International Standard-Setting Activities, 42061-42072 [2017-18832]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 6, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42061-42072]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18832]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2017-0021]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Office of Food Safety, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission (Codex), in accordance with section 491 of the Trade 
Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, and the Uruguay Round Agreements 
Act. 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, 2016, to May 31, 2017, 
and June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018, 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-2017-0021. 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 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

[[Page 42062]]

    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, U.S. CODEX OFFICE, OR VISIT THE CODEX 
ALIMENTARIUS WEBSITE: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/standards/en/.
    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, 2016, to May 31, 2017, and June 1, 2017, to May 
31, 2018. 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. 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 August 31, 2017.
Mary Frances Lowe,
U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius.

Attachment 1:

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex

Codex Alimentarius Commission and Executive Committee
    The Codex Alimentarius Commission convened for its 40th Session 
July 17-July 22, 2017, in Geneva, Switzerland. At that session, the 
Commission adopted standards recommended by Committees at Step 8 or 
Step 5/8, and it advanced the work of Committees by adopting draft 
standards at Step 5. The Commission also considered proposals for new 
work as well as proposed standards, codes of practice, amendments to 
the Procedural Manual, and related matters forwarded to the Commission 
by the general subject committees, commodity committees, and regional 
coordinating committees. In particular, the Commission considered 
proposals for new work by the Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance; 
the Regular Review of Codex Work Management (electronic working 
groups); FAO/WHO Scientific Support for Codex; FAO/WHO Capacity 
Development and Trust Fund Activities; Relations between Codex and 
Other International Organizations; financial and budgetary issues; 
Election of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and Members of the 
Executive Committee; and designation of Countries responsible for 
appointing the Chairpersons of Codex Subsidiary Bodies.
    Before the Commission session, the Executive Committee met at its 
73rd Session, July 10-13, 2017. It was composed of the chairperson; 
vice-chairpersons; seven members elected from the Commission from each 
of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin 
America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, and South-West 
Pacific; and regional coordinators from the six regional committees. 
Canada was the elected representative from North America; the United 
States participated as an advisor. The Executive Committee conducted a 
critical review of the elaboration of Codex standards and considered 
Revitalization of the FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees; 
Implementation Status of the 2014-2019 Strategic Plan and Preparation 
of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan; Committees Working by Correspondence; 
Codex and Sustainable Development Goals; FAO/WHO Scientific Support for 
Codex work; Relations between FAO and WHO Policies, Strategies and 
Guidelines and Codex Work; and financial and budgetary issues.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
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

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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 convened for its 23rd Session in Houston, Texas, 
October 17-21, 2016. The relevant document is REP17/RVDF. The following 
items were considered for adoption by the 40th Session of the 
Commission in July 2017:
    Adopted at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft MRLs for Lasalocid sodium (chicken, turkey, 
quail and pheasant kidney, liver, muscle, skin+fat); ivermectin (cattle 
fat, kidney, liver, muscle); and teflubenzuron (salmon filet, muscle).
    Adopted at Step 5:
     Proposed draft Risk Management Recommendation for gentian 
violet.
    The Committee will continue to work on the following items:
     Proposed draft MRLs for zilpaterol hydrochloride (cattle 
fat, kidney, liver, muscle);
     Draft Priority List of Veterinary drugs requiring 
evaluation or re-evaluation by JECFA;
     Discussion paper on MRLs for groups of fish species;
     Request for scientific advice to the FAO and WHO to 
address the issue of unavoidable and unintended residues of approved 
veterinary drugs in foods resulting from carry-over of veterinary drugs 
in feed;
     Database of countries' needs for MRLs;
     Analysis of the results of the global survey to provide 
information to the CCRVDF to move compounds from the database on 
countries' needs for MRLs to the JECFA priority list;
     Discussion paper on the evaluation of the rationale for 
the decline in new compounds to be included in the CCRVDF priority list 
for evaluation by JECFA;
     Discussion paper on edible offal tissues (possible 
definition and edible offal tissues of interest in international 
trade); and
     Discussion paper on the revision of the criteria for the 
use of multi-residue analytical methods for the determination and 
identification of veterinary drugs in foods.
    Work on the following items has been discontinued:
     Proposed draft MRL for ivermectin (cattle muscle);
     Discussion paper on unintended presence of residues of 
veterinary drugs in food commodities resulting from the carry-over of 
drug residues; and
     Discussion paper on the establishment of a rating system 
to establish priority for CCRVDF work.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine; USDA/
FSIS.
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 on 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 11th Session in Rio de Janeiro, 
Brazil, April 3-7, 2017. The relevant document is REP17/CF. The 
following items were considered for adoption by the 40th Session of the 
Commission in July 2017:
    Adopted:
     MLs for lead and arsenic in fish oils (amendment-inclusion 
of fish oils).
    Adopted at Step 5, 5/8 & 8:
     Proposed draft and draft MLs for lead in selected 
processed fruits and vegetables (revision of MLs, accompanied by 
proposed revocations of corresponding existing MLs when the Commission 
adopts final new MLs).
    Adopted at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft code of practice (COP) for the prevention 
and reduction of arsenic contamination in rice;
     Annex on ergot and ergot alkaloids in cereal grains (annex 
to the COP for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination 
in cereals); and
     Proposed draft COP for the prevention and reduction of 
mycotoxin contamination in spices.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     MLs for total aflatoxins in ready to eat peanuts 
(establishment of MLs);
     MLs for lead in selected commodities in the General 
Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed;
     MLs for cadmium in chocolate and cocoa-derived products 
(establishment of MLs);
     MLs for mycotoxins in spices;
     MLs for methylmercury in fish;
     Revision of the COP for the prevention and reduction of 
dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in food and feed;
     Code of Practice for the reduction of 3-MCPD and glycidyl 
esters in refined oils and products made with refined oils;
     Guidelines (best practice) for risk analysis of chemicals 
in advertently present in food at low levels;
     Establishment of ML for hydrocyanic acid in fermented 
cooked cassava-based products and occurrence of mycotoxins in these 
products;
     Structured approach to prioritize commodities not in the 
General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed for which 
new MLs for lead could be established;
     Aflatoxins and sterigmatocystin in cereals;
     Development of a COP for the prevention and reduction of 
cadmium contamination in cocoa;
     Forward work plan for CCCF; and
     Priority list of contaminants and naturally occurring 
toxicants proposed for evaluation by JECFA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
Codex Committee on Food Additives
    The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) establishes or 
endorses acceptable MLs for individual

