International Standard-Setting Activities, 42631-42640 [2016-15632]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices
important. Consequently, FSIS will
announce this Federal Register
publication on-line through the FSIS
Web page located at: https://www.fsis.
usda.gov/federal-register. FSIS also will
make copies of this publication
available through the FSIS Constituent
Update, which is used to provide
information regarding FSIS policies,
procedures, regulations, Federal
Register notices, FSIS public meetings,
and other types of information that
could affect or would be of interest to
our constituents and stakeholders. The
Update is available on the FSIS Web
page. Through the Web page, FSIS is
able to provide information to a much
broader, more diverse audience. In
addition, FSIS offers an email
subscription service which provides
automatic and customized access to
selected food safety news and
information. This service is available at:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe.
Options range from recalls to export
information, regulations, directives, and
notices. Customers can add or delete
subscriptions themselves, and have the
option to password protect their
accounts.
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Done at Washington, DC, on June 27, 2016.
Alfred V. Almanza,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016–15550 Filed 6–29–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
[Docket No. FSIS–2016–0012]
International Standard-Setting
Activities
Office of Food Safety, USDA.
Notice.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
This notice informs the public
of the sanitary and phytosanitary
standard-setting activities of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (Codex), in
accordance with section 491 of the
Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as
amended, and the Uruguay Round
Agreements Act. This notice also
provides a list of other standard-setting
activities of Codex, including
commodity standards, guidelines, codes
of practice, and revised texts. This
notice, which covers Codex activities
during the time periods from June 1,
2015, to May 31, 2016, and June 1, 2016,
to May 31, 2017, seeks comments on
standards under consideration and
recommendations for new standards.
ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested
persons to submit their comments on
this notice. Comments may be
submitted by one of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: This
Web site provides the ability to type
short comments directly into the
comment field on this Web page or
attach a file for lengthier comments. Go
to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the on-line instructions at the Web site
for submitting comments.
• Mail, including CD–ROMs, etc.:
Mail to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop
3782, Room 8–163B, Washington, DC
20250–3700.
• Hand- or courier-delivered items:
Deliver to OPPD, RIMS, Docket
Clearance Unit, Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E
Street SW., Room 8–164, Washington,
DC 20250–3700.
Instructions: All items submitted by
mail or email are to include the Agency
name and docket number FSIS–2016–
0012. Comments received in response to
this docket will be made available for
public inspection and posted without
change, including any personal
information to https://
www.regulations.gov.
SUMMARY:
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Please state that your comments refer
to Codex and, if your comments relate
to specific Codex committees, please
identify the committee(s) in your
comments and submit a copy of your
comments to the delegate from that
particular committee.
Docket: For access to background
documents or comments received, visit
the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza
3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8–164,
Washington, DC 20250–3700, between
8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday. A complete list of U.S.
delegates and alternate delegates can be
found in Attachment 2 of this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mary Frances Lowe, United States
Manager for Codex Alimentarius, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Office of
Food Safety, South Agriculture
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW., Room 4861, Washington, DC
20250–3700; Telephone: (202) 205–
7760; Fax: (202) 720–3157; Email:
USCodex@fsis.usda.gov.
For information pertaining to
particular committees, contact the
delegate of that committee. Documents
pertaining to Codex and specific
committee agendas are accessible via
the Internet at https://www.codex
alimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/.
The U.S. Codex Office also maintains a
Web site at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
wps/portal/fsis/topics/internationalaffairs/us-codex-alimentarius.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The World Trade Organization (WTO)
was established on January 1, 1995, as
the common international institutional
framework for the conduct of trade
relations among its members in matters
related to the Uruguay Round Trade
Agreements. The WTO is the successor
organization to the General Agreement
on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). United
States membership in the WTO was
approved and the Uruguay Round
Agreements Act (Uruguay Round
Agreements) was signed into law by the
President on December 8, 1994, Public
Law 103–465, 108 Stat. 4809. The
Uruguay Round Agreements became
effective, with respect to the United
States, on January 1, 1995. The Uruguay
Round Agreements amended the Trade
Agreements Act of 1979. Pursuant to
section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act
of 1979, as amended, the President is
required to designate an agency to be
‘‘responsible for informing the public of
the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS)
standard-setting activities of each
international standard-setting
organization’’ (19 U.S.C. 2578). The
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main international standard-setting
organizations are Codex, the World
Organisation for Animal Health, and the
International Plant Protection
Convention. The President, pursuant to
Proclamation No. 6780 of March 23,
1995, (60 FR 15845), designated the U.S.
Department of Agriculture as the agency
responsible for informing the public of
the SPS standard-setting activities of
each international standard-setting
organization. The Secretary of
Agriculture has delegated to the Office
of Food Safety the responsibility to
inform the public of the SPS standardsetting activities of Codex. The Office of
Food Safety has, in turn, assigned the
responsibility for informing the public
of the SPS standard-setting activities of
Codex to the U.S. Codex Office (USCO).
Codex was created in 1963 by two
United Nations organizations, the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and
the World Health Organization (WHO).
Codex is the principal international
organization for establishing standards
for food. Through adoption of food
standards, codes of practice, and other
guidelines developed by its committees
and by promoting their adoption and
implementation by governments, Codex
seeks to protect the health of consumers,
ensure fair practices in the food trade,
and promote coordination of food
standards work undertaken by
international governmental and
nongovernmental organizations. In the
United States, U.S. Codex activities are
managed and carried out by the United
States Department of Agriculture
(USDA); the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA), Department of
Health and Human Services (HHS); the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Department of
Commerce (DOC); and the
Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA).
As the agency responsible for
informing the public of the SPS
standard-setting activities of Codex, the
Office of Food Safety publishes this
notice in the Federal Register annually.
Attachment 1 (Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Activities of Codex) sets
forth the following information:
1. The SPS standards under
consideration or planned for
consideration; and
2. For each SPS standard specified:
a. A description of the consideration
or planned consideration of the
standard;
b. Whether the United States is
participating or plans to participate in
the consideration of the standard;
c. The agenda for United States
participation, if any; and
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d. The agency responsible for
representing the United States with
respect to the standard.
TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE
STANDARDS LISTED IN
ATTACHMENT 1, PLEASE CONTACT
THE CODEX DELEGATE OR THE U.S.
CODEX OFFICE.
This notice also solicits public
comment on standards that are currently
under consideration or planned for
consideration and recommendations for
new standards. The delegate, in
conjunction with the responsible
agency, will take the comments received
into account in participating in the
consideration of the standards and in
proposing matters to be considered by
Codex.
The U.S. delegate will facilitate public
participation in the United States
Government’s activities relating to
Codex. The U.S. delegate will maintain
a list of individuals, groups, and
organizations that have expressed an
interest in the activities of the Codex
Committees and will disseminate
information regarding U.S. delegation
activities to interested parties. This
information will include the status of
each agenda item; the U.S.
Government’s position or preliminary
position on the agenda items; and the
time and place of planning meetings
and debriefing meetings following the
Codex committee sessions. In addition,
the U.S. Codex Office makes much of
the same information available through
its Web page at https://www.fsis.usda.
gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/
international-affairs/us-codexalimentarius. If you would like to access
or receive information about specific
committees, please visit the Web page or
notify the appropriate U.S. delegate or
the U.S. Codex Office, Room 4861,
South Agriculture Building, 1400
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250–3700 (uscodex@
fsis.usda.gov).
The information provided in
Attachment 1 describes the status of
Codex standard-setting activities by the
Codex Committees for the time periods
from June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, and
June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2017.
Attachment 2 provides a list of U.S.
Codex Officials (including U.S.
delegates and alternate delegates). A list
of forthcoming Codex sessions may be
found at: https://www.codex
alimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/.
Additional Public Notification
Public awareness of all segments of
rulemaking and policy development is
important. Consequently, FSIS will
announce this Federal Register
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publication on-line through the FSIS
Web page located at: https://
www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register.
FSIS also will make copies of this
publication available through the FSIS
Constituent Update, which is used to
provide information regarding FSIS
policies, procedures, regulations,
Federal Register notices, FSIS public
meetings, and other types of information
that could affect or would be of interest
to our constituents and stakeholders.
The Update is available on the FSIS
Web page. Through the Web page, FSIS
is able to provide information to a much
broader, more diverse audience. In
addition, FSIS offers an email
subscription service which provides
automatic and customized access to
selected food safety news and
information. This service is available at:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe.
Options range from recalls to export
information, regulations, directives, and
notices. Customers can add or delete
subscriptions themselves, and have the
option to password protect their
accounts.
Done at Washington, DC, on: June 27, 2016.
Paulo Almeida,
Acting U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius.
Attachment 1
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of
Codex
Codex Alimentarius Commission and
Executive Committee
The Codex Alimentarius Commission
will convene for its 39th Session June
27–July 1, 2016, in Rome, Italy. At that
time, it will consider proposals for new
work as well as proposed standards,
codes of practice, and related matters
forwarded to the Commission by the
general subject committees, commodity
committees, and regional coordinating
committees for adoption as Codex
standards and guidance. The
Commission will also consider the
relations between FAO and WHO
policies, strategies and guidelines and
Codex work; Codex work on
antimicrobial resistance; FAO/WHO
Scientific Support for Codex; and the
FAO/WHO Project and Trust Fund for
Enhanced Participation in Codex; and
financial and budgetary issues.
Before the Commission meeting, the
Executive Committee will meet at its
71st Session, June 20–23, 2016. It is
composed of the chairperson; vicechairpersons; seven members elected
from the Commission from each of the
following geographic regions: Africa,
Asia, Europe, Latin America and the
Caribbean, Near East, North America,
and South-West Pacific; and regional
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coordinators from the six regional
committees. Canada is the elected
representative from North America; the
United States will participate as an
advisor. The Executive Committee will
conduct a critical review of the
elaboration of Codex standards and will
consider the implementation status of
the Codex Strategic Plan (2014–2019),
preparation for the 2020–2025 Strategic
Plan, Codex work on antimicrobial
resistance, Codex work management
and functioning of the Executive
Committee, scientific support for Codex
work, issues related to committees
working by correspondence, and
financial and budgetary issues.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/
USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Residues of
Veterinary Drugs in Foods
The Codex Committee on Residues of
Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF)
determines priorities for the
consideration of residues of veterinary
drugs in foods and recommends
Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for
veterinary drugs. The Committee also
develops codes of practice, as may be
required, and considers methods of
sampling and analysis for the
determination of veterinary drug
residues in food. A veterinary drug is
defined as any substance applied or
administered to any food producing
animal, such as meat or milk producing
animals, poultry, fish, or bees, whether
used for therapeutic, prophylactic or
diagnostic purposes, or for modification
of physiological functions or behavior.
A Codex Maximum Residue Limit
(MRL) for residues of veterinary drugs is
the maximum concentration of residue
resulting from the use of a veterinary
drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a
fresh weight basis) that is recommended
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission
to be permitted or recognized as
acceptable in or on a food. Residues of
a veterinary drug include the parent
compounds or their metabolites in any
edible portion of the animal product,
and include residues of associated
impurities of the veterinary drug
concerned. An MRL is based on the type
and amount of residue considered to be
without any toxicological hazard for
human health as expressed by the
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) or on the
basis of a temporary ADI that utilizes an
additional safety factor. When
establishing an MRL, consideration is
also given to residues that occur in food
of plant origin or the environment.
Furthermore, the MRL may be reduced
to be consistent with official
recommended or authorized usage,
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approved by national authorities, of the
veterinary drugs under practical
conditions.
An ADI is an estimate made by the
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on
Food Additives (JECFA) of the amount
of a veterinary drug, expressed on a
body weight basis, which can be
ingested daily in food over a lifetime
without appreciable health risk.
