk products.
    The Committee has been reactivated electronically to work on a 
standard for processed cheese. The Committee held a physical Working 
Group (pWG) in Brussels January 20-22, 2015.
    The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 
38th Session in July 2015.
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5:

 Draft General Standard for Processed Cheese

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Draft Standard for Whey Permeate Powder

    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Sugars
    The Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS) elaborates worldwide standards

[[Page 33237]]

for all types of sugars and sugar products.
    The Committee has been reactivated electronically to work on a 
standard for Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice.
    The following item will be considered by the Commission at its 38th 
Session in July 2015.
    To be considered for adoption:

 Draft Standard for Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane 
Juice at Step 8.

    The Committee will continue working on:

 No additional work is ongoing in this Committee. It will again 
be adjourned sine die once the work on the Standard for Non-
Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice has been adopted

    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:

 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.

 Natural Mineral Waters

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

 Vegetable Proteins

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

FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees

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

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

Coordinating Committee for Africa

    The Committee (CCAfrica) met for its 21st Session in 
Yaound[eacute], Cameroon, January 27-30, 2015. The reference document 
is REP 15/AFRICA. There are no items to be considered for adoption by 
the Commission at its 38th Session in July 2015.
    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Standard for dried meat
 Proposed draft Regional Standard for fermented cooked cassava 
based products
 Proposed draft Regional Standard for Shea Butter
 Proposed draft Regional Standard for Gnetum Spp. Leaves

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

Coordinating Committee for Asia

    The Committee (CCAsia) met for its 19th Session in Tokyo, Japan, 
November 3-7, 2014. The reference document is REP 15/ASIA. The 
following items are to be considered for adoption by the 38th Session 
of the Commission in July 2015:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 8:

 Draft Regional Standard for Non-Fermented Soybean Products

    To be considered for adoption:

 Amendments to sections ``Food Additives'' and ``Methods of 
Analysis and Sampling'' of the Regional Standard for Tempe

    To be recommended for discontinuation:

 Draft Strategic Plan for CCASIA 2015-2020
 Discussion paper on edible crickets and their products

    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Standard for Laver products
 Proposed draft Regional Code of Hygienic Practice for Street-
Vended Foods
 Discussion paper on Makgeolli
 Discussion paper on Natto
 Discussion paper on Dried Longan

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

Coordinating Committee for Europe

    The Committee (CCEurope) convened its 29th Session in The Hague, 
the Netherlands, September 30-October 04, 2014. The reference document 
is REP 15/EURO. There are no items for adoption by the Commission at 
its 38th Session in July 2015.
    The Committee will continue working on:

 Regional Strategic Plan for CCEURO.

    To be recommended for discontinuation:

 Proposed draft Regional Standard for Ayran.

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

Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean

    The Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean 
(CCLAC) convened its 19th Session in San Jos[eacute], Costa Rica, from 
November 10-14, 2014. The reference document is REP 15/LAC. There are 
no items for adoption by the Commission at its 38th Session in July 
2015.
    The Committee will continue working on:

     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Yacon.

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

Coordinating Committee for the Near East

    The Committee (CCNEA) convened its 8th Session in Rome, Italy, June 
1-5, 2015. There are no items to be considered for adoption by the 
Commission at its 38th Session in July 2015.
    The Committee will continue working on:

 Regional Standard for Doogh
 Proposed draft Regional Standard for Labneh
 Proposed draft Regional Standard for Zaatar

[[Page 33238]]

 Discussion paper on a Standard for Camel Milk
 Draft Strategic Plan for CCNEA 2015-2020
 Nomination of Coordinator

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

Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific 
(CCNASWP)

    The Committee (CCNASWP) convened its 13th Session in Kokopo, Papua 
New Guinea, September 23-26, 2014. The reference document is REP 15/
NASWP. There are no items to be considered for adoption by the 
Commission at its 38th Session in July 2015.
    The Committee will continue working on:

 Proposed draft Standard for Fermented Noni Juice
 Implementation Status of the Strategic Plan for CCNAWSWP 2014-
2019
 Discussion paper on kava
 Areas of new work of interest to the Region

    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, Chief, Contract Services 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) 690-1201, 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 
2, Room 236, 7520 Standish Place, Rockville, Maryland 20855, Phone: 
(240) 402-0571, Fax: (240) 276-8242 Steven.Vaughn@fda.hhs.gov.