[[Page 42064]]

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 49th Session of 
the Committee convened in Macao SAR, China, March 20-24, 2017. The 
relevant document is REP17/FA. Immediately before 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 were considered by the 40th Session of the Commission 
in July 2017:
    Adopted at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft specifications for the identity and purity 
of food additives; and
     Proposed draft amendments to the Class Names and 
International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives (CAC/GL 36-
1989).
    Adopted at Step 8 & 5/8:
     Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the 
GSFA.
    Adopted:
     Amendment to the Introduction of the List of Codex 
Specifications for Food Additives (CAC/MISC 6);
     Revised food additive provisions of the GSFA related to 
the alignment of the standards for frozen fish products and of the 
Standards for Certain Canned Citrus Fruits (CODEX STAN 254-2007), 
Preserved Tomatoes (CODEX STAN 13-1981), Processed Tomato Concentrates 
(CODEX STAN 57-1981), and Table Olives (CODEX STAN 66-1981), and the 
EDTA provisions of the Standard for Canned Shrimps or Prawns (CODEX 
STAN 37-1981); and
     Revised food additive sections of the Standards for 
Preserved Tomatoes (CODEX STAN 13-1981), Processed Tomato Concentrates 
(CODEX STAN 57-1981), Quick Frozen Fin-Fish, Uneviscerated and 
Eviscerated (CODEX STAN 36-1981), Quick Frozen Shrimps or Prawns (CODEX 
STAN 92-1981), Quick Frozen Lobsters (CODEX STAN 95-1981), Quick Frozen 
Blocks of Fish Filets (CODEX STAN 190-1995), Quick Frozen Fish Fillet, 
Quick Frozen Fish Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish 
Fillets--Breaded and in Batter (CODEX STAN 166-1989), and Fresh and 
Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products (CODEX STAN 315-2014).
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the 
GSFA with an electronic working group (eWG) led by the United States);
     Proposals for additions and changes to the Priority List 
of Substances Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA:
    [cir] The Committee noted that there are no specifications for 
sodium sorbate (INS 201). The Committee agreed that if a commitment is 
not made to provide sufficient data for the development of 
specifications at its next session (CCFA 50, 2018) sodium sorbate will 
be taken off of the priority list and existing adopted provisions for 
this additive in the GSFA and Codex Commodity Standards will be 
revoked.
     Alignment of the food additive provisions of commodity 
standards and relevant provisions of the GSFA; revised approach to 
listing commodity standards in Table 3 of the GSFA; and guidance for 
commodity committees in the alignment (eWG led by Australia and the 
United States);
     Revision of the Class Names and the International 
Numbering System for Food Additives (eWG led by Iran & Belgium);
     New or revised provisions of the GSFA with a physical 
working group (pWG) led by the United States;
     Discussion on the use of nitrates (INS 251, 252) and 
nitrites (INS 249, 250) (eWG led by the European Union and the 
Netherlands);
     Discussion paper on the use of the terms ``unprocessed'' 
and ``plain'' in the GSFA (Russian Federation); and
     Discussion paper on the ``Future Strategies for CCFA'' 
(Australia, Canada, China, Iran, and United States).
    The Committee also agreed to hold a two-day physical Working Group 
on the GSFA immediately preceding the 50th Session of the CCFA in 2018, 
to be chaired by the United States. That group will discuss:
     The recommendations of the eWG on the GSFA on food 
additive provisions to be circulated for comment;
     New proposals and proposed revisions of food additive 
provisions in the GSFA; and
     Recommendations on the use of food additives in processed 
cheese.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
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 49th Session of the Committee met in Beijing, China, April 24-
29, 2017. The relevant document is REP17/PR. The following items were 
considered at the 40th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 
July 2017:
    Adopted at Step 8 & 5/8:
     Draft and proposed draft Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for 
pesticides in food and feed;
     Draft and proposed draft Revision of the Classification of 
Food and Feed (Vegetable Commodity Groups);
     Proposed draft Table 2 with examples of representative 
commodities for vegetable commodity groups, for inclusion in the 
Principles and Guidance for the Selection of Representative Commodities 
for the Extrapolation of MRLs for Pesticides to Commodity Groups;
     Draft and proposed draft Revision of the Classification of 
Food and Feed (Grasses); and
     Proposed draft Table 3 with examples of representative 
commodities for grasses, for inclusion in the Principles and Guidance 
for the Selection of Representative Commodities for the Extrapolation 
of MRLs for Pesticides to Commodity Groups.
    Adopted at Step 5:
     Proposed draft Revision of the Classification of Food and 
Feed (Seeds for Beverages and Sweets).
    Adopted at Step 8:
     Draft Guidelines on Performance Criteria for Methods of 
Analysis for the Determination of Pesticide Residues in Food and Feed.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Draft MRLs for pesticides;
     Proposed draft MRLs for pesticides;
     Proposed draft and draft revisions of the Classification 
of Food and Feed for selected commodity groups, including seeds for 
beverages and sweets;