The Committee will convene its 23rd
Session in Houston, Texas, October 17–
21, 2016. The Committee plans to
discuss the following items:
• Matters of Interest arising from
FAO/WHO and from the 81st Meeting of
the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee
on Food Additives (JECFA);
• Report of the World Organisation
for Animal Health (OIE) activities,
including the harmonization of
technical requirements for registration
of veterinary medicinal products;
• Proposed draft Risk Management
Recommendation (RMR) for gentian
violet at Step 3;
• Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin
(cattle muscle) and lasalocid sodium
(chicken, turkey, quail and pheasant
kidney, liver, muscle, skin + fat) at Step
4;
• Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin
(cattle fat, kidney, muscle),
teflubenzuron (salmon fillet, muscle)
and zilpaterol hydrocholoride (cattle fat,
kidney, liver, muscle) at Step 3;
• Discussion paper on unintended
presence of residues of veterinary drugs
in food commodities resulting from the
carry-over of drug residues into feed;
• Discussion paper on the
establishment of a rating system to
establish priority for CCRVDF work;
• Global survey to provide
information to the CCRVDF to move
compounds from the database on
countries’ needs for MRLs to the JECFA
Priority List (Report of EWG);
• Draft priority list of veterinary
drugs requiring evaluation or reevaluation by JECFA; and
• Other Business and Future Work.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/
Center for Veterinary Medicine; USDA/
FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Contaminants in
Foods
The Codex Committee on
Contaminants in Foods (CCCF)
establishes or endorses permitted
maximum levels (MLs) or guideline
levels for contaminants and naturally
occurring toxicants in food and feed;
prepares priority lists of contaminants
and naturally occurring toxicants for
risk assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO
Expert Committee on Food Additives;
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42633
considers and elaborates methods of
analysis and sampling for the
determination of contaminants and
naturally occurring toxicants in food
and feed; considers and elaborates
standards or codes of practice for related
subjects; and considers other matters
assigned to it by the Commission in
relation to contaminants and naturally
occurring toxicants in food and feed.
The Committee convened for its 10th
Session in Rotterdam, The Netherlands,
April 4–8, 2016. The relevant document
is REP16/CF. The following items are to
be considered for adoption by the 39th
Session of the Commission in June
2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step
8:
• Draft ML for inorganic arsenic in
husked rice; and
• Draft revised Code of Practice for
the Prevention and Reduction of
Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals
(CAC/RCP 51–2003).
To be considered for adoption at Step
5/8:
• Proposed draft MLs for lead in fruit
juices and nectars ready to drink
(inclusion of passion fruit); canned
fruits (inclusion of canned berries and
other small fruits); canned vegetables
(inclusion of canned leafy vegetables
and canned legume vegetables); jams,
jellies, and marmalades (lower ML and
inclusion of marmalades); pickled
cucumbers (lower ML); preserved
tomatoes (lower ML and note on the
application of a concentration factor);
and table olives (lower ML); and
• Proposed draft annexes on
zearalenone, fumonisins, ochratoxin A,
trichothecenes and aflatoxins to the
Code of Practice for the Prevention and
Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination
in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51–2003).
The Committee will continue working
on:
• Proposed draft annex on ergot and
ergot alkaloids in cereal grains (Annex
to the Code of Practice for the
Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin
Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51–
2003);
• Outstanding issues related to the
review of MLs for lead in selected fruits
and vegetables (fresh and processed)
and other selected food categories;
• Proposed draft Code of Practice for
the Prevention and Reduction of
Arsenic Contamination in Rice;
• Proposed draft MLs for cadmium in
chocolate and cocoa-derived products;
• Proposed draft Code of Practice for
the Prevention and Reduction of
Mycotoxin Contamination in Spices and
its annexes;
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• Proposed draft MLs for total
aflatoxins in ready to eat peanuts
following the JECFA evaluation;
• Discussion paper on MLs for
mycotoxins in spices;
• Discussion paper on methylmercury
in tuna (fresh/frozen and canned) and in
other fish species;
• Discussion paper on non-dioxin
like PCBs in the Code of Practice for the
Prevention and Reduction of Dioxins
and Dioxin like PCB Contamination in
Food and Feeds (CAC/RCP 62–2006);
• Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids following
the outcome of the JECFA evaluation;
and
• Priority list on contaminants and
naturally occurring toxicants proposed
for evaluation by JECFA.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA;
USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Additives
The Codex Committee on Food
Additives (CCFA) establishes or
endorses acceptable maximum levels
(MLs) for individual food additives;
prepares a priority list of food additives
for risk assessment by the Joint FAO/
WHO Expert Committee on Food
Additives (JECFA); assigns functional
classes to individual food additives;
recommends specifications of identity
and purity for food additives for
adoption by the Codex Alimentarius
Commission; considers methods of
analysis for the determination of
additives in food; and considers and
elaborates standards or codes of practice
for related subjects such as the labeling
of food additives when sold as such.
The 48th Session of the Committee
convened in Xi’an, China, March 14–18,
2016. The relevant document is REP16/
FA. Immediately prior to the Plenary
Session, there was a two-day physical
Working Group on the General Standard
for Food Additives (GSFA) chaired by
the United States.
The following items will be
considered by the 39th Session of the
Commission in June 2016:
To be considered for approval:
• Amendments to food additive
provisions in commodity standards.
To be considered for adoption:
• Revised food additives section of
the Standards for Cocoa Butter (CODEX
STAN 86–1981), Chocolate and
Chocolate Products (CODEX STAN 87–
1981), Cocoa (Cacao) Mass (Cocoa/
Chocolate liquor) and Cocoa Cake
(CODEX STAN 141–1983) and Cocoa
Powders (Cocoas) and Dry Mixtures of
Cocoa and Sugars (CODEX STAN 105–
1981);
• Revised food additive provisions of
the GSFA related to the alignment of the
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four commodity standards for chocolate
and chocolate products and the
commodity standards identified by the
Committee on Fish and Fishery
Products (CCFFP); and
• Revised the food additive provision
of the GSFA for benzoates in waterbased flavored drinks in response to a
recommendation from JECFA.
To be considered at Step 8 and 5/8:
• Draft and proposed draft food
additive provisions of the GSFA.
To be considered at Step 5/8:
• Proposed draft specifications for the
identity and purity of food additives;
• Proposed draft amendments to the
International Numbering System (INS)
for Food Additives (CAC/GL 36–1989);
• Proposed draft revision of food
category 01.1 ‘‘Fluid milk and milk
products’’ of the GSFA and
consequential changes; and
• Proposed draft revision of Sections
4.1c and 5.1c of the General Standard
for the Labeling of Food Additives When
Sold as Such (CODEX STAN 107–1981).
The Committee will continue working
on:
• Proposed draft food additive
provisions of the GSFA (eWG led by the
United States);
• Amendments to the INS for food
additives; and
• Specifications for the Identity and
Purity of Food Additives (82nd JECFA);
• Alignment of the food additive
provisions of commodity standards and
relevant provisions of the GSFA (eWG
led by Australia and the United States);
• Recommendations on the use of
food additives in wine and specific
provisions for acidity regulators,
stabilizers, and antioxidants (eWG led
by France and Australia);
• Discussion paper on the
management of CCFA work (China and
United States);
• Discussion paper on the use of
nitrates and nitrites (Netherlands);
• Proposal for additions and changes
to the Priority List of Substances
Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA;
• Information document on the
GSFA; and
• Information document on food
additive provisions in commodity
standards.
The Committee also agreed to hold a
physical Working Group on the GSFA
immediately preceding the 49th Session
of CCFA to be chaired by the United
States. The group will discuss:
• The recommendations of the eWG
on the GSFA on food additive
provisions to be circulated for comment.
• The comments submitted in
responses to a circular letter requesting
information on the use and use levels of
adipic acid.
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• The new proposals and proposed
revisions of food additive provisions in
the GSFA.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues
The Codex Committee on Pesticide
Residues (CCPR) is responsible for
establishing maximum residue limits
(MRLs) for pesticide residues in specific
food items or in groups of food;
establishing MRLs for pesticide residues
in certain animal feeding stuffs moving
in international trade where this is
justified for reasons of protection of
human health; preparing priority lists of
pesticides for evaluation by the Joint
FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide
Residues (JMPR); considering methods
of sampling and analysis for the
determination of pesticide residues in
food and feed; considering other matters
in relation to the safety of food and feed
containing pesticide residues; and
establishing maximum limits for
environmental and industrial
contaminants showing chemical or
other similarity to pesticides in specific
food items or groups of food.
The 48th Session of the Committee
met in Chongqing, China, April 25–30,
2016. The relevant document is REP16/
PR. The following items will be
considered at the 39th Session of the
Codex Alimentarius Commission in
June 2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step
5/8:
• Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides
The Committee will continue working
on:
• Draft MRLs for pesticides
• Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides
• Draft revision to the Classification of
Food and Feed (vegetable commodity
groups: Group 015—Pulses)
• Proposed draft revision to the
Classification of Food and Feed
(selected commodity groups Group
015—Grasses of Cereal grains)
• Proposed draft revision to the
Classification of Food and Feed (other
vegetable commodity groups: Group
014—Legume vegetables, Group 011—
Fruiting vegetables, cucurbits)
• Proposed draft revision to the
Classification of Food and Feed:
1. Group 021—Grasses for sugars or
syrup production and;
2. Group 024—Seeds for beverages
and sweets.
• Proposed draft tables on examples of
selection of representative
commodities (for inclusion in the
principles and guidance for the
selection of representative
commodities for the extrapolation of
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maximum residue limits for
pesticides for commodity groups)
• Proposed draft Guidance on
Performance Criteria for Methods of
Analysis for the Determination of
Pesticide Residues
• Establishment of Codex schedules and
priority list of pesticides for
evaluation by JMPR
• Discussion paper on the possible
revision of the International Estimated
Short-Term Intake (IESTI) equations
Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/
FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Methods of
Analysis and Sampling
The Codex Committee on Methods of
Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS)
defines the criteria appropriate to Codex
Methods of Analysis and Sampling;
serves as a coordinating body for Codex
with other international groups working
on methods of analysis and sampling
and quality assurance systems for
laboratories; specifies, on the basis of
final recommendations submitted to it
by the bodies referred to above,
reference methods of analysis and
sampling appropriate to Codex
standards which are generally
applicable to a number of foods;
considers, amends if necessary, and
endorses as appropriate, methods of
analysis and sampling proposed by
Codex commodity committees, except
for methods of analysis and sampling
for residues of pesticides or veterinary
drugs in food, the assessment of
microbiological quality and safety in
food, and the assessment of
specifications for food additives;
elaborates sampling plans and
procedures, as may be required;
considers specific sampling and
analysis problems submitted to it by the
Commission or any of its Committees;
and defines procedures, protocols,
guidelines or related texts for the
assessment of food laboratory
proficiency, as well as quality assurance
systems for laboratories.
The 37th Session of the Committee
met in Budapest, Hungary, February 22–
26, 2016. The relevant document is
REP16/MAS. The following items will
be considered by the Commission at its
39th Session in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption:
• Methods of Analysis and Sampling
in Codex Standards; and
• Amendments to the Procedural
Manual.
The Committee will continue working
on:
• Guidance on the criteria approach
for methods which use a ‘‘sum of
components’’;
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• Criteria for endorsement of
biological methods to detect chemicals
of concern;
• Procedures for determining
uncertainty of measurement results
(improvements and amendments to
CAC/GL–54–2004);
• Review general guidelines on
sampling (CAC/GL 50–2004) for
potential revision;
• Practical examples on the selection
of appropriate sampling plans; and
• Review and update of methods in
Codex STAN 234–1999.
