International Standard-Setting Activities, 31562-31573 [2019-14076]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• U.S. Codex Office

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 127 (Tuesday, July 2, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31562-31573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-14076]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

U.S. Codex Office

[Docket No. TFAA-2019-0001]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Office of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA), U.S. 
Codex Office, 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 July 20, 2018 to June 21, 2019 
and June 21, 2019 to May 31, 2020, seeks comments on standards under 
consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: The U.S. Codex Office invites interested persons to submit 
their comments on this notice. Comments may be submitted by one of the 
following methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: This website 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 website for 
submitting comments.
     Mail, including CD-ROMs, etc.: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Office of Trade and Foreign Agricultural 
Affairs, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop S4861, Washington, DC 
20250-3700.
     Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 6065, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or email are to include 
the Agency name and docket number TFAA-2019-0001. 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, 
call (202) 720-5627 to schedule a time to visit the TFAA Docket Room at 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room S4861, Washington, DC 20250-3700.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Mary Frances Lowe, United States 
Manager for Codex Alimentarius, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office 
of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, South Agriculture Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 4861, Washington, DC 20250-3700; 
Telephone: (202) 205-7760; Fax: (202) 720-3157; Email: 
[email protected].
    For information pertaining to particular committees, contact the 
delegate of that committee. A complete list of U.S. delegates and 
alternate delegates can be found in Attachment 2 of this notice. 
Documents pertaining to Codex and specific committee agendas are 
accessible via the internet at https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/. The U.S. Codex Office also maintains a website at 
https://www.usda.gov/codex.

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 Trade and 
Foreign Agricultural Affairs the responsibility to inform the public of 
the SPS standard-setting activities of Codex. The Office of Trade and 
Foreign Agricultural Affairs 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

[[Page 31563]]

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 U.S. Codex Office 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.usda.gov/codex. 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 ([email protected]).
    The information provided in Attachment 1 describes the status of 
Codex standard-setting activities by the Codex committees for the time 
periods from July 20, 2018 to June 21, 2019 and June 21, 2019 to May 
31, 2020. 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.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/en/.

Additional Public Notification

    Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy 
development is important. Consequently, the U.S. Codex Office will 
announce this Federal Register publication on-line through the U.S. 
Codex web page located at: https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/us-codex-office.

    Done at Washington, DC.
Mary 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 (CAC) will convene for its 42nd 
Session on July 8-12, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. At that time, the 
Commission will consider adopting standards recommended by committees 
at Step 8 or 5/8 (final adoption) and advance the work of committees by 
adopting draft standards at Step 5 (for further comment and 
consideration by the relevant committee). The Commission will also 
consider revocation of Codex texts; proposals for new work; 
discontinuation of work; amendments to Codex standards and related 
texts; matters arising for the Reports of the Commission, the Executive 
Committee, and subsidiary bodies; Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025; Codex 
budgetary and financial matters; FAO/WHO scientific support to Codex 
(activities, budgetary, and financial matters); matters arising from 
FAO/WHO; reports of the side event on FAO and WHO capacity development 
activities; report of the side event on the Codex Trust Fund (CTF2); 
election of the chairperson and vice-chairpersons and members of the 
Executive Committee elected on a geographical basis; designation of 
countries responsible for appointing the chairpersons of Codex 
subsidiary bodies; any other business; and adoption of the report.
    Before the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) 
will meet at its 77th Session on July 1-7, 2019. It is composed of the 
Commission chairperson; vice-chairpersons; seven members elected by the 
Commission from each of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, 
Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, and 
South-West Pacific; and regional coordinators from the six regional 
committees. The United States will participate as the member elected on 
a geographical basis for North America. The Executive Committee will 
report on the work of the strategic planning sub-committee of CCEXEC on 
the Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025, and consider the following agenda 
items: the implementation status of the Codex Strategic Plan 2014-2019; 
regular review of Codex work management from 2018-2019; critical review 
process in a follow-up to the regular review of Codex work management 
from 2017-2018; regular review of Codex work management for 2019-2020; 
history and implications of the fourth paragraph of the Statement of 
Principle; Codex budgetary and financial matters; FAO/WHO scientific 
support to Codex activities (activities, budgetary, and financial 
matters); matters arising from FAO and WHO; applications from 
international non-governmental organizations for observer status in 
Codex; organization of the 42nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission; and any other business.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods

    The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF)

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establishes or endorses permitted maximum levels (MLs) and, where 
necessary, revises existing guideline levels (GLs) 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 (JECFA); 
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 
(CoPs) 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 13th Session in Yogyakarta, 
Indonesia, April 29-May 3, 2019. The relevant document is REP 19/CF.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8:
     Draft CoP for the Reduction of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-
diol esters (3-MCPDEs) and glycidyl esters (GE) in Refined Oils and 
Food Products Made with Refined Oils (REP 19/CF Para. 79, Appendix IV);
     Draft Guidelines for Rapid Risk Analysis Following 
Instances of Detection of Contaminants in Food Where There is No 
Regulatory Level.
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Revised MLs for Lead in Selected 
Commodities in the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food 
and Feed (GSCTFF) (Codex Standard (CXS) 193-1995);
     Proposed Draft ML for Cadmium in Chocolates Containing or 
Declaring <30% Total Cocoa Solids on a Dry Matter Basis.
    To be considered for approval as new work:
     Establishment of MLs for Aflatoxins in Certain Cereals and 
Cereal-based Products including Foods for Infants and Young Children;
     Establishment of MLs for Lead in Certain Food Categories;
     Revision of the CoP for the Prevention and Reduction of 
Lead Contamination in Foods;
     Development of a CoP for the Prevention and Reduction of 
Cadmium Contamination in Cocoa Beans;
    To be considered for revocation:
     MLs for Lead in Selected Commodities in the GSCTFF.
    The committee will continue to discuss the following items:
     Establishment of MLs for cadmium in chocolate and 
chocolate products containing or declaring >=30% to <50% total cocoa 
solids on a dry matter basis; and cocoa powder (100% total cocoa solids 
on a dry matter basis);
     Discussion paper on radioactivity in feed and food;
     Discussion paper on lead and cadmium in quinoa;
     Discussion paper on MLs for methylmercury for additional 
fish species;
     Discussion papers on fermented cassava products and 
mitigation measures to support development of a CoP for prevention and 
reduction of mycotoxins in cassava and cassava products;
     General guidance on data analysis for ML development and 
improved data collection;
     Forward work plan for CCCF, including:
    [cir] Identification of key staple food/contaminant combinations;
    [cir] An approach to identify the need for review of existing CCCF 
standards that may need revision;
    [cir] Pilot project on evaluation of implementation of CoPs.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and 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 relevant document 
is REP 19/CPL.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8:
     Draft Two Sections in the Standard for Quinoa.
    No additional work is ongoing in this committee. It will again be 
adjourned sine die once the work on the international Codex Standard 
for Quinoa is completed.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
    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 
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 committee convened for its 51st Session in Jinan, China, March 
25-29, 2019. The relevant document is REP 19/FA. Immediately prior to 
the Plenary Session, there was a one and a half day Physical Working 
Group (PWG) on the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) chaired 
by the United States and a half day PWG on Alignment chaired by 
Australia.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 5/8:
     Proposed Draft Specifications for the Identity and Purity 
of Food Additives Arising from the 86th JECFA Meeting;
     Revision of the Class Names and the International 
Numbering System for Food Additives (CXG 36-1989).
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8 and 5/8:
     Draft and Proposed Draft Food-Additive Provisions of the 
General Standard for Food Additives.
    Also to be considered for final adoption:
     Revised Food Additive Provisions of the GSFA in Relation 
to the Alignment of the Thirteen Standards for Milk and Milk Products 
(Ripened Cheese), Two Standards for Sugars, Two Standards for Natural 
Mineral Waters, Three Standards for Cereals, Pulses and Legumes, and 
Three Standards for Vegetable Proteins;
     Revised Food Additive Provisions of the GSFA in Relation 
to the Alignment of Provisions for Ascorbyl Esters (ascorbyl palmitate 
(INS 304) and ascorbyl stearate (INS) 305)) and the Standards for 
Infant Formula and Formula for Special Dietary Purposes Intended for 
Infants (CXS 72-1981) and Follow-up Formula (CXS 156-1987);
     Revised Food-Additive Sections of the Thirteen Standards 
for Milk and Milk Products (Ripened Cheese), i.e. Standards for Cheddar 
(CXS 263-1966); Danbo (CXS 264-1966); Edam (CXS 265-1966); Gouda (CXS 
266-1966); Havarti (CXS 267-1966); Sams[oslash] (CXS 268-1966); 
Emmental (CXS 269-1967); Tilsiter (CXS 270-1968); Saint-Paulin (CXS 
271-1968); Provolone (CXS 272-1968); Coulommiers (CXS 274-1969);