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     Discussion paper on the possible review of the 
International Estimate of Short-Tern Intake (IESTI) Equations;
     Establishment Codex Schedules and Priority Lists of 
Pesticides;
     Information on National Registrations of Pesticides; and
     Discussion paper on the Establishment of a Codex Database 
of National Registrations of Pesticides.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/FSIS.
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 38th Session of the Committee met in Budapest, Hungary, May 8-
12, 2017. The relevant document is REP17/MAS. The following items were 
considered by the Commission at its 40th Session in July 2017:
    Adopted:
     Methods of Analysis and Sampling in Codex Standards; and
     Amendment to the Procedural Manual to refer to the sum of 
components.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Criteria for endorsement of biological methods to detect 
chemicals of concern;
     Follow-up work on the review and update of Codex Stan 234-
1999;
     Future Work on database for Codex Methods of Analysis and 
Sampling Plans;
     Information document on Practical Examples on the 
Selection of Appropriate Sampling Plans;
     Proposals to amend the Guidelines on Measurement 
Uncertainty; and
     Proposal to amend the General Guidelines on Sampling.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Grain Inspection, Packers and 
Stockyards Administration.
Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification 
Systems
    The Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and 
Certification Systems (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 23rd Session of the Committee convened in Mexico City, Mexico, 
May 1-5, 2017. The relevant document is REP17/FICS. There following 
items were considered by the Commission at its 40th Session in July 
2017:
    Adopted at Step 8:
     Draft Principles and Guidelines for Monitoring the 
Performance of National Food Control Systems.
    The Committee will continue working on the following items:
     New work on guidance on the use of systems equivalence;
     New work on guidance on paperless use of electronic 
certificates (Revision of Guidelines for Design, Production, Issuance 
and Use of Generic Official Certificates);
     New work on guidance on regulatory approaches to third 
party assurance schemes in food safety and fair practices in the food 
trade;
     Discussion paper on food integrity and food authenticity;
     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;
     Framework for the preliminary assessment and 
identification of priority areas for CCFICs; and
     Inter-sessional physical working groups: trial broadcast 
via Webinar.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS; HHS/FDA.
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 will convene its 44th Session in Asuncion, Paraguay, 
October 16-20, 2017. The Committee will continue to discuss the 
following items:
     Revision of the General Standard for the Labelling of 
Prepackaged Foods (GSLPF): Date Marking (proposed draft);
     Guidance for the labelling of non-retail containers;
     Consumer preference claims (discussion paper);
     Front-of-pack labelling (discussion paper); and
     Future work (discussion paper).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH):