The following items have been
discontinued:
• Development of procedures/
guidelines for determining equivalency
of Type I methods.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA;
USDA/Grain Inspection, Packers and
Stockyards Administration.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Import and
Export Inspection and Certification
Systems
The Codex Committee on Food Import
and Export Inspection and Certification
Systems (CCFICS) is responsible for
developing principles and guidelines for
food import and export inspection and
certification systems, with a view to
harmonizing methods and procedures
that protect the health of consumers,
ensure fair trading practices, and
facilitate international trade in
foodstuffs; developing principles and
guidelines for the application of
measures by the competent authorities
of exporting and importing countries to
provide assurance, where necessary,
that foodstuffs comply with
requirements, especially statutory
health requirements; developing
guidelines for the utilization, as and
when appropriate, of quality assurance
systems to ensure that foodstuffs
conform with requirements and promote
the recognition of these systems in
facilitating trade in food products under
bilateral/multilateral arrangements by
countries; developing guidelines and
criteria with respect to format,
declarations, and language of such
official certificates as countries may
require with a view towards
international harmonization; making
recommendations for information
exchange in relation to food import/
export control; consulting as necessary
with other international groups working
on matters related to food inspection
and certification systems; and
considering other matters assigned to it
by the Commission in relation to food
inspection and certification systems.
The 22nd Session of the Committee
convened in Melbourne, Australia,
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February 6–12, 2016. The relevant
document is REP16/FICS. There
following items will be considered by
the Commission at its 39th Session in
June 2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step
5/8:
• Proposed draft Principles and
Guidelines for the Exchange of
Information Between Importing and
Exporting Countries to Support the
Trade in Food;
• Proposed draft Revision of the
Principles and Guidelines for the
Exchange of Information in Food Safety
Emergency Situations (CAC/GL 19–
1995); and
• Proposed draft Revision of the
Guidelines for the Exchange of
Information Between Countries on
Rejections of Imported Food (CAC/GL
25–1997).
To be considered for adoption at Step
5:
• Proposed draft Guidance for
Monitoring the Performance of National
Food Control Systems.
The Committee will continue working
on:
• Discussion paper on the Use of
Electronic Certificates by Competent
Authorities and Migration to Paperless
Certification;
• Discussion paper on Third Party
Certification (with broad parameters);
• Discussion paper on Consideration
of Emerging Issues and Future
Directions for the Work of the Codex
Committee on Food Import and Export
Inspection and Certification Systems;
and
• Discussion paper on Food Integrity/
Food Authenticity As Emerging Issues.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS;
HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Labelling
The Codex Committee on Food
Labelling (CCFL) drafts provisions on
labeling applicable to all foods;
considers, amends, and endorses draft
specific provisions on labeling prepared
by the Codex Committees drafting
standards, codes of practice, guidelines;
and studies specific labeling problems
assigned by the Codex Alimentarius
Commission. The Committee also
studies problems associated with the
advertisement of food with particular
reference to claims and misleading
descriptions.
The Committee convened for its 43rd
Session in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada May
9–13, 2016.
There following items will be
considered by the Commission at its
39th Session in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step
5:
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• Revision of the General Standard
for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods:
Date marking.
The Committee proposed that the
Codex Alimentarius Commission
identify a more appropriate forum for
the revision of the Guidelines for the
Production, Processing, Labelling and
Marketing of Organically Produced
Foods: Organic Aquaculture
The Committee agreed to propose new
work on:
• Guidance for the labelling of Nonretail containers
The Committee will continue to work
on:
• Front of Pack Labelling;
• Consideration of issues surrounding
consumer preference claims; and
• Discussion paper on future work for
the Committee.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA;
USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
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Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
The Codex Committee on Food
Hygiene (CCFH):
• Develops basic provisions on food
hygiene applicable to all food or to
specific food types;
• Considers and amends or endorses
provisions on food hygiene contained in
Codex commodity standards and codes
of practice developed by other Codex
commodity committees;
• Considers specific food hygiene
problems assigned to it by the
Commission;
• Suggests and prioritizes areas where
there is a need for microbiological risk
assessment at the international level and
develops questions to be addressed by
the risk assessors; and
• Considers microbiological risk
management matters in relation to food
hygiene and in relation to FAO/WHO
risk assessments.
The Committee convened for its 47th
Session in Boston, Massachusetts,
November 9–13, 2015. The relevant
document is REP 16/FH. The following
items will be considered by the
Commission at its 39th Session in June
2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step
5/8:
• Guidelines for the Control of NonTyphoidal Salmonella spp. in Beef and
Pork Meat;
• Guidelines on the Application of
General Principles of Food Hygiene to
the Control of Foodborne Parasites; and
• Proposed draft Annex I ‘‘Examples
of Microbiological Criteria for LowMoisture Foods when Deemed
Appropriate in accordance with the
Principles and Guidelines for the
Establishment and Application of
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Microbiological Criteria Related to
Foods (CAC/GL 21–1997)’’ and Annex II
‘‘Guidance for the Establishment of
Environmental Monitoring Programs for
Salmonella app. And other
Enterobacteriaceae in Low-Moisture
Food Processing Areas’’ to the Code of
Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture
Foods (CAC/RCP 75–2015).
To be considered for adoption at step
8:
• Draft Annex III ‘‘Spices and Dried
Aromatic Herbs’’ to the Code of
Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture
Foods (CAC/RCP 75–2015)
To be considered for revocation:
• Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices
and Dried Aromatic Herbs (CAC/RCP
42–1995)
The Committee will continue working
on:
• Compiling all guidance for the
control of foodborne parasites into a
single document, e.g., merging the
General Principles of Food Hygiene to
the Control of Foodborne Parasites and
the Guidelines for the control of
Trichinella spp. in meat of Suidae
(CAC/GL 86–2015) and the Guidelines
for the Control of Taenia saginata in
meat of domestic cattle (CAC/GL 85–
2014).
The Committee agreed to the
following items for new work:
• Revision of the General Principles
of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1–1969) and
its HACCP Annex;
• Revision of the Code of Hygienic
Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
(CAC/RCP 53–2003); and
• New work proposals/Forward Work
plan.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA;
USDA/FSIS/.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and
Vegetables
The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits
and Vegetables (CCFFV) is responsible
for elaborating worldwide standards and
codes of practice, as may be appropriate
for fresh fruits and vegetables; for
consulting as necessary, with other
international organizations in the
standards development process to avoid
duplication.
The 19th Session of the Committee
met in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Guerrero,
Mexico October 5–9, 2015. The relevant
document is REP 16/FFV. The following
items will be considered at the 39th
Session of the Codex Alimentarius
Commission in June 2016.
To be considered for adoption at Step
5/8:
• Proposed draft Standard for
Aubergines.
To be considered for adoption at Step
5:
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• Proposed draft Standard for Garlic;
and
• Proposed draft Standard for
Kiwifruit.
The Committee will continue
discussing the following items:
• Proposed draft Standard for Ware
Potatoes;
• Proposals for new work for Codex
standards for fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Layout for Codex standards for
fresh fruits and vegetables;
• Selected provisions in the Layout
for Codex/FFV standards pending
further consideration by CCFFV; and
• Preparation of a draft Glossary of
Terms for Application in the Layout for
Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and
Vegetables.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/
Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS);
HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Nutrition and
Foods for Special Dietary Uses
The Codex Committee on Nutrition
and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
(CCNFSDU) is responsible for studying
nutrition issues referred to it by the
Codex Alimentarius Commission. The
Committee also drafts general
provisions, as appropriate, on
nutritional aspects of all foods and
develops standards, guidelines, or
related texts for foods for special dietary
uses in cooperation with other
committees where necessary; considers,
amends if necessary, and endorses
provisions on nutritional aspects
proposed for inclusion in Codex
standards, guidelines, and related texts.
The Committee convened for its 37th
Session in Bad Soden am Taunus,
Germany, November 23–27, 2015. The
reference document is REP 16/NFSDU.
The following items will be considered
by the Commission at its 39th Session
in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption:
• Draft amendment to the Annex of
the Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling
(CAC/GL 2–1985) to add a definition for
RASBs (i.e. Recognized Authoritative
Scientific Body); and
• Draft amendment to Section 10,
Methods of analysis in Standard for
Infant Formula and Formulas for
Special Medical Purposes Intended for
Infants (Codex STAN 72–1981).
To be considered for adoption at Step
5/8:
• Proposed draft Additional or
Revised Nutrient Reference Values for
Labelling Purposes in the Guidelines on
Nutrition Labelling (CAC/GL2–1985).
The Committee will continue working
on:
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• Proposed draft NRV–R for Vitamin
D and the dietary equivalents and
conversion factor for Vitamin E);
• Review if the Standard for FollowUp Formula (CODEX STAN 156–1987)
(Section 2.1.1 and 2.2 and essential
composition and optional ingredients)
(6–12 months);
• Review of the Standard for FollowUp Formula (CODEX STAN 156–1987);
• Proposed draft Definition for
Biofortification;
• Proposed draft NRV–NCD for EPA
and DHA long chain omega-3 fatty
acids;
• Proposed guideline for Ready-toUse Foods (RUF);
• Discussion paper on Claim for
‘‘Free’’ of Trans Fatty Acids; and
• Alignment of Food Additive
provisions in standards developed by
CCNFSDU.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA;
USDA/Agricultural Research Service
(ARS).
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery
Products
The Fish and Fishery Products
Committee (CCFFP) is responsible for
elaborating standards for fresh, frozen
and otherwise processed fish,
crustaceans, and mollusks. The
Committee convened for its 34th
Session in Alesund, Norway October
19–24, 2015. The relevant document is
REP16/FFP.
The following items will be
considered by the 39th Session of the
Commission in July 2016:
To be considered for approval:
• Sampling plans in the Standard for
Live Abalone and for Raw, Fresh
Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct
Consumption or for Further Processing
(CODEX STAN 312–2013); Standard for
Smoked Fish, Smoked Flavored Fish
and Smoke-Dried Fish (CODEX STAN
311–2013); and Standard for Fresh and
Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products
(CODEX STAN 315–2014);
• Amendments to Food Additive
Provisions in Standards for Fish and
Fishery Products;
• Amendments to Section 7.4—
Estimation of fish content of the
Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks
(Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish
Fillets—Breaded or in Batter (CODEX
STAN 166–1989); and
• Amendment to Section 11—
Processing of salted and dried salted
fish of the Code of Practice for Fish and
Fishery Products (CAC/RCP52–2003).
The following items have
recommended for discontinuation:
• Appendices 1–11 to the Code of
Practice for Fish and Fishery Products
(CAC/RCP 52–2003); and
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• Proposal for a standard for fresh
chilled pirarucu fillet or whole fish.
The Committee will continue working
on:
• New work guidance for histamine
control in the Code of Practice for Fish
and Fishery Products (CAC/RCP 52–
2003) and sampling plans for histamine
in standards for fish and fishery
products.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA;
DOC/NOAA/National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS).
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
The Codex Committee on Fats and
Oils (CCFO) is responsible for
elaborating worldwide standards for fats
and oils of animal, vegetable, and
marine origin, including margarine and
olive oil. The 25th Session of the
Committee will meet in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, February 2017. The
Committee will consider:
• Proposed draft Standard for Fish
Oils;
• Amendments to Appendix 2 ‘‘List
of Acceptable Previous Cargoes’’ of the
Code of Practice for the Storage and
Transport of Edible Fats and Oils in
Bulk (CAC/RCP 36–1987);
• Addition of Palm Oil with High
Oleic Acid (OxG);
• Revision of Fatty Acid Composition
and Other Quality Factors of Peanut Oil;
• Revision of Limits of Oleic and
Linoleic Acids in Sunflower Seed Oils;
and
• Inclusion of provisions for Walnut
Oil, Almond Oil, Hazelnut Oil,
Pistachio Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and
Avocado Oil.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA;
USDA/Agricultural Research Service
(ARS).
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits
and Vegetables
The Codex Committee on Processed
Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) is
responsible for elaborating worldwide
standards and related texts for all types
of processed fruits and vegetables
including, but not limited to canned,
dried, and frozen products, as well as
fruit and vegetable juices and nectars.
The Committee will convene its 28th
Session in Washington, DC, September
12–16, 2016.