U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates

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

Worldwide General Codex Subject Committees

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: +1 (240) 402-
1700, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2651, 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: +1 (202) 690-6451, Fax: +1 
(202) 690-6337, Kerry.Dearfield@fsis.usda.gov.

Food Additives (Host Government--China)

U.S. Delegate
Susan E. Carberry, Ph.D., Supervisory Chemist, Division of Petition 
Review, Office of Food Additive Safety (HFS-265), Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1269, 
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2972, Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Paul S. Honigfort, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Division of Food 
Contact Notifications (HFS-275), Office of Food Additive Safety, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, 
MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1206, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2965, 
Paul.Honigfort@fda.hhs.gov.

Food Hygiene (Host Government--United States)

U.S. Delegate
Jenny Scott, Senior Advisor, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-300, Room 3B-014, College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2166, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
Jenny.Scott@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegates
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: +1 (202) 690-6451, Fax: +1 
(202) 690-6337, Kerry.Dearfield@fsis.usda.gov.
Andrew Chi Yuen Yeung, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-316, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 
402-1541, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, Andrew.Yeung@fda.hhs.gov.

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

U.S. Delegate
Mary Stanley, Director, Office of International Coordination, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
2925, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-0287, Fax: +1 (202) 720-4929, 
Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Vacant

Food Labelling (Host Government--Canada)

U.S. Delegate
Felicia B. Billingslea, Director, Food Labeling and Standards Staff, 
Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway (HFS-820), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 
402-2371, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2636, felicia.billingslea@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Jeffrey Canavan, Deputy Director, Labeling and Program Delivery Staff, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service,

[[Page 33239]]

U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 
5273, Patriots Plaza 3, 8th Floor-161A, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 
(301) 504-0860, Fax: +1 (202) 245-4792, jeff.canavan@fsis.usda.gov.

General Principles (Host Government--France)

    Delegate Note: A member of the Steering Committee heads the 
delegation to meetings of the General Principles Committee.
Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government--Hungary)
U.S. Delegate
Gregory O. Noonan, Ph.D., Director, Division of Bioanalytical 
Chemistry, Division of Analytical Chemistry, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2250, Fax: +1 
(301) 436-2332, Gregory.Noonan@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Timothy Norden, Branch Chief, Grain Inspection, Packers and 
Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), Technology & Science Division, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 10383 Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO, USA 
64153, Phone: +1 (816) 891-0470, Fax: +1 (816) 891-8070, 
timothy.d.norden@gipsa.usda.gov.

Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (Host Government--Germany)

U.S. Delegate
Paula R. Trumbo, Ph.D., Nutrition Programs, 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-830, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2579, Fax: +1 
(301) 436-1191, Paula.Trumbo@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Pamela R. Pehrsson, Ph.D., Research Leader, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory, 
Room 105, Building 005, BARC-West, 110300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, 
MD 20705, Phone: +1 (301) 504-0630, Fax: +1 (301) 504-0632, 
pamela.pehrsson@ars.usda.gov.

Pesticide Residues (Host Government--China)

U.S. Delegate
Ms. Barbara Madden, Lead Biologist/Minor Use Team Leader, Office of 
Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios 
Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460, Phone: +1 
(703) 305-6463, Fax: +1 (703) 305-6920, madden.barbara@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: +1 (202) 690-
6558, Fax: +1 (202) 690-2364, Pat.Basu@fsis.usda.gov.