[[Page 42066]]

     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 the FAO/WHO risk 
assessments.
    The Committee convened for its 48th Session in Los Angeles, CA, 
November 7-11, 2016. The relevant document is REP 17/FH. The following 
items were considered by the 40th Session of the Commission in July 
2017:
    Adopted at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Revision of the Code of Hygienic Practice 
for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
    Endorsed with modifications:
     Proposed draft Regional Code of Hygienic Practice for 
Street-Vended Foods in Asia.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft Revision of the General Principles of Food 
Hygiene and its HACCP Annex;
     Proposed draft Guidance on Histamine Control;
     New work proposals/forward work plan; and
     Discussion paper on future work on Shiga Toxin-Producing 
Escherichia coli (STEC).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
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 Committee will convene its 20th Session in Kampala, Uganda, 
October 2-6, 2017.
    The committee will continue to discuss the following items:
     Matters arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and 
other Committees;
     Matters arising from other international organizations on 
the standardization of fresh fruits and vegetables;
     Draft Standard for Aubergines;
     Draft Standard for Garlic;
     Draft Standard for Kiwifruit;
     Draft Standard for Ware Potatoes;
     Draft Standard for Fresh Dates;
     Proposals for new work on Codex standards for fresh fruits 
and vegetables;
     Proposed layout for Codex standard for fresh fruits and 
vegetables (outstanding issues);
     Discussion paper on glossary of terms used in the layout 
for Codex standards for fresh fruits and vegetables; and
     Other Business.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS); 
HHS/FDA.
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 38th Session in Hamburg, Germany, 
December 5-9, 2016. The reference document is REP 17/NFSDU. The 
following items were considered by the Commission at its 40th Session 
in July 2017:
    Adopted:
     Proposed amendments to section 6, paragraph 33 of the 
nutritional risk analysis principles in the Codex Procedural Manual to 
refer to the Joint Expert Meeting on Nutrition (JEMNU) as a primary 
source of scientific advice to the Committee;
     Editorial amendments to the Guidelines on Nutrition 
Labelling;
     Editorial amendments to various CCNFSDU standards with 
respect to flavoring; and
     Nutrient Reference Values-Requirements (NRV-R) for 
Vitamins D and E and the conversion factors for Vitamin E equivalents.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     NRV-R's for older infants and young children;
     Revision of the Codex Standard for Follow-Up Formula 
(Section A: proposed draft essential composition and quality factors; 
Section B: certain essential composition and quality factors--young 
children);
     Review of other sections of the Standard for Follow-up 
Formula;
     Proposed draft Definition for Bio-fortification;
     Proposed draft Nutrient Reference Values-Non-Communicable 
Diseases (NRV-NCD) for EPA and DHA long chain omega-3 fatty acids;
     Proposed draft Guidelines for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic 
Foods;
     Claim for ``free'' of trans fatty acids;
     Mechanism/framework for considering technological 
justification/consider or confirm technological justification for 
certain food additives;
     Methods of analysis for provisions in the standard for 
infant formula and formulas for special medical purposes intended for 
infants; and
     Consideration of possible Guidance on Digestible 
Indispensable Amino Acid Score for protein quality assessment.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service 
(ARS).
Ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance
    The Ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial 
Resistance (TFAMR) is responsible for (1) reviewing and revising, as 
appropriate, the Code of Practice to Minimize and Contain Antimicrobial 
Resistance (CAC/RCP 61-2005) to address the entire food chain, in line 
with the mandate of Codex; and (2) considering the development of 
Guidance on Integrated Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, taking 
into account the guidance developed by the WHO Advisory Group on 
Integrated Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AGISAR) and 
relevant World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) documents. The 
objective of the Task Force is to develop science-based guidance on the 
management of foodborne antimicrobial resistance, taking full account 
of the WHO Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, in 
particular objectives 3 and 4, the work and standards of relevant 
international organizations, such as FAO, WHO, and OIE, and the One-
Health approach, to ensure members have the necessary guidance to 
enable coherent management of antimicrobial resistance along the food 
chain. The Task Force is expected to complete its work within three (or 
a maximum of four) sessions.