The committee will continue to
discuss the following items:
• Proposed draft Annex on Canned
Pineapples; and
• Proposed draft Annexes on Quick
Frozen Vegetables. (Including methods
of analysis for quick frozen vegetables)
• Amendments to food additive
provisions in the standards for canned
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chestnuts and canned chestnut puree,
canned bamboo shoots, canned
mushrooms (certain canned vegetables),
and pickles fruits and vegetables;
• Amendments to food additive and
packing media provisions in Standard
for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables;
• Status of work on the review/
revision of Codex standards for
processed fruits and vegetables; and
• Discussion paper on
standardization of dry and dried
produce.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/
Agricultural Marketing Service; HHS/
FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Sugars
The Codex Committee on Sugars
(CCS) elaborates worldwide standards
for all types of sugars and sugar
products.
The Committee has been reactivated
electronically to work on a standard for
Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar
Cane Juice.
The following item will be considered
by the Commission at its 39th Session
in July 2016.
To be considered for adoption:
• Draft Standard for NonCentrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane
Juice at Step 6.
The Committee will continue working
on:
• No additional work is ongoing in
this Committee. It will again be
adjourned sine die once the work on the
Standard for Non-Centrifugated
Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice is adopted.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Cereals Pulses &
Legumes
The Codex Committee on Cereals
Pulses & Legumes (CCCPL) elaborates
worldwide standards and/or codes of
practice as appropriate for cereals,
pulses and legumes and their products.
The Committee has been reactivated
electronically to draft an international
quality standard for Quinoa.
• No additional work is ongoing in
this Committee. It will again be
adjourned sine die once the work on the
international quality standard for
Quinoa is adopted.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Milk and Milk
Products (CCMMP) elaborates
worldwide standards, codes and related
text for milk and milk products. The
Committee has been reactivated to work
by correspondence on a general
standard for processed cheese, but has
not reached consensus on that standard.
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The Commission at its 39th Session in
June 2016 will consider next steps for
the Committee to take on this draft
standard.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Coordinating Committee for Latin
America and the Caribbean
Coordinating Committee for the Near
East
Coordinating Committee for North
America and the South West Pacific
Certain Codex Commodity Committees
Coordinating Committee for Africa
Several Codex Alimentarius
Commodity Committees have adjourned
sine die. The following Committees fall
into this category:
• Cocoa Products and Chocolate—
adjourned 2001
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
• Meat Hygiene—adjourned 2003
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
• Natural Mineral Waters—adjourned
2008
The Committee (CCAfrica) will
convene its 22nd Session January 16–
20, 2017.
The Committee will discuss the
following items:
• Proposed draft regional Standard
for dried meat, if approved as new work
by the Commission at its June 2016
session;
• Proposed draft Regional Standard
for fermented cooked cassava based
products;
• Proposed draft Regional Standard
for Shea Butter; and
• Proposed draft Regional Standard
for Gnetum Spp. Leaves.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/
USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
• Vegetable Proteins—adjourned 1989
Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
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FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating
Committees
Coordinating Committee for Asia
The FAO/WHO Regional
Coordinating Committees define the
problems and needs of the regions
concerning food standards and food
control; promote within the Committee
contacts for the mutual exchange of
information on proposed regulatory
initiatives and problems arising from
food control and stimulate the
strengthening of food control
infrastructures; recommend to the
Commission the development of
worldwide standards for products of
interest to the region, including
products considered by the Committees
to have an international market
potential in the future; develop regional
standards for food products moving
exclusively or almost exclusively in
intra-regional trade; draw the attention
of the Commission to any aspects of the
Commission’s work of particular
significance to the region; promote
coordination of all regional food
standards work undertaken by
international governmental and nongovernmental organizations within each
region; exercise a general coordinating
role for the region and such other
functions as may be entrusted to it by
the Commission; and promote the use of
Codex standards and related texts by
members.
There are six regional coordinating
committees:
Coordinating Committee for Africa
Coordinating Committee for Asia
Coordinating Committee for Europe
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The Committee (CCAsia) will convene
its 20th Session in New Delhi, India,
September 26–30, 2016.
The committee will discuss the
following items:
• Key Note Address on Role of Codex
in Strengthening National Food Control
Systems in the Asian Region—A way
forward;
• Food Safety and Quality Situation
in the Countries of the Region;
• Prioritization of the Needs of the
Region and Possible Approaches to
Address Them;
• Use of Codex Standards in the
Region: Relevance of Existing Regional
Standards and Need for New Standards;
• Matters Arising from the Codex
Alimentarius Commission and Other
Codex Committees;
• Codex Work Relevant to the Region;
• Monitoring of the Implementation
of the Codex Strategic Plan;
• Proposed draft Regional Standard
for Laver Products;
• Proposed draft Regional Code of
Hygienic Practice for Street-Vended
Foods;
• Discussion paper on the
Development of a Regional Standard for
Makgeolli;
• Discussion paper on the
Development of a Regional Standard for
Natto; and
• Nomination of the Coordinator.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/
USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
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Coordinating Committee for Europe
The Committee (CCEurope) will
convene its 30th Session in Astana
Kazakhstan, October 3–7, 2016.
The Committee will discuss the
following items:
• Regional Strategic Plan for CCEURO
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/
USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for Latin
America and the Caribbean
The Coordinating Committee for Latin
America and the Caribbean (CCLAC)
will convene its 20th Session in Chile,
November 21–25, 2016.
The Committee will discuss the
following items:
• Proposed draft Regional Standard for
Yacon
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/
USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for the Near
East
The Committee (CCNEA) will
convene its 9th Session in Iran,
February 20–24, 2017.
The Committee will discuss the
following items:
• Regional Standard for Doogh;
• Proposed draft Regional Standard
for Labneh;
• Proposed draft Regional Standard
for Zaatar;
• Discussion paper on a Standard for
Camel Milk; and
• Draft Strategic Plan for CCNEA
2015–2020.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/
USCO.
U.S. Participation: No.
Coordinating Committee for North
America and the South West Pacific
(CCNASWP)
The Committee (CCNASWP) will
convene its 14th Session in Port Vila
Vanuatu, September 19–22, 2016.
The Committee will discuss the
following items:
• Keynote address on the MultiSectorial Aspects of Codex and
Opportunities for Strengthening Codex
as a means to contribute to development
of the economic, trade, agriculture,
health, and nutrition sectors;
• Food safety and quality situation in
the countries of the region;
• Prioritization of the needs of the
region and possible approaches to
address them;
• Use of Codex standards in the
region: relevance of existing regional
standards and need for new standards;
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• Matters arising from the Codex
Alimentarius Commission other Codex
Committees;
• Codex work relevant to the region;
• Monitoring of the implementation
of the Codex Strategic Plan (Strategic
Plan for CCNASWP 2014–2019, Status
of implementation);
• Proposed draft Regional Standard
for Fermented Noni Juice;
• Discussion paper on the
development of a Regional Standard for
kava product that can be used as a
beverage when mixed with water; and
• Nomination of the Coordinator.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/
USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Contact
U.S. Codex Office, United States
Department of Agriculture, Room
4861, South Agriculture Building,
1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250–3700, Phone:
(202) 205–7760, Fax: (202) 720–3157,
Email: uscodex@fsis.usda.gov.
Attachment 2
U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials
Codex Chairpersons From The United
States
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM,
Ph.D., Executive Associate for
Laboratory Services, Office of Public
Health Science, Food Safety and
Inspection Service,U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 950 College Station Road,
Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546–
3429, Fax: (706) 546–3428, Email:
emilio.esteban@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits
and Vegetables
Richard Boyd, Chief, Contract Services
Branch, Specialty Crops Program,
Fruit and Vegetable Program,
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop
0247, Room 0726—South Building,
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202)
690–1201, Fax: (202) 690–1527,
Email: richard.boyd@ams.usda.gov.
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Codex Committee on Residues of
Veterinary Drugs in Foods
Kevin Greenlees, Ph.D., DABT, Senior
Advisor for Science & Policy, Office of
New Animal Drug Evaluation, HFV–
100, Center for Veterinary Medicine,
U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
7500 Standish Place, Rockville, MD
20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402–0638,
Fax: +1 (240) 276–9538,
kevin.greenlees@fda.hhs.gov.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
20:01 Jun 29, 2016
Jkt 238001
U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates
General Subject Committees
Commodity Committees (Active and
Adjourned)
ad hoc Task Forces
Regional Coordinating Committees
Worldwide General Codex Subject
Committees
Contaminants in Foods (Host
Government—The Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Lauren Posnick Robin, Branch Chief,
Plant Products Branch, Division of
Plant Products and Beverages, Office
of Food Safety (HFS–317), Center for
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,
U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College
Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–
1369, Lauren.Robin@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Terry Dutko, Laboratory Director, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, OPHS,
4300 Goodfellow Building, 105D
Federal, St. Louis, MO 63120–0005,
Phone: +1 (314) 263–2680 Ext. 344,
Terry.Dutko@fsis.usda.gov.
Food Additives (Host Government—
China)
U.S. Delegate
Susan E. Carberry, Ph.D., Supervisory
Chemist, Division of Petition Review,
Office of Food Additive Safety (HFS–
265), Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and
Drug Administration, 5100 Paint
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD
20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1269,
Fax: +1 (301) 436–2972,
Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Paul S. Honigfort, Ph.D., Consumer
Safety Officer, Division of Food
Contact Notifications (HFS–275),
Office of Food Additive Safety, U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, 5100
Paint Branch Parkway, College Park,
MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1206,
Fax: +1 (301) 436–2965,
Paul.Honigfort@fda.hhs.gov.
Food Hygiene (Host Government—
United States)
U.S. Delegate
Jenny Scott, Senior Advisor, Office of
Food Safety, Center for Food Safety
and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and
Drug Administration, 5100 Paint
Branch Parkway, HFS–300, Room 3B–
014, College Park, MD 20740–3835,
Phone: +1 (240) 402–2166, Fax: +1
PO 00000
Frm 00011
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42639
(301) 436–2632,
Jenny.Scott@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegates
Andrew Chi Yuen Yeung, Ph.D.,
Consumer Safety Officer, CFSAN,
U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS–
316, College Park, MD 20740, United
States of America, Phone: +1 (240)
402–1541, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2632,
Andrew.Yeung@fda.hhs.gov.
Dan Engeljohn, Ph.D., Assistant
Administrator, Office of Policy and
Program Development, Food Safety
and Inspection Service, Jamie Whitten
Building, Room 349–E, 1400
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20520, Phone: +1
(202) 720–8803, Fax: +1 (202) 720–
3157, Daniel.Engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov.
Food Import and Export Certification
and Inspection Systems (Host
Government—Australia)
U.S. Delegate
Mary Stanley, Director, Office of
International Coordination, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room
2925, South Agriculture Building,
1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1
(202) 720–0287, Fax: +1 (202) 720–
4929, Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Vacant
Food Labelling (Host Government—
Canada)
U.S. Delegate
Felicia B. Billingslea, Director, Food
Labeling and Standards Staff, Office
of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary
Supplements, Center for Food Safety
and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and
Drug Administration, 5100 Paint
Branch Parkway (HFS–820), College
Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–
2371, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2636,
Felicia.Billingslea@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Jeffrey Canavan, Deputy Director,
Labeling and Program Delivery Staff,
Food Safety and Inspection Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop
5273, Patriots Plaza 3, 8th Floor–
161A, Washington, DC 20250, Phone:
+1 (301) 504–0860, Fax: +1 (202) 245–
4792, Jeff.Canavan@fsis.usda.gov.
General Principles (Host Government—
France)
Delegate Note: A member of the
Steering Committee heads the
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Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
Methods of Analysis and Sampling
(Host Government—Hungary)
Gregory Noonan, Director, Division of
Bioanalytical Chemistry, Division of
Analytical Chemistry, Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food
and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD
20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–2250,
Fax: +1 (301) 436–2332,
Gregory.Noonan@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Timothy Norden, Ph.D., Chief Scientist,
Grain Inspection, Packers and
Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)
Technology & Science Division, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 10383 N.
Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO
64153, USA, Phone: +1 (816) 891–
0470, Fax: +1 (816) 891–8070,
Timothy.D.Norden@gipsa.usda.gov.
Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary
Uses
(Host Government—Germany)
U.S. Delegate
Vacant.
Alternate Delegate
Pamela R. Pehrsson, Ph.D., Research
Leader, USDA, Agricultural Research
Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory,
Room 105, Building 005, BARC-West,
10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville,
MD 20705, 301.504.0630 (voice),
301.504.0632, (fax),
Pamela.Pehrsson@ars.usda.gov.
Pesticide Residues
(Host Government—China)
U.S. Delegate
David Miller, Chief, Chemistry &
Exposure Branch and Acting Chief,
Toxicology & Epidemiology Branch,
Health Effects Division, William
Jefferson Clinton Building, 1200
Pennsylvania Avenue NW.,
Washington, DC 20460, Phone: +1
(703) 305–5352, Fax: +1 (703) 305–
5147, Miller.Davidj@epa.gov.
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Alternate Delegate
Dr. Pat Basu, Senior Leader, Chemistry,
Toxicology & Related Sciences, Office
of Public Health Science, Food Safety
and Inspection Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 1400
Independence Ave. SW., Room 3805,
Washington, DC 20250–3766, Phone:
+1 (202) 690–6558, Fax: +1 (202) 690–
2364, Pat.Basu@fsis.usda.gov.
20:01 Jun 29, 2016
Jkt 238001
Dr. William Jones, Deputy Director,
Division of Seafood Safety, Office of
Food Safety (HFS–325), U.S. Food
and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD
20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–1700,
Fax: +1 (301) 436–2601,
William.Jones@fda.hhs.gov.
U.S. Delegate
U.S. Delegate
VerDate Sep<11>2014
U.S. Delegate
(Host Government—United States)
delegation to meetings of the General
Principles Committee.
Brandi Robinson, MPH, CPH, ONADE
International Coordinator, Center for
Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and
Drug Administration, 7500 Standish
Place, HFV–100, Rockville, MD
20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402–0645,
Brandi.Robinson@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Charles Pixley, DVM, Ph.D.,
Director, Laboratory Quality
Assurance Staff, Office of Public
Health Science, Food Safety and
Inspection Service, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, 950 College Station
Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: +1
(706) 546–3559, Fax: +1 (706) 546–
3453, Charles.Pixley@fsis.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Steven Wilson, Deputy Director, Office
of International Affairs and Seafood
Inspection, National Marine Fisheries
Service, NOAA, U.S. Department of
Commerce, 1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910,
Phone: +1 (301) 427–8312,
Steven.Wilson@noaa.gov.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
(Host Government—Mexico)
Worldwide Commodity Codex
Committees (Active)
U.S. Delegate
Fats and Oils
(Host Government—Malaysia)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Paul South, Director, Division of
Plant Products and Beverages, Office
of Food Safety (HFS–317), Center for
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,
U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College
Park, MD, USA 20740–3835, Phone:
+1 (240) 402–1640, Fax: +1 (301) 436–
2632, Paul.South@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Robert A. Moreau, Ph.D., Research
Leader, Eastern Regional Research
Center, Agricultural Research Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 600
East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA
19038, Phone: +1 (215) 233–6428,
Fax: +1 (215) 233–6406,
Robert.Moreau@ars.usda.gov.
Cereals, Pulses & Legumes
(Host Government—United States)
U.S. Delegate
Vacant.
Alternate Delegate
Mr. Patrick McCluskey, Supervisory
Agricultural Marketing Specialist,
United States Department of
Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers
and Stockyards Administration,
10383 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas
City, MO 64153, Phone: +1 (816) 659–
8403, Patrick.J.Mccluskey@usda.gov.
Dorian LaFond, International Standards
Coordinator, Fruit and Vegetables
Program, Specialty Crop Inspection
Division, Agricultural Marketing
Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Mail Stop 0247, South
Agriculture Building, 1400
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250–0247, Phone:
+1 (202) 690–4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690–
1527, Dorian.Lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Samir K. Assar, Ph.D., Director, Produce
Safety Staff, Office of Food Safety,
Food and Drug Administration,
Phone: +1 (240) 402–1636,
Samir.Assar@fda.hhs.gov.
Milk and Milk Products
(Host Government—New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
Christopher Thompson, Dairy
Standardization Branch, Stop 0230,
Room 2742, Agricultural Marketing
Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250,
Phone: +1 (202) 720–9382, Fax: +1
(202) 720–2643,
Christopher.D.Thompson@
ams.usda.gov.
[FR Doc. 2016–15632 Filed 6–29–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P
Fish and Fishery Products
(Host Government—Norway)
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 126 (Thursday, June 30, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42631-42640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15632]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
[Docket No. FSIS-2016-0012]
International Standard-Setting Activities
AGENCY: Office of Food Safety, USDA.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and
phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius
Commission (Codex), in accordance with section 491 of the Trade
Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, and the Uruguay Round Agreements
Act. This notice also provides a list of other standard-setting
activities of Codex, including commodity standards, guidelines, codes
of practice, and revised texts. This notice, which covers Codex
activities during the time periods from June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016,
and June 1, 2016, to May 31, 2017, seeks comments on standards under
consideration and recommendations for new standards.
ADDRESSES: FSIS invites interested persons to submit their comments on
this notice. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the
ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this
Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at the Web site
for submitting comments.
Mail, including CD-ROMs, etc.: Mail to the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA), FSIS, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mailstop
3782, Room 8-163B, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
Hand- or courier-delivered items: Deliver to OPPD, RIMS,
Docket Clearance Unit, Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-164,
Washington, DC 20250-3700.
Instructions: All items submitted by mail or email are to include
the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2016-0012. Comments received in
response to this docket will be made available for public inspection
and posted without change, including any personal information to https://www.regulations.gov.
Please state that your comments refer to Codex and, if your
comments relate to specific Codex committees, please identify the
committee(s) in your comments and submit a copy of your comments to the
delegate from that particular committee.
Docket: For access to background documents or comments received,
visit the FSIS Docket Room at Patriots Plaza 3, 355 E Street SW., Room
8-164, Washington, DC 20250-3700, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. A complete list of U.S. delegates and alternate
delegates can be found in Attachment 2 of this notice.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Frances Lowe, United States
Manager for Codex Alimentarius, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office
of Food Safety, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue
SW., Room 4861, Washington, DC 20250-3700; Telephone: (202) 205-7760;
Fax: (202) 720-3157; Email: USCodex@fsis.usda.gov.
For information pertaining to particular committees, contact the
delegate of that committee. Documents pertaining to Codex and specific
committee agendas are accessible via the Internet at https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/. The U.S. Codex Office
also maintains a Web site at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/international-affairs/us-codex-alimentarius.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1,
1995, as the common international institutional framework for the
conduct of trade relations among its members in matters related to the
Uruguay Round Trade Agreements. The WTO is the successor organization
to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). United States
membership in the WTO was approved and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act
(Uruguay Round Agreements) was signed into law by the President on
December 8, 1994, Public Law 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809. The Uruguay Round
Agreements became effective, with respect to the United States, on
January 1, 1995. The Uruguay Round Agreements amended the Trade
Agreements Act of 1979. Pursuant to section 491 of the Trade Agreements
Act of 1979, as amended, the President is required to designate an
agency to be ``responsible for informing the public of the sanitary and
phytosanitary (SPS) standard-setting activities of each international
standard-setting organization'' (19 U.S.C. 2578). The
[[Page 42632]]
main international standard-setting organizations are Codex, the World
Organisation for Animal Health, and the International Plant Protection
Convention. The President, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6780 of March
23, 1995, (60 FR 15845), designated the U.S. Department of Agriculture
as the agency responsible for informing the public of the SPS standard-
setting activities of each international standard-setting organization.
The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the Office of Food Safety
the responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standard-setting
activities of Codex. The Office of Food Safety has, in turn, assigned
the responsibility for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting
activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office (USCO).
Codex was created in 1963 by two United Nations organizations, the
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health
Organization (WHO). Codex is the principal international organization
for establishing standards for food. Through adoption of food
standards, codes of practice, and other guidelines developed by its
committees and by promoting their adoption and implementation by
governments, Codex seeks to protect the health of consumers, ensure
fair practices in the food trade, and promote coordination of food
standards work undertaken by international governmental and
nongovernmental organizations. In the United States, U.S. Codex
activities are managed and carried out by the United States Department
of Agriculture (USDA); the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC); and
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
As the agency responsible for informing the public of the SPS
standard-setting activities of Codex, the Office of Food Safety
publishes this notice in the Federal Register annually. Attachment 1
(Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex) sets forth the
following information:
1. The SPS standards under consideration or planned for
consideration; and
2. For each SPS standard specified:
a. A description of the consideration or planned consideration of
the standard;
b. Whether the United States is participating or plans to
participate in the consideration of the standard;
c. The agenda for United States participation, if any; and
d. The agency responsible for representing the United States with
respect to the standard.
TO OBTAIN COPIES OF THE STANDARDS LISTED IN ATTACHMENT 1, PLEASE
CONTACT THE CODEX DELEGATE OR THE U.S. CODEX OFFICE.
This notice also solicits public comment on standards that are
currently under consideration or planned for consideration and
recommendations for new standards. The delegate, in conjunction with
the responsible agency, will take the comments received into account in
participating in the consideration of the standards and in proposing
matters to be considered by Codex.
The U.S. delegate will facilitate public participation in the
United States Government's activities relating to Codex. The U.S.
delegate will maintain a list of individuals, groups, and organizations
that have expressed an interest in the activities of the Codex
Committees and will disseminate information regarding U.S. delegation
activities to interested parties. This information will include the
status of each agenda item; the U.S. Government's position or
preliminary position on the agenda items; and the time and place of
planning meetings and debriefing meetings following the Codex committee
sessions. In addition, the U.S. Codex Office makes much of the same
information available through its Web page at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/international-affairs/us-codex-alimentarius. If
you would like to access or receive information about specific
committees, please visit the Web page or notify the appropriate U.S.
delegate or the U.S. Codex Office, Room 4861, South Agriculture
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700
(uscodex@fsis.usda.gov).
The information provided in Attachment 1 describes the status of
Codex standard-setting activities by the Codex Committees for the time
periods from June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2016, and June 1, 2016, to May
31, 2017. Attachment 2 provides a list of U.S. Codex Officials
(including U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of
forthcoming Codex sessions may be found at: https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/.
Additional Public Notification
Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy
development is important. Consequently, FSIS will announce this Federal
Register publication on-line through the FSIS Web page located at:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register.
FSIS also will make copies of this publication available through
the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide information
regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal Register
notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information that
could affect or would be of interest to our constituents and
stakeholders. The Update is available on the FSIS Web page. Through the
Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much broader, more
diverse audience. In addition, FSIS offers an email subscription
service which provides automatic and customized access to selected food
safety news and information. This service is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe.
Options range from recalls to export information, regulations,
directives, and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions
themselves, and have the option to password protect their accounts.
Done at Washington, DC, on: June 27, 2016.
Paulo Almeida,
Acting U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius.
Attachment 1
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex
Codex Alimentarius Commission and Executive Committee
The Codex Alimentarius Commission will convene for its 39th Session
June 27-July 1, 2016, in Rome, Italy. At that time, it will consider
proposals for new work as well as proposed standards, codes of
practice, and related matters forwarded to the Commission by the
general subject committees, commodity committees, and regional
coordinating committees for adoption as Codex standards and guidance.
The Commission will also consider the relations between FAO and WHO
policies, strategies and guidelines and Codex work; Codex work on
antimicrobial resistance; FAO/WHO Scientific Support for Codex; and the
FAO/WHO Project and Trust Fund for Enhanced Participation in Codex; and
financial and budgetary issues.