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

U.S. Delegate
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, 7500 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, 
Phone: +1 (240) 402-0638, Fax: +1 (240) 276-9538, 
kevin.greenlees@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Charles Pixley, DVM, Ph.D., Director, Laboratory Quality Assurance 
Staff, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station Road, 
Athens, GA 30605, Phone: +1 (706) 546-3559, Fax: +1 (706) 546-3452, 
charles.pixley@fsis.usda.gov.

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active)

Fats and Oils (Host Government--Malaysia)

U.S. Delegate
Dr. Paul South, Acting Director, Division of Plant Products and 
Beverages, Office of Food Safety (HFS-317), Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD, USA 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1640, 
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, Paul.South@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Robert A. Moreau, Ph.D., Research Leader, Eastern Regional Research 
Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, Phone: +1 (215) 233-6428, 
Fax: +1 (215) 233-6406, robert.moreau@ars.usda.gov.

Fish and Fishery Products (Host Government--Norway)

U.S. Delegate
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: +1 (240) 402-2300, Fax: +1 
(301) 436-2601, William.Jones@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Vacant

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: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527, 
dorian.lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Samir K. Assar, Ph.D., Director, Produce Safety Staff, Office of Food 
Safety, Food and Drug Administration, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1636, 
Samir.Assar@fda.hhs.gov.

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: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527, 
Dorian.Lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Yinqing Ma, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Office of Food Safety (HFS-
317), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and

[[Page 33240]]

Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: +1 (240) 402-2479, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
Yinqing.Ma@fda.hhs.gov.

Spices and Culinary Herbs (Host Government--India)

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: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527, 
Dorian.Lafond@usda.gov
Alternate Delegate
George C. Ziobro, Ph.D., Dairy and Egg Branch, HFS-316, Division of 
Plant and Dairy Food Safety, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, 
MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1965, George.Ziobro@fda.hhs.gov.

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Adjourned) Cereals, Pulses and 
Legumes (Adjourned sine die) (Host Government--United States)

U.S. Delegate
Vacant

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: +1 (240) 402-2024, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2651, 
michelle.smith@fda.hhs.gov.

Meat Hygiene (Adjourned sine die) (Host Government--New Zealand)

U.S. Delegate
Vacant

Milk and Milk Products (Host Government--New Zealand)

U.S. Delegate
Diane D. Lewis, Director, Grading and Standards Division, Dairy 
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 
+1 (202) 690-0530, Fax: +1 (202) 720-2643, Diane.Lewis@ams.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
John F. Sheehan, Director, Division of Dairy, Egg and Meat 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: +1 
(240) 402-1488, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, john.sheehan@fda.hhs.gov.

Natural Mineral Waters (Adjourned sine die) (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: +1 (240) 402-1639, Fax: +1 
(301) 436-2632, Lauren.Robin@fda.hhs.gov.

Sugars (Host Government--United Kingdom)

U.S. Delegate
Vacant

Vegetable Proteins (Adjourned sine die)

U.S. Delegate
Vacant

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces Animal Feeding (Host Government--
Switzerland)

U.S. 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: +1 
(240) 453-6830, Fax: +1 (240) 453-6880, Daniel.McChesney@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
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: +1 (202) 690-6189, patty.bennett@fsis.usda.gov.

Antimicrobial Resistance (Host government--Republic of Korea)

U.S. Delegate
David G. White, M.S., Ph.D., Director, Office of Research, U.S. Food 
and Drug Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, 8401 Muirkirk 
Road, Laurel, MD 20708, Phone: +1 (301) 210-4187, Fax: +1 (301) 210-
4685, David.White@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Neena Anandaraman, DVM, MPH, Veterinary Medical Officer, Applied 
Epidemiology Division, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 3777, PP3, 9-
241B, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 
(202) 690-6429, Fax: +1 (202) 690-6364, 
neena.anandaraman@fsis.usda.gov.

[FR Doc. 2015-14306 Filed 6-10-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P