[[Page 42067]]

    The Task force will convene for its 1st Session in the Republic of 
Korea, November 27--December 1, 2017.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: FDA/USDA.
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils
    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) is responsible for 
elaborating worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, 
and marine origin, including margarine and olive oil.
    The Committee convened for its 25th Session in Kuala Lumpur, 
Malaysia, February 27-March 3, 2017. The relevant document is REP17/FO-
Rev. The following items were considered by the Commission at its 40th 
Session in July 2017:
    Adopted at Step 8:
     Draft Standard for Fish Oils.
    Adopted at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Revision to the Standard for Olive Oils and 
Olive Pomace Oils (Codex Stan 210-1999): Revision of the Limits for 
Campesterol; and
     Proposed draft Revision to the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: Revision of Quality Parameters for Peanut Oil.
    Adopted at Step 5:
     Proposed draft Revision to the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: Addition of Palm Oil with High Oleic Acid.
    Adopted:
     Amendment to the Sections on Flavourings of Codex Standard 
19-1981 (Section 3.3), Codex Stan 210-1999 (Section 4.1), and Codex 
Stan 256-2007; and
     Amendment to Section 2 in the Appendix of the Standard for 
Named Vegetable Oils: fatty acid range of crude rice bran oil.
    Approved as new work:
     Revision of the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils: 
Essential composition of sunflower seed oils;
     Revision of the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils: 
Inclusion of walnut oil, almond oil, hazelnut oil, pistachio oil, 
flaxseed oil, and avocado oil;
     Revision of the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils: 
Replacement of acid value with free fatty acids for virgin palm oil and 
inclusion of free fatty acids for crude palm kernel oil; and
     Revision of the Standard for Olive Oils and Pomace Olive 
Oils (Codex Stan 33-1981).
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Gathering information on technical difficulties in the 
implementation of the fish oil standard, specifically on monitoring its 
application with respect to the conformity of named fish oils with the 
requirements (especially the fatty acid profile) and its effect on 
trade;
     Alignment of food additives provisions in standards for 
fats and oils (except fish oils) and technological justification for 
use of emulsifiers;
     Considering proposals for new substances to be added to 
the list of acceptable previous cargoes;
     Providing relevant information (if available from Member 
countries) to JECFA on the 23 substances on the list of acceptable 
previous cargoes currently on the list; and
     Discussion paper on the applicability of the fatty acid 
composition of all oils listed in Table 1 in relation to the fatty acid 
composition of corresponding crude (unrefined) form in the Standard for 
Named Vegetable Oils.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service 
(ARS).
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
    The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) is 
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and related texts for 
all types of processed fruits and vegetables including, but not limited 
to canned, dried, and frozen products, as well as fruit and vegetable 
juices and nectars.
    The Committee convened for its 28th Session in Washington, DC, 
September 12-16, 2016. The relevant document is REP17/PFV. The 
following items were considered for adoption by the 40th Session of the 
Commission in July 2017:
    Adopted at Step 5/8:
     Annex on Canned Pineapples, for inclusion on the Standard 
for Certain Canned Fruits; and
     Annexes for Certain Quick Frozen Vegetables, for inclusion 
in the Standard for Quick Frozen Vegetables.
    Adopted:
     Amendment to the Scope of the Standard for Certain Canned 
Fruits;
     Amendments to the food additive provisions in Codex 
standards for processed fruits and vegetables (subject to endorsement 
by CCFA);
     Standard for Canned Chestnuts and Canned Chestnut Puree;
     Standard for Pickled Fruits and Vegetables;
     Standard for Jams, Jellies, and Marmalades;
     Standard for Canned Applesauce;
     Standard for Canned Fruit Cocktail;
     Standard for Canned Tropical Fruit Salad;
     Standard Pickled Cucumbers;
     Standard for Kimchi; and
     Standard for Canned Stone Fruits.
    Proposals for new work were received by CCEXEC and approved by CAC 
for cashew kernels, chili sauce, mango chutney, dried sweet potato, 
gochujang, dried fruits, and canned mixed fruits.
    The Commission authorized CCPFV to work by correspondence until CAC 
41 (2018) to prioritize the proposals for new work, prepare a work 
plan, and prepare recommendations on the establishment of electronic 
working groups.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service; HHS/FDA.
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 re-activated electronically to work by 
correspondence on a draft Standard for Non-Centrifuged Dehydrated Sugar 
Cane Juice.
    The following was considered by the Commission at its 40th Session 
in July 2017.
     Draft Standard for Non-Centrifuged Dehydrated Sugar Cane 
Juice (scope and definition of the product).
    The Commission agreed to extend the work on development of this 
standard for one year.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Cereals Pulses & Legumes
    The Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and 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 to work by correspondence to 
draft an international Codex Standard for Quinoa. The following item 
was considered by the Commission at its 40th Session in July 2017:
    Adopted at Step 5:
     Standard for Quinoa
    The Commission agreed to establish an eWG chaired by the 
Plurinational State of Bolivia and co-chaired by the United States and 
to continue the work to address the outstanding issues.
    The Commission also requested that the CCCF consider including 
quinoa in the MLs for lead and cadmium in cereals in the GSCTFF, in 
accordance with the recommendations of the 73rd session of CCEXEC.
    No additional work is ongoing in this Committee. It will again be 
adjourned sine die once the work on the