Before the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet at
its 71st Session, June 20-23, 2016. It is composed of the chairperson;
vice-chairpersons; seven members elected from the Commission from each
of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin
America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, and South-West
Pacific; and regional
[[Page 42633]]
coordinators from the six regional committees. Canada is the elected
representative from North America; the United States will participate
as an advisor. The Executive Committee will conduct a critical review
of the elaboration of Codex standards and will consider the
implementation status of the Codex Strategic Plan (2014-2019),
preparation for the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, Codex work on
antimicrobial resistance, Codex work management and functioning of the
Executive Committee, scientific support for Codex work, issues related
to committees working by correspondence, and financial and budgetary
issues.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
(CCRVDF) determines priorities for the consideration of residues of
veterinary drugs in foods and recommends Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)
for veterinary drugs. The Committee also develops codes of practice, as
may be required, and considers methods of sampling and analysis for the
determination of veterinary drug residues in food. A veterinary drug is
defined as any substance applied or administered to any food producing
animal, such as meat or milk producing animals, poultry, fish, or bees,
whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic purposes, or
for modification of physiological functions or behavior.
A Codex Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for residues of veterinary
drugs is the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of
a veterinary drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis)
that is recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be
permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on a food. Residues of a
veterinary drug include the parent compounds or their metabolites in
any edible portion of the animal product, and include residues of
associated impurities of the veterinary drug concerned. An MRL is based
on the type and amount of residue considered to be without any
toxicological hazard for human health as expressed by the Acceptable
Daily Intake (ADI) or on the basis of a temporary ADI that utilizes an
additional safety factor. When establishing an MRL, consideration is
also given to residues that occur in food of plant origin or the
environment. Furthermore, the MRL may be reduced to be consistent with
official recommended or authorized usage, approved by national
authorities, of the veterinary drugs under practical conditions.
An ADI is an estimate made by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on
Food Additives (JECFA) of the amount of a veterinary drug, expressed on
a body weight basis, which can be ingested daily in food over a
lifetime without appreciable health risk.
The Committee will convene its 23rd Session in Houston, Texas,
October 17-21, 2016. The Committee plans to discuss the following
items:
Matters of Interest arising from FAO/WHO and from the 81st
Meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
(JECFA);
Report of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
activities, including the harmonization of technical requirements for
registration of veterinary medicinal products;
Proposed draft Risk Management Recommendation (RMR) for
gentian violet at Step 3;
Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin (cattle muscle) and
lasalocid sodium (chicken, turkey, quail and pheasant kidney, liver,
muscle, skin + fat) at Step 4;
Proposed draft MRLs for ivermectin (cattle fat, kidney,
muscle), teflubenzuron (salmon fillet, muscle) and zilpaterol
hydrocholoride (cattle fat, kidney, liver, muscle) at Step 3;
Discussion paper on unintended presence of residues of
veterinary drugs in food commodities resulting from the carry-over of
drug residues into feed;
Discussion paper on the establishment of a rating system
to establish priority for CCRVDF work;
Global survey to provide information to the CCRVDF to move
compounds from the database on countries' needs for MRLs to the JECFA
Priority List (Report of EWG);
Draft priority list of veterinary drugs requiring
evaluation or re-evaluation by JECFA; and
Other Business and Future Work.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine; USDA/
FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods
The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) establishes or
endorses permitted maximum levels (MLs) or guideline levels for
contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed;
prepares priority lists of contaminants and naturally occurring
toxicants for risk assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on
Food Additives; considers and elaborates methods of analysis and
sampling for the determination of contaminants and naturally occurring
toxicants in food and feed; considers and elaborates standards or codes
of practice for related subjects; and considers other matters assigned
to it by the Commission in relation to contaminants and naturally
occurring toxicants in food and feed.
The Committee convened for its 10th Session in Rotterdam, The
Netherlands, April 4-8, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/CF. The
following items are to be considered for adoption by the 39th Session
of the Commission in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step 8:
Draft ML for inorganic arsenic in husked rice; and
Draft revised Code of Practice for the Prevention and
Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51-2003).
To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
Proposed draft MLs for lead in fruit juices and nectars
ready to drink (inclusion of passion fruit); canned fruits (inclusion
of canned berries and other small fruits); canned vegetables (inclusion
of canned leafy vegetables and canned legume vegetables); jams,
jellies, and marmalades (lower ML and inclusion of marmalades); pickled
cucumbers (lower ML); preserved tomatoes (lower ML and note on the
application of a concentration factor); and table olives (lower ML);
and
Proposed draft annexes on zearalenone, fumonisins,
ochratoxin A, trichothecenes and aflatoxins to the Code of Practice for
the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals
(CAC/RCP 51-2003).
The Committee will continue working on:
Proposed draft annex on ergot and ergot alkaloids in
cereal grains (Annex to the Code of Practice for the Prevention and
Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51-2003);
Outstanding issues related to the review of MLs for lead
in selected fruits and vegetables (fresh and processed) and other
selected food categories;
Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and
Reduction of Arsenic Contamination in Rice;
Proposed draft MLs for cadmium in chocolate and cocoa-
derived products;
Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and
Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Spices and its annexes;
[[Page 42634]]
Proposed draft MLs for total aflatoxins in ready to eat
peanuts following the JECFA evaluation;
Discussion paper on MLs for mycotoxins in spices;
Discussion paper on methylmercury in tuna (fresh/frozen
and canned) and in other fish species;
Discussion paper on non-dioxin like PCBs in the Code of
Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Dioxins and Dioxin like
PCB Contamination in Food and Feeds (CAC/RCP 62-2006);
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids following the outcome of the JECFA
evaluation; and
Priority list on contaminants and naturally occurring
toxicants proposed for evaluation by JECFA.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Additives
The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) establishes or
endorses acceptable maximum levels (MLs) for individual food additives;
prepares a priority list of food additives for risk assessment by the
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); assigns
functional classes to individual food additives; recommends
specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission; considers methods of analysis for
the determination of additives in food; and considers and elaborates
standards or codes of practice for related subjects such as the
labeling of food additives when sold as such. The 48th Session of the
Committee convened in Xi'an, China, March 14-18, 2016. The relevant
document is REP16/FA. Immediately prior to the Plenary Session, there
was a two-day physical Working Group on the General Standard for Food
Additives (GSFA) chaired by the United States.
The following items will be considered by the 39th Session of the
Commission in June 2016:
To be considered for approval:
Amendments to food additive provisions in commodity
standards.
To be considered for adoption:
Revised food additives section of the Standards for Cocoa
Butter (CODEX STAN 86-1981), Chocolate and Chocolate Products (CODEX
STAN 87-1981), Cocoa (Cacao) Mass (Cocoa/Chocolate liquor) and Cocoa
Cake (CODEX STAN 141-1983) and Cocoa Powders (Cocoas) and Dry Mixtures
of Cocoa and Sugars (CODEX STAN 105-1981);
Revised food additive provisions of the GSFA related to
the alignment of the four commodity standards for chocolate and
chocolate products and the commodity standards identified by the
Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP); and
Revised the food additive provision of the GSFA for
benzoates in water-based flavored drinks in response to a
recommendation from JECFA.
To be considered at Step 8 and 5/8:
Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the
GSFA.
To be considered at Step 5/8:
Proposed draft specifications for the identity and purity
of food additives;
Proposed draft amendments to the International Numbering
System (INS) for Food Additives (CAC/GL 36-1989);
Proposed draft revision of food category 01.1 ``Fluid milk
and milk products'' of the GSFA and consequential changes; and
Proposed draft revision of Sections 4.1c and 5.1c of the
General Standard for the Labeling of Food Additives When Sold as Such
(CODEX STAN 107-1981).
The Committee will continue working on:
Proposed draft food additive provisions of the GSFA (eWG
led by the United States);
Amendments to the INS for food additives; and
Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food
Additives (82nd JECFA);
Alignment of the food additive provisions of commodity
standards and relevant provisions of the GSFA (eWG led by Australia and
the United States);
Recommendations on the use of food additives in wine and
specific provisions for acidity regulators, stabilizers, and
antioxidants (eWG led by France and Australia);
Discussion paper on the management of CCFA work (China and
United States);
Discussion paper on the use of nitrates and nitrites
(Netherlands);
Proposal for additions and changes to the Priority List of
Substances Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA;
Information document on the GSFA; and
Information document on food additive provisions in
commodity standards.
The Committee also agreed to hold a physical Working Group on the
GSFA immediately preceding the 49th Session of CCFA to be chaired by
the United States. The group will discuss:
The recommendations of the eWG on the GSFA on food
additive provisions to be circulated for comment.
The comments submitted in responses to a circular letter
requesting information on the use and use levels of adipic acid.
The new proposals and proposed revisions of food additive
provisions in the GSFA.
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues
The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) is responsible for
establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues in
specific food items or in groups of food; establishing MRLs for
pesticide residues in certain animal feeding stuffs moving in
international trade where this is justified for reasons of protection
of human health; preparing priority lists of pesticides for evaluation
by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR); considering
methods of sampling and analysis for the determination of pesticide
residues in food and feed; considering other matters in relation to the
safety of food and feed containing pesticide residues; and establishing
maximum limits for environmental and industrial contaminants showing
chemical or other similarity to pesticides in specific food items or
groups of food.
The 48th Session of the Committee met in Chongqing, China, April
25-30, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/PR. The following items
will be considered at the 39th Session of the Codex Alimentarius
Commission in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides
The Committee will continue working on:
Draft MRLs for pesticides
Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides
Draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed
(vegetable commodity groups: Group 015--Pulses)
Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed
(selected commodity groups Group 015--Grasses of Cereal grains)
Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and Feed
(other vegetable commodity groups: Group 014--Legume vegetables, Group
011--Fruiting vegetables, cucurbits)
Proposed draft revision to the Classification of Food and
Feed:
1. Group 021--Grasses for sugars or syrup production and;
2. Group 024--Seeds for beverages and sweets.
Proposed draft tables on examples of selection of
representative commodities (for inclusion in the principles and
guidance for the selection of representative commodities for the
extrapolation of
[[Page 42635]]
maximum residue limits for pesticides for commodity groups)
Proposed draft Guidance on Performance Criteria for Methods of
Analysis for the Determination of Pesticide Residues
Establishment of Codex schedules and priority list of
pesticides for evaluation by JMPR
Discussion paper on the possible revision of the International
Estimated Short-Term Intake (IESTI) equations
Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS)
defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis and
Sampling; serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other
international groups working on methods of analysis and sampling and
quality assurance systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of
final recommendations submitted to it by the bodies referred to above,
reference methods of analysis and sampling appropriate to Codex
standards which are generally applicable to a number of foods;
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses as appropriate, methods of
analysis and sampling proposed by Codex commodity committees, except
for methods of analysis and sampling for residues of pesticides or
veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of microbiological quality and
safety in food, and the assessment of specifications for food
additives; elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be
required; considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted
to it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and defines
procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for the assessment
of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality assurance systems
for laboratories.
The 37th Session of the Committee met in Budapest, Hungary,
February 22-26, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/MAS. The following
items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th Session in June
2016:
To be considered for adoption:
Methods of Analysis and Sampling in Codex Standards; and
Amendments to the Procedural Manual.
The Committee will continue working on:
Guidance on the criteria approach for methods which use a
``sum of components'';
Criteria for endorsement of biological methods to detect
chemicals of concern;
Procedures for determining uncertainty of measurement
results (improvements and amendments to CAC/GL-54-2004);
Review general guidelines on sampling (CAC/GL 50-2004) for
potential revision;
Practical examples on the selection of appropriate
sampling plans; and
Review and update of methods in Codex STAN 234-1999.