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Camembert (CXS 276-1973); and Brie (CXS 277-1973);
     Revised Food-Additive Sections of the Two Standards for 
Sugars and Two Standards for Natural Mineral Waters, i.e. Standards for 
Honey (CXS 12-1981); and Sugars (CXS 212-1999) and Standards for 
Natural Mineral Waters (CXS 108-1981); and Bottled/Packaged Drinking 
Waters (other than natural mineral waters) (CXS 227-2001);
     Revised Food-Additive Sections of the Three Standards for 
Cereals, Pulses and Legumes and Three Standards for Vegetable Proteins, 
i.e. Standards for Wheat flour (CXS 152-1985); Couscous (CXS 202-1995); 
and Instant noodles (CXS 249-2006); and Wheat protein products 
including wheat gluten (CXS 163-1987); Vegetable protein products (VPP) 
(CXS 174-1989); and Soy protein products (CXS 175-1989);
     Revised Food-Additive Provisions of the GSFA in Relation 
to the Replacement Notes to Note 161;
     Insertion of a Footnote to the Table Entitled ``References 
to Commodity Standards for GSFA Table 3 Additives'';
     The Revised Table on ``Justified use'' in Food Additive 
section in the Standard for Mozzarella (CXS 262-2006).
    To be considered for discontinuation:
     Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the 
GSFA.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Draft and Proposed draft food additive provisions of the 
GSFA (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 (PWG led by Canada);
     Alignment of the food additive provisions of commodity 
standards and relevant provisions of the GSFA (EWG led by Australia, 
Japan and the United States);
     Revision of the Class Names and the International 
Numbering System for Food Additives (EWG led by Belgium);
     Provisions related to the use of sweeteners with Note 161 
attached to (1) determine if sweeteners or flavor enhancers are 
justified in specific food categories and (2) developing wording for an 
alternative to Note 161 relating to the use of sweeteners or flavor 
enhancers in food categories where the use is technologically 
justified;
     Issues with the online GSFA which prevent the 
implementation of committee decisions and to inform the Executive 
Committee on this matter.
    The committee also agreed to hold a one and half day PWG on the 
GSFA immediately preceding the 52nd Session of CCFA to be chaired by 
the United States. That group will discuss:
     The recommendations of the EWG on the GSFA and new 
proposals and proposed revisions of food additive provisions in the 
GSFA.
    The committee also agreed to hold a half day PWG on Alignment 
immediately preceding the 52nd Session of CCFA to be chaired by 
Australia. That group will discuss the recommendations of the EWG on 
Alignment.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    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, consulting as 
necessary, with other international organizations in the standards 
development process to avoid duplication.
    The committee convened for its 20th Session in Kampala, Uganda, on 
October 2-6, 2017. The relevant document is REP 17/FFV.
    The committee does not have items that will be considered by the 
42nd Session of the Commission in July 2019.
    The committee will continue working on the following items:
     Draft standard for garlic;
     Draft standard for kiwifruit;
     Proposed draft standard for ware potatoes;
     Proposed draft standard for fresh dates;
     Proposed draft standard for yams;
     Proposed draft standard for onions and shallots;
     Proposed draft standard for berry fruits;
     Discussion paper on glossary terms used in the layout for 
Codex standards for fresh fruits and vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS); 
HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) is responsible for 
developing basic provisions on food hygiene, applicable to all food or 
to specific food types; considering and amending or endorsing 
provisions on food hygiene contained in Codex commodity standards and 
CoP developed by other committees; considering specific food hygiene 
problems assigned to it by the Commission; suggesting and prioritizing 
areas where there is a need for microbiological risk assessment at the 
international level and developing questions to be addressed by the 
risk assessors; and considering microbiological risk management matters 
in relation to food hygiene and in relation to the FAO/WHO risk 
assessments.
    The committee convened for its 50th Session in Panama City, Panama, 
November 12-16, 2018. The relevant document is REP 19/FH.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for final adoption Step 5/8:
     Alignment of the Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery 
Products with the Histamine Control Guidance.
    To be considered for adoption Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration by the next session of CCFH:
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice on Food Allergen 
Management for Food Business Operators.
    To be considered for approval as new work:
     Development of Guidelines for the Control of Shiga Toxin-
Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Beef Meat, Leafy Greens, Raw Milk 
and Cheese Produced from Raw Milk, and Sprouts.
    To be considered for discontinuation:
     Development of Histamine Sampling Guidance in 11 Commodity 
Standards for Fish and Fishery Products.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft Revision of the General Principles of Food 
Hygiene and its HACCP Annex;
     Guidance for the Management of Biological Foodborne 
Outbreaks;
     New work proposals/forward workplan.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    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,