[[Page 42068]]

international Codex Standard for Quinoa is completed.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products
    The Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP) elaborates 
worldwide standards, codes and related texts for milk and milk 
products. The Committee was reactivated to work by correspondence on a 
general standard for processed cheese and a Draft Standard for Dairy 
Permeate Powders. Consensus has not been reached on the general 
standard for processed cheese. In 2016, the Commission agreed to 
discuss this item at the Commission session in 2017, noting the offer 
of New Zealand as host country of CCMMP to collate any substantial new 
ideas provided by members in the interim. No new proposals were 
received, and the Commission discontinues work on this standard at its 
2017 session. The draft Standard for Dairy Permeate Powders was adopted 
by the Commission at Step 8 at its 2017 session.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS.
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
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
     Fish and Fishery Products--adjourned 2016
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA/NOAA.
     Meat Hygiene--adjourned 2003
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
     Natural Mineral Waters--adjourned 2008
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
     Vegetable Proteins--adjourned 1989
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS.
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 them 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) convened its 22nd Session January 16-20, 
2017, in Nairobi, Kenya. The relevant document is REP 17/Africa. The 
following items were considered by the 40th Session of the Commission 
in July 2017.
    Adopted at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Unrefined Shea 
Butter.
    Adopted at Step 5:
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Fermented Cooked 
Cassava Based Products; and
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Gnetum Spp leaves.
    The Committee will continue to work on the following items:
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Unrefined Shea 
Butter;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Fermented Cooked 
Cassava Based Products;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Gnetum Spp leaves;
     Priority Setting criteria for the establishment of work 
priorities as laid down in the Codex Procedural Manual;
     Comments on the preparation of the new global Codex 
Strategic Plan;
     Food quality and safety situation in countries of the 
Region (on-line platform, prioritization of needs in the region and 
comments for future consideration);
     Use of Codex Standards in the Region;
     Proposed draft Standard on Dried Meat;
     Discussion paper and project document on a Harmonized Food 
Law; and
     Discussion paper/project on a Regional Standard for a 
Fermented Non-Alcoholic Cereal Based Drink (Mahewu).
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
Coordinating Committee for Asia
    The Committee (CCASIA) convened its 20th Session in New Delhi, 
India, September 26-30, 2016. The relevant document is REP 17/Asia. The 
following items were considered by the 40th Session of the Commission 
in July 2017.
    Adopted at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Laver Products; and
     Proposed draft Regional Code of Hygienic Practice for 
Street-Vended Foods in Asia.
    Adopted:
     Amendments to the CCASIA Regional Standards.
    The committee will continue to work on the following items:
     Report on the status of the Implementation of the 
Activities of the Strategic Plan Relevant to CCASIA;
     Discussion paper and project document on the Development 
of a Regional Standard for Rice Based Low Alcohol Beverages (cloudy 
types);
     Discussion paper and project document on the Development 
of a Regional Standard for Soybean Products Fermented with the 
Bacterium Bacillus Subtilis;
     Discussion paper and project document on the Development 
of a Regional Standard for Quick Frozen Dumpling (Jiaozi);
     Discussion paper and the project document on the 
Development of a Regional Standard/Code of Practice for Zongzi;
     Emerging Issues as priorities for the CCASIA region; and
     Information sharing on the Food Safety Control Systems.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
Coordinating Committee for Europe
    The Committee (CCEUROPE) convened its 30th Session in Astana, 
Kazakhstan, October 3-7, 2016. The relevant document is REP 17/EURO.