The following items have been discontinued:
Development of procedures/guidelines for determining
equivalency of Type I methods.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Grain Inspection, Packers and
Stockyards Administration.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification
Systems
The Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and
Certification Systems (CCFICS) is responsible for developing principles
and guidelines for food import and export inspection and certification
systems, with a view to harmonizing methods and procedures that protect
the health of consumers, ensure fair trading practices, and facilitate
international trade in foodstuffs; developing principles and guidelines
for the application of measures by the competent authorities of
exporting and importing countries to provide assurance, where
necessary, that foodstuffs comply with requirements, especially
statutory health requirements; developing guidelines for the
utilization, as and when appropriate, of quality assurance systems to
ensure that foodstuffs conform with requirements and promote the
recognition of these systems in facilitating trade in food products
under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by countries; developing
guidelines and criteria with respect to format, declarations, and
language of such official certificates as countries may require with a
view towards international harmonization; making recommendations for
information exchange in relation to food import/export control;
consulting as necessary with other international groups working on
matters related to food inspection and certification systems; and
considering other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation
to food inspection and certification systems.
The 22nd Session of the Committee convened in Melbourne, Australia,
February 6-12, 2016. The relevant document is REP16/FICS. There
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th
Session in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange
of Information Between Importing and Exporting Countries to Support the
Trade in Food;
Proposed draft Revision of the Principles and Guidelines
for the Exchange of Information in Food Safety Emergency Situations
(CAC/GL 19-1995); and
Proposed draft Revision of the Guidelines for the Exchange
of Information Between Countries on Rejections of Imported Food (CAC/GL
25-1997).
To be considered for adoption at Step 5:
Proposed draft Guidance for Monitoring the Performance of
National Food Control Systems.
The Committee will continue working on:
Discussion paper on the Use of Electronic Certificates by
Competent Authorities and Migration to Paperless Certification;
Discussion paper on Third Party Certification (with broad
parameters);
Discussion paper on Consideration of Emerging Issues and
Future Directions for the Work of the Codex Committee on Food Import
and Export Inspection and Certification Systems; and
Discussion paper on Food Integrity/Food Authenticity As
Emerging Issues.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS; HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Labelling
The Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) drafts provisions on
labeling applicable to all foods; considers, amends, and endorses draft
specific provisions on labeling prepared by the Codex Committees
drafting standards, codes of practice, guidelines; and studies specific
labeling problems assigned by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The
Committee also studies problems associated with the advertisement of
food with particular reference to claims and misleading descriptions.
The Committee convened for its 43rd Session in Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada May 9-13, 2016.
There following items will be considered by the Commission at its
39th Session in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step 5:
[[Page 42636]]
Revision of the General Standard for the Labelling of
Prepackaged Foods: Date marking.
The Committee proposed that the Codex Alimentarius Commission
identify a more appropriate forum for the revision of the Guidelines
for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically
Produced Foods: Organic Aquaculture
The Committee agreed to propose new work on:
Guidance for the labelling of Non-retail containers
The Committee will continue to work on:
Front of Pack Labelling;
Consideration of issues surrounding consumer preference
claims; and
Discussion paper on future work for the Committee.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH):
Develops basic provisions on food hygiene applicable to
all food or to specific food types;
Considers and amends or endorses provisions on food
hygiene contained in Codex commodity standards and codes of practice
developed by other Codex commodity committees;
Considers specific food hygiene problems assigned to it by
the Commission;
Suggests and prioritizes areas where there is a need for
microbiological risk assessment at the international level and develops
questions to be addressed by the risk assessors; and
Considers microbiological risk management matters in
relation to food hygiene and in relation to FAO/WHO risk assessments.
The Committee convened for its 47th Session in Boston,
Massachusetts, November 9-13, 2015. The relevant document is REP 16/FH.
The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th
Session in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
Guidelines for the Control of Non-Typhoidal Salmonella
spp. in Beef and Pork Meat;
Guidelines on the Application of General Principles of
Food Hygiene to the Control of Foodborne Parasites; and
Proposed draft Annex I ``Examples of Microbiological
Criteria for Low-Moisture Foods when Deemed Appropriate in accordance
with the Principles and Guidelines for the Establishment and
Application of Microbiological Criteria Related to Foods (CAC/GL 21-
1997)'' and Annex II ``Guidance for the Establishment of Environmental
Monitoring Programs for Salmonella app. And other Enterobacteriaceae in
Low-Moisture Food Processing Areas'' to the Code of Hygienic Practice
for Low-Moisture Foods (CAC/RCP 75-2015).
To be considered for adoption at step 8:
Draft Annex III ``Spices and Dried Aromatic Herbs'' to the
Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture Foods (CAC/RCP 75-2015)
To be considered for revocation:
Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Dried Aromatic
Herbs (CAC/RCP 42-1995)
The Committee will continue working on:
Compiling all guidance for the control of foodborne
parasites into a single document, e.g., merging the General Principles
of Food Hygiene to the Control of Foodborne Parasites and the
Guidelines for the control of Trichinella spp. in meat of Suidae (CAC/
GL 86-2015) and the Guidelines for the Control of Taenia saginata in
meat of domestic cattle (CAC/GL 85-2014).
The Committee agreed to the following items for new work:
Revision of the General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/
RCP 1-1969) and its HACCP Annex;
Revision of the Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits
and Vegetables (CAC/RCP 53-2003); and
New work proposals/Forward Work plan.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS/.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) is
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and codes of practice,
as may be appropriate for fresh fruits and vegetables; for consulting
as necessary, with other international organizations in the standards
development process to avoid duplication.
The 19th Session of the Committee met in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo,
Guerrero, Mexico October 5-9, 2015. The relevant document is REP 16/
FFV. The following items will be considered at the 39th Session of the
Codex Alimentarius Commission in June 2016.
To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
Proposed draft Standard for Aubergines.
To be considered for adoption at Step 5:
Proposed draft Standard for Garlic; and
Proposed draft Standard for Kiwifruit.
The Committee will continue discussing the following items:
Proposed draft Standard for Ware Potatoes;
Proposals for new work for Codex standards for fresh
fruits and vegetables;
Layout for Codex standards for fresh fruits and
vegetables;
Selected provisions in the Layout for Codex/FFV standards
pending further consideration by CCFFV; and
Preparation of a draft Glossary of Terms for Application
in the Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS);
HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
The Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
(CCNFSDU) is responsible for studying nutrition issues referred to it
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Committee also drafts general
provisions, as appropriate, on nutritional aspects of all foods and
develops standards, guidelines, or related texts for foods for special
dietary uses in cooperation with other committees where necessary;
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses provisions on nutritional
aspects proposed for inclusion in Codex standards, guidelines, and
related texts.
The Committee convened for its 37th Session in Bad Soden am Taunus,
Germany, November 23-27, 2015. The reference document is REP 16/NFSDU.
The following items will be considered by the Commission at its 39th
Session in June 2016:
To be considered for adoption:
Draft amendment to the Annex of the Guidelines on
Nutrition Labelling (CAC/GL 2-1985) to add a definition for RASBs (i.e.
Recognized Authoritative Scientific Body); and
Draft amendment to Section 10, Methods of analysis in
Standard for Infant Formula and Formulas for Special Medical Purposes
Intended for Infants (Codex STAN 72-1981).
To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
Proposed draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference
Values for Labelling Purposes in the Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling
(CAC/GL2-1985).
The Committee will continue working on:
[[Page 42637]]
Proposed draft NRV-R for Vitamin D and the dietary
equivalents and conversion factor for Vitamin E);
Review if the Standard for Follow-Up Formula (CODEX STAN
156-1987) (Section 2.1.1 and 2.2 and essential composition and optional
ingredients) (6-12 months);
Review of the Standard for Follow-Up Formula (CODEX STAN
156-1987);
Proposed draft Definition for Biofortification;
Proposed draft NRV-NCD for EPA and DHA long chain omega-3
fatty acids;
Proposed guideline for Ready-to-Use Foods (RUF);
Discussion paper on Claim for ``Free'' of Trans Fatty
Acids; and
Alignment of Food Additive provisions in standards
developed by CCNFSDU.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service
(ARS).
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products
The Fish and Fishery Products Committee (CCFFP) is responsible for
elaborating standards for fresh, frozen and otherwise processed fish,
crustaceans, and mollusks. The Committee convened for its 34th Session
in Alesund, Norway October 19-24, 2015. The relevant document is REP16/
FFP.
The following items will be considered by the 39th Session of the
Commission in July 2016:
To be considered for approval:
Sampling plans in the Standard for Live Abalone and for
Raw, Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct Consumption or for
Further Processing (CODEX STAN 312-2013); Standard for Smoked Fish,
Smoked Flavored Fish and Smoke-Dried Fish (CODEX STAN 311-2013); and
Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (CODEX STAN
315-2014);
Amendments to Food Additive Provisions in Standards for
Fish and Fishery Products;
Amendments to Section 7.4--Estimation of fish content of
the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions
and Fish Fillets--Breaded or in Batter (CODEX STAN 166-1989); and
Amendment to Section 11--Processing of salted and dried
salted fish of the Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CAC/
RCP52-2003).
The following items have recommended for discontinuation:
Appendices 1-11 to the Code of Practice for Fish and
Fishery Products (CAC/RCP 52-2003); and
Proposal for a standard for fresh chilled pirarucu fillet
or whole fish.
The Committee will continue working on:
New work guidance for histamine control in the Code of
Practice for Fish and Fishery Products (CAC/RCP 52-2003) and sampling
plans for histamine in standards for fish and fishery products.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; DOC/NOAA/National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS).
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) is responsible for
elaborating worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable,
and marine origin, including margarine and olive oil. The 25th Session
of the Committee will meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, February 2017.
The Committee will consider:
Proposed draft Standard for Fish Oils;
Amendments to Appendix 2 ``List of Acceptable Previous
Cargoes'' of the Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of
Edible Fats and Oils in Bulk (CAC/RCP 36-1987);
Addition of Palm Oil with High Oleic Acid (OxG);
Revision of Fatty Acid Composition and Other Quality
Factors of Peanut Oil;
Revision of Limits of Oleic and Linoleic Acids in
Sunflower Seed Oils; and
Inclusion of provisions for Walnut Oil, Almond Oil,
Hazelnut Oil, Pistachio Oil, Flaxseed Oil, and Avocado Oil.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service
(ARS).
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) is
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and related texts for
all types of processed fruits and vegetables including, but not limited
to canned, dried, and frozen products, as well as fruit and vegetable
juices and nectars.
The Committee will convene its 28th Session in Washington, DC,
September 12-16, 2016.
The committee will continue to discuss the following items:
Proposed draft Annex on Canned Pineapples; and
Proposed draft Annexes on Quick Frozen Vegetables.
(Including methods of analysis for quick frozen vegetables)
Amendments to food additive provisions in the standards
for canned chestnuts and canned chestnut puree, canned bamboo shoots,
canned mushrooms (certain canned vegetables), and pickles fruits and
vegetables;
Amendments to food additive and packing media provisions
in Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables;
Status of work on the review/revision of Codex standards
for processed fruits and vegetables; and
Discussion paper on standardization of dry and dried
produce.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service; HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Sugars
The Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS) elaborates worldwide standards
for all types of sugars and sugar products.
The Committee has been reactivated electronically to work on a
standard for Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice.
The following item will be considered by the Commission at its 39th
Session in July 2016.
To be considered for adoption:
Draft Standard for Non-Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane
Juice at Step 6.
The Committee will continue working on:
No additional work is ongoing in this Committee. It will
again be adjourned sine die once the work on the Standard for Non-
Centrifugated Dehydrated Sugar Cane Juice is adopted.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Cereals Pulses & Legumes
The Codex Committee on Cereals Pulses & Legumes (CCCPL) elaborates
worldwide standards and/or codes of practice as appropriate for
cereals, pulses and legumes and their products.
The Committee has been reactivated electronically to draft an
international quality standard for Quinoa.