[[Page 42069]]

    The Committee will continue to work on the following items:
     Survey on critical and emerging issues;
     On-line Platform and information sharing on the Food 
Safety Control Systems;
     Survey on the use of Codex Standards;
     Relevant languages of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 
the work of CCEUROPE; and
     Consider funding translation and interpretation services 
into Russian for the effective operation of CCEUROPE.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
    The Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean 
(CCLAC) convened its 20th Session in Vina del Mar, Chile, November 21-
25, 2016. The relevant document is REP 17/LAC. The following item was 
considered by the 40th Session of the Commission in July 2017.
    Adopted:
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Yacon.
    The Committee will continue to work on the following items:
     Monitoring of the Strategic Plan for the CCLA;
     Critical and Emerging Issues and prioritization of CCLAC 
issues within the framework of Codex Mandate;
     Comments on the Food Safety Control Systems Platform;
     Cross-cutting topics for the region and proposed draft 
standards and discussions seeking regional support; and
     Proposal for the Development of a Standard for Yams.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
Coordinating Committee for the Near East
    The Coordinating Committee for the Near East (CCNEA) held its 9th 
Session at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, May 15-19, 2017. The 
relevant document is REP 17/NE.
    The Committee forwarded the following items to the 40th Session of 
the Codex Alimentarius Commission for consideration:
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Doogh for adoption at 
step 5/8 and endorsement by the Codex Committee on Food Additives 
(CCFA) and the Codex Committee on Food Labeling (CCFL) of the relevant 
provisions within the draft standard;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Zaatar for adoption 
at step 5.
    U.S. Participation: No.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific 
(CCNASWP)
    The Committee (CCNASWP) convened its 14th Session in Port Vila, 
Vanuatu, September 19-22, 2016. The relevant document is REP 17/NASWP. 
The following items were considered by the 40th Session of the 
Commission in July 2017.
    The Committee will continue to work on the following items:
     New work on the development of a Regional Standard for 
Kava as a beverage when mixed with cold water;
     Recommendation that Vanuatu be re-appointed as Coordinator 
for North America and the South West Pacific;
     Proposed draft Regional Standard for Fermented Noni-Juice;
     Development of on-line platform for information on sharing 
food quality and safety systems.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS/USCO.
    Contact:
U.S. Codex Office, United States Department of Agriculture, Room 4861, 
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, 
DC 20250-3700, Phone: (202) 205-7760, Fax: (202) 720-3157, Email: 
uscodex@fsis.usda.gov.

ATTACHMENT 2

U.S. CODEX ALIMENTARIUS OFFICIALS

CODEX CHAIRPERSONS FROM THE UNITED STATES

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, Ph.D., Executive Associate for 
Laboratory Services, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station 
Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546-3429, Fax: (706) 546-3428, 
Email: emilio.esteban@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Richard Boyd, Chief, Contract Services Branch, Specialty Crops 
Inspection Division, Specialty Crops 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 and 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: (240) 402-0638, Fax: (240) 276-9538, 
kevin.greenlees@fda.hhs.gov.

U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates

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, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 
(240) 402-1369, Lauren.Robin@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Terry Dutko, Ph.D., Laboratory Director, Office of Public Health 
Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 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
Paul S. Honigfort, Ph.D., Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer, Division 
of Food Contact Notifications (HFS-275), Office of Food Additive 
Safety, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College 
Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1206, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2965, 
Paul.Honigfort@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Daniel Folmer, Ph.D., Chemist, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, Room 
3017 HFS-265, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1274, 
Daniel.Folmer@fda.hhs.gov.

[[Page 42070]]

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, 5001 
Campus Drive, 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
William Shaw, Director, Risk, Innovation & Management Staff, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, 355 E Street SW., Room 8-142, Patriots 
Plaza III, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: +1 (301) 504-0852, Email: 
William.Shaw@fsis.usda.gov.
Andrew Chi Yuen Yeung, Ph.D., Branch Chief, Egg and Meat Products 
Branch, Division of Dairy, Egg and Meat Products, Office of Food 
Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and 
Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, United 
States of America, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1541, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
Andrew.Yeung@fda.hhs.gov.
Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection Systems
(Host Government--Australia)
U.S. Delegate
Mary Stanley, Senior Advisor, Office of International Coordination, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Room 3151, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-0287, Fax: +1 (202) 690-3856, 
Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Caroline Smith DeWaal, International Food Safety Policy Manager, Office 
of the Center Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, Room 4A011, 
College Park, MD, USA 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1242, 
Caroline.DeWaal@fda.hhs.gov.
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, 5001 
Campus Drive, (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 
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, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 
20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2250, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2332, 
Gregory.Noonan@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Timothy Norden, 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) 872-1253, 
Timothy.D.Norden@usda.gov.
Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses
(Host Government--Germany)
U.S. Delegate
Douglas Balentine, Director, Office of Nutrition, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 
Campus Drive, Room 4C096, College Park, MD, USA 20740-3835, Phone: +1 
(240) 402-2373, Douglas.Balentine@fda.hhs.gov.
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
Captain 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
Charles Pixley, DVM, Ph.D., Director, Laboratory Quality Assurance 
Staff, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 College Station Road, 
Athens, GA 30605, Phone: +1 (706) 546-3559, Fax: +1 (706) 546-3452, 
Charles.Pixley@fsis.usda.gov.