No additional work is ongoing in this Committee. It will
again be adjourned sine die once the work on the international quality
standard for Quinoa is adopted.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP) elaborates
worldwide standards, codes and related text for milk and milk products.
The Committee has been reactivated to work by correspondence on a
general standard for processed cheese, but has not reached consensus on
that standard.
[[Page 42638]]
The Commission at its 39th Session in June 2016 will consider next
steps for the Committee to take on this draft standard.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Certain Codex Commodity Committees
Several Codex Alimentarius Commodity Committees have adjourned sine
die. The following Committees fall into this category:
Cocoa Products and Chocolate--adjourned 2001
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Meat Hygiene--adjourned 2003
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Natural Mineral Waters--adjourned 2008
Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Vegetable Proteins--adjourned 1989
Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees
The FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees define the problems
and needs of the regions concerning food standards and food control;
promote within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of
information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising
from food control and stimulate the strengthening of food control
infrastructures; recommend to the Commission the development of
worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including
products considered by the Committees to have an international market
potential in the future; develop regional standards for food products
moving exclusively or almost exclusively in intra-regional trade; draw
the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission's work
of particular significance to the region; promote coordination of all
regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental
and non-governmental organizations within each region; exercise a
general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as
may be entrusted to it by the Commission; and promote the use of Codex
standards and related texts by members.
There are six regional coordinating committees:
Coordinating Committee for Africa
Coordinating Committee for Asia
Coordinating Committee for Europe
Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
Coordinating Committee for the Near East
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific
Coordinating Committee for Africa
The Committee (CCAfrica) will convene its 22nd Session January 16-
20, 2017.
The Committee will discuss the following items:
Proposed draft regional Standard for dried meat, if
approved as new work by the Commission at its June 2016 session;
Proposed draft Regional Standard for fermented cooked
cassava based products;
Proposed draft Regional Standard for Shea Butter; and
Proposed draft Regional Standard for Gnetum Spp. Leaves.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for Asia
The Committee (CCAsia) will convene its 20th Session in New Delhi,
India, September 26-30, 2016.
The committee will discuss the following items:
Key Note Address on Role of Codex in Strengthening
National Food Control Systems in the Asian Region--A way forward;
Food Safety and Quality Situation in the Countries of the
Region;
Prioritization of the Needs of the Region and Possible
Approaches to Address Them;
Use of Codex Standards in the Region: Relevance of
Existing Regional Standards and Need for New Standards;
Matters Arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and
Other Codex Committees;
Codex Work Relevant to the Region;
Monitoring of the Implementation of the Codex Strategic
Plan;
Proposed draft Regional Standard for Laver Products;
Proposed draft Regional Code of Hygienic Practice for
Street-Vended Foods;
Discussion paper on the Development of a Regional Standard
for Makgeolli;
Discussion paper on the Development of a Regional Standard
for Natto; and
Nomination of the Coordinator.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for Europe
The Committee (CCEurope) will convene its 30th Session in Astana
Kazakhstan, October 3-7, 2016.
The Committee will discuss the following items:
Regional Strategic Plan for CCEURO
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
The Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
(CCLAC) will convene its 20th Session in Chile, November 21-25, 2016.
The Committee will discuss the following items:
Proposed draft Regional Standard for Yacon
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
Coordinating Committee for the Near East
The Committee (CCNEA) will convene its 9th Session in Iran,
February 20-24, 2017.
The Committee will discuss the following items:
Regional Standard for Doogh;
Proposed draft Regional Standard for Labneh;
Proposed draft Regional Standard for Zaatar;
Discussion paper on a Standard for Camel Milk; and
Draft Strategic Plan for CCNEA 2015-2020.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
U.S. Participation: No.
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific
(CCNASWP)
The Committee (CCNASWP) will convene its 14th Session in Port Vila
Vanuatu, September 19-22, 2016.
The Committee will discuss the following items:
Keynote address on the Multi-Sectorial Aspects of Codex
and Opportunities for Strengthening Codex as a means to contribute to
development of the economic, trade, agriculture, health, and nutrition
sectors;
Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the
region;
Prioritization of the needs of the region and possible
approaches to address them;
Use of Codex standards in the region: relevance of
existing regional standards and need for new standards;
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Matters arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission
other Codex Committees;
Codex work relevant to the region;
Monitoring of the implementation of the Codex Strategic
Plan (Strategic Plan for CCNASWP 2014-2019, Status of implementation);
Proposed draft Regional Standard for Fermented Noni Juice;
Discussion paper on the development of a Regional Standard
for kava product that can be used as a beverage when mixed with water;
and
Nomination of the Coordinator.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Contact
U.S. Codex Office, United States Department of Agriculture, Room 4861,
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington,
DC 20250-3700, Phone: (202) 205-7760, Fax: (202) 720-3157, Email:
uscodex@fsis.usda.gov.
Attachment 2
U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials
Codex Chairpersons From The United States
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, Ph.D., Executive Associate for
Laboratory Services, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and
Inspection Service,U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station
Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546-3429, Fax: (706) 546-3428,
Email: emilio.esteban@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Richard Boyd, Chief, Contract Services Branch, Specialty Crops Program,
Fruit and Vegetable Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop
0247, Room 0726--South Building, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202)
690-1201, Fax: (202) 690-1527, Email: richard.boyd@ams.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
Kevin Greenlees, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Advisor for Science & Policy,
Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, HFV-100, Center for Veterinary
Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place,
Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402-0638, Fax: +1 (240) 276-9538,
kevin.greenlees@fda.hhs.gov.
U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates
General Subject Committees
Commodity Committees (Active and Adjourned)
ad hoc Task Forces
Regional Coordinating Committees
Worldwide General Codex Subject Committees
Contaminants in Foods (Host Government--The Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Lauren Posnick Robin, Branch Chief, Plant Products Branch, Division
of Plant Products and Beverages, Office of Food Safety (HFS-317),
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740,
Phone: +1 (240) 402-1369, Lauren.Robin@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Terry Dutko, Laboratory Director, Food Safety and Inspection Service,
OPHS, 4300 Goodfellow Building, 105D Federal, St. Louis, MO 63120-0005,
Phone: +1 (314) 263-2680 Ext. 344, Terry.Dutko@fsis.usda.gov.
Food Additives (Host Government--China)
U.S. Delegate
Susan E. Carberry, Ph.D., Supervisory Chemist, Division of Petition
Review, Office of Food Additive Safety (HFS-265), Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100
Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1269,
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2972, Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Paul S. Honigfort, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Division of Food
Contact Notifications (HFS-275), Office of Food Additive Safety, U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park,
MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1206, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2965,
Paul.Honigfort@fda.hhs.gov.
Food Hygiene (Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Jenny Scott, Senior Advisor, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100
Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-300, Room 3B-014, College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2166, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632,
Jenny.Scott@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegates
Andrew Chi Yuen Yeung, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, CFSAN, U.S. Food
and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-316, College
Park, MD 20740, United States of America, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1541,
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, Andrew.Yeung@fda.hhs.gov.
Dan Engeljohn, Ph.D., Assistant Administrator, Office of Policy and
Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Jamie Whitten
Building, Room 349-E, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC
20520, Phone: +1 (202) 720-8803, Fax: +1 (202) 720-3157,
Daniel.Engeljohn@fsis.usda.gov.
Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection Systems (Host
Government--Australia)
U.S. Delegate
Mary Stanley, Director, Office of International Coordination, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room
2925, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-0287, Fax: +1 (202) 720-4929,
Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Vacant
Food Labelling (Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate
Felicia B. Billingslea, Director, Food Labeling and Standards Staff,
Office of Nutrition, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100
Paint Branch Parkway (HFS-820), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240)
402-2371, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2636, Felicia.Billingslea@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Jeffrey Canavan, Deputy Director, Labeling and Program Delivery Staff,
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Mail Stop 5273, Patriots Plaza 3, 8th
Floor-161A, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (301) 504-0860, Fax: +1
(202) 245-4792, Jeff.Canavan@fsis.usda.gov.
General Principles (Host Government--France)
Delegate Note: A member of the Steering Committee heads the
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delegation to meetings of the General Principles Committee.
Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government--Hungary)
U.S. Delegate
Gregory Noonan, Director, Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Division
of Analytical Chemistry, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,
Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park,
MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2250, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2332,
Gregory.Noonan@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Timothy Norden, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Grain Inspection, Packers and
Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) Technology & Science Division, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, 10383 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas City, MO
64153, USA, Phone: +1 (816) 891-0470, Fax: +1 (816) 891-8070,
Timothy.D.Norden@gipsa.usda.gov.
Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
(Host Government--Germany)
U.S. Delegate
Vacant.
Alternate Delegate
Pamela R. Pehrsson, Ph.D., Research Leader, USDA, Agricultural Research
Service, Nutrient Data Laboratory, Room 105, Building 005, BARC-West,
10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, 301.504.0630 (voice),
301.504.0632, (fax), Pamela.Pehrsson@ars.usda.gov.
Pesticide Residues
(Host Government--China)
U.S. Delegate
David Miller, Chief, Chemistry & Exposure Branch and Acting Chief,
Toxicology & Epidemiology Branch, Health Effects Division, William
Jefferson Clinton Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington,
DC 20460, Phone: +1 (703) 305-5352, Fax: +1 (703) 305-5147,
Miller.Davidj@epa.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Pat Basu, Senior Leader, Chemistry, Toxicology & Related Sciences,
Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Room 3805,
Washington, DC 20250-3766, Phone: +1 (202) 690-6558, Fax: +1 (202) 690-
2364, Pat.Basu@fsis.usda.gov.
Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Brandi Robinson, MPH, CPH, ONADE International Coordinator, Center for
Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish
Place, HFV-100, Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402-0645,
Brandi.Robinson@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Charles Pixley, DVM, Ph.D., Director, Laboratory Quality Assurance
Staff, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station Road,
Athens, GA 30605, Phone: +1 (706) 546-3559, Fax: +1 (706) 546-3453,
Charles.Pixley@fsis.usda.gov.
Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active)
Fats and Oils
(Host Government--Malaysia)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Paul South, Director, Division of Plant Products and Beverages,
Office of Food Safety (HFS-317), Center for Food Safety and Applied
Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch
Parkway, College Park, MD, USA 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1640,
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, Paul.South@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Robert A. Moreau, Ph.D., Research Leader, Eastern Regional Research
Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, Phone: +1 (215) 233-6428,
Fax: +1 (215) 233-6406, Robert.Moreau@ars.usda.gov.
Cereals, Pulses & Legumes
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Vacant.
Alternate Delegate
Mr. Patrick McCluskey, Supervisory Agricultural Marketing Specialist,
United States Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and
Stockyards Administration, 10383 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO
64153, Phone: +1 (816) 659-8403, Patrick.J.Mccluskey@usda.gov.
Fish and Fishery Products
(Host Government--Norway)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. William Jones, Deputy Director, Division of Seafood Safety, Office
of Food Safety (HFS-325), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1700, Fax:
+1 (301) 436-2601, William.Jones@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Steven Wilson, Deputy Director, Office of International Affairs and
Seafood Inspection, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, U.S.
Department of Commerce, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland
20910, Phone: +1 (301) 427-8312, Steven.Wilson@noaa.gov.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
(Host Government--Mexico)
U.S. Delegate
Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and
Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Agricultural
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mail Stop 0247,
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington,
DC 20250-0247, Phone: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527,
Dorian.Lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Samir K. Assar, Ph.D., Director, Produce Safety Staff, Office of Food
Safety, Food and Drug Administration, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1636,
Samir.Assar@fda.hhs.gov.
Milk and Milk Products
(Host Government--New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
Christopher Thompson, Dairy Standardization Branch, Stop 0230, Room
2742, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202)
720-9382, Fax: +1 (202) 720-2643, Christopher.D.Thompson@ams.usda.gov.
[FR Doc. 2016-15632 Filed 6-29-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P