WORLDWIDE COMMODITY CODEX COMMITTEES (ACTIVE)

Cereals, Pulses and Legumes
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Henry Kim, Office of Food Safety, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 
5001 Campus Drive (HFS-317), College Park, MD, USA 20740-3835, Phone: 
+1 (240) 402-2023, henry.kim@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Patrick McCluskey, Supervisory Agricultural Marketing Specialist,

[[Page 42071]]

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.
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, 5001 Campus Drive, 
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.
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
David T. Ingram, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Office of Food Safety, 
Fresh Produce Branch, Division of Produce Safety, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 
Campus Drive, Room 3E027, College Park, MD, USA 20740-3835, Phone: +1 
(240) 402-0335, David.Ingram@fda.hhs.gov.
Milk and Milk Products
(Host Government--New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
Christopher Thompson, Dairy Standardization Branch, Mail 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 (844) 804-4701, 
Christopher.D.Thompson@ams.usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
John F. Sheehan, Director, Division of Dairy, Egg and Meat Product 
Safety, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (HFS-3 15), Harvey W. 
Wiley Federal Building, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: +1 (240) 402-1488, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
John.Sheehan@fda.hhs.gov.
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0247, South 
Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 
20250-0247, Phone: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527, 
Dorian.Lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Yinqing Ma, Branch Chief, Beverages 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, 
5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2479, 
Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, Yinqing.Ma@fda.hhs.gov.
Spices and Culinary Herbs
(Host Government--India)
U.S. Delegate
Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 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
George C. Ziobro, Ph.D., Egg and Meat Products Branch, HFS-316, 
Division of Diary, Egg, and Meat Products, Office of Food Safety Center 
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, 
MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1965, George.Ziobro@fda.hhs.gov.
Sugars
(Host Government--Colombia)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Chia-Pei Charlotte Liang, Chemist, Office of Food Safety, Center 
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 
(240) 402-2785, Charlotte.Liang@fda.hhs.gov.

WORLDWIDE COMMODITY CODEX COMMITTEES (ADJOURNED)

Cocoa Products and Chocolate (adjourned sine die 2001)
(Host Government--Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
Michelle Smith, Ph.D., Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Food Safety, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration (HFS-317), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5001 Campus 
Drive, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2024, Fax: +1 
(301) 436-2632, Michelle.Smith@fda.hhs.gov.
Fish and Fishery Products (adjourned sine die 2016)
(Host Government--Norway)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. William R. Jones, Deputy Director, Office of Food Safety (HFS-300), 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 
20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2300, 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.
Meat Hygiene (adjourned sine die 2003)
(Host Government--New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
Vacant
Natural Mineral Waters (adjourned sine die 2008)
(Host Government--Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
Dr. Yinqing Ma, Branch Chief, Beverages Branch, Division of Plant 
Products and Beverages, Office of Food Safety (HFS-317), Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition,

[[Page 42072]]

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 
20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2479, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
Yinqing.Ma@fda.hhs.gov.
Vegetable Proteins (adjourned sine die 1989)
(Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate
Vacant

AD HOC INTERGOVERNMENTAL TASK FORCES (DISSOLVED)

Animal Feeding (Dissolved 2013)
(Host Government--Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
Daniel G. McChesney, Ph.D., Director, Office of Surveillance & 
Compliance, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration, 7529 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 
(240) 402-7140, Fax: +1 (240) 453-6880, Daniel.McChesney@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Patty Bennett, Humane Handling Enforcement Coordinator, Office of 
Field Operations Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, Room 3155-S, Washington, DC 
20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-5397, Patty.Bennett@fsis.usda.gov.
Antimicrobial Resistance (Re-established 2016)
(Host Government--Republic of Korea)
U.S. Delegate
Donald A. Prater, DVM, Assistant Commissioner for Food Safety 
Integration, Office of Foods and Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug 
Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, 
Tel: +1-301-348-3007, Email: donald.prater@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Neena Anandaraman, DVM, MPH, Veterinary Science Policy Advisor, Office 
of Chief Scientist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, DCWA2-339 Whitten 
Building, 1200 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20024, Tel: +1-
202-260-8789, Email: Neena.Anandaraman@osec.usda.gov.

[FR Doc. 2017-18832 Filed 9-5-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P