[[Page 31566]]

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 committee convened for its 24th Session in Brisbane Australia, 
October 22-26, 2018. The relevant document is REP 19/FICS.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration at the next session of CCFICS:
     Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Assessment and Use 
of Voluntary Third-Party Assurance (vTPA) Programmes.
    To be considered for approval as new work:
     Project Document for New Work on the Consolidation of 
Codex Guidelines Related to Equivalence.
    To be considered for information:
     Outcome of the assessment of the experimental approach for 
Intersessional physical Working Groups combined with webinar 
technology;
     Ongoing discussions on food integrity food authenticity 
and food fraud.
    The committee also agreed to continue working on the following 
items through electronic Working Groups (EWG):
     Proposed draft guidelines on recognition and maintenance 
of equivalence of National Food Control Systems;
     Proposed draft consolidated Codex guidelines related to 
equivalence;
     Proposed draft guidance on paperless use of electronic 
certificates (Revision of Guidelines for Design, Production, Issuance, 
and Use of Generic Official Certificates);
     Draft principles and guidelines for the assessment and use 
of voluntary Third-Party Assurance (vTPA) programs;
     Discussion paper on the role of CCFICS with respect to 
tackling food fraud in the context of food safety and fair practices in 
food trade.
    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, and guidelines; and studies 
specific labeling problems assigned to it 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 its 45th Session in Ottawa, Canada, May 13-
17, 2019. The relevant document is REP 19/FL.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration at the next session of CCFL:
     Proposed Draft Guidance for the Labelling of Non-retail 
Containers.
    To be considered for approval as new work:
     Revision to the General Standard for the Labelling of 
Prepackaged Foods: Allergen Labelling and Guidance on the Precautionary 
Allergen or Advisory Labelling;
     Proposed Draft Guidance on Internet Sales/E-Commerce.
    The committee will continue working on the following items:
     Proposed draft guidelines on front-of-pack nutrition 
labelling;
     Discussion paper on innovation- use of technology in food 
labelling;
     Discussion paper on labelling of alcoholic beverages;
     Discussion paper on labelling of foods in joint 
presentation and multipack formats;
     Discussion paper on future work and direction of CCFL 
(update).
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils

    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) is responsible for 
elaborating worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, 
and marine origin, including margarine and olive oil.
    The Committee convened for its 26th Session in Kuala Lumpur, 
Malaysia, February 25-March 1, 2019. The relevant document is REP 19/
FO.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for adoption at final Step 8 and 5/8:
     Revision to the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils:
    [cir] Addition of palm oil with high content of oleic acid (OXG);
    [cir] Amendment to the values of the refractive index and apparent 
density of palm superolein at 40[deg]C;
    [cir] Inclusion of almond oil, flaxseed (linseed) oil, hazelnut 
oil, pistachio oil, and walnut oil;
    [cir] Replacement of acid value with free fatty acids for virgin 
palm oil and inclusion of free fatty acids for crude palm kernel oil;
    [cir] Revision to Table 1: applicability of the fatty acid 
composition of other oils (listed in table 1) in relation to their 
corresponding crude form and consequential deletion of an equivalent 
note for rice bran oil;
    [cir] Inclusion of free fatty acids as quality characteristic 
criteria for refined rice bran oil.
     Alignment of Food Additives Provisions in Standards for 
Fats and Oils (Excepts Fish Oils) and Technological Justification for 
Use of Emulsifiers in Food Category (FC) 02.1.2 of the GSFA.
    To be considered for revocation:
     Provisions for Monosodium Tartrate (INS 335(i)), 
Monopotassium Tartrate (INS 336(i)), Dipotassium Tartrate (INS 336(ii)) 
and Sodium Sorbate (INS 201) in the Standard for Fat Spreads and 
Blended Spreads (CXS 26-2007).
    The committee will continue working on:
     Draft Revision of the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils 
(Codex Stand 201-1999): Essential composition of sunflower seed oils;
     Revision of the Standard for Olive Oils and Pomace Olive 
Oils (Codex Stan 33-1981);
     Considering proposals for new substances to be added to 
the list of acceptable previous cargoes and 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.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Agricultural Research Service 
(ARS).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

[[Page 31567]]

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 committee convened for its 40th Session in Budapest, Hungary, 
May 27-31, 2019. The relevant document is REP 19/MAS.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8:
     Methods of Analysis and Sampling Plans for Provisions in 
Codex Standards.
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 5/8:
     Preamble and Document Structure for the General 
Standard for Methods of Analysis and Sampling
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration by the next session of CCMAS:
     Proposed Draft Revised Guidelines on Measurement 
Uncertainty.
    To be considered for revocation:
     Methods of Analysis for Provisions in Codex Standards.
    The committee will continue to discuss:
     Endorsement of methods of analysis and sampling plans for 
provisions in Codex standards;
     Review of dairy methods- dairy workable package;
     Review of cereals, pulses and legumes methods workable 
package;
     Review of the fats and oils methods;
     Review of the general guidelines on sampling.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/AMS.
    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 40th Session in Berlin, Germany, 
November 26-30, 2018. The reference document is REP 19/NFSDU.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration at the next session of CCNFSDU:
     Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula: Proposed 
Proposed draft Scope, Description and Labelling for Follow-up Formula 
for Older Infants.
    To be considered for revocation:
     Provisions for Monosodium Tartrate (INS 335(i)), 
Monopotassium Tartrate (INS 336(i)) and Dipotassium Tartrate (INS 
336(ii)) in the Standard for Processed Cereal-Based Foods for Infant 
and Young Children.
    To be considered for discontinuation:
     Nutrient Reference Values--Non-Communicable Diseases (NRV-
NCD) for Eicosatetraenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) 
Long Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids
    The committee will continue to discuss:
     Review of the Standard for Follow up Formula;
     Nutrient References Value--Recommended (NRV-R) for older 
infants and young children;
     Mechanism/framework for considering the technological 
justification of food additives;
     Alignment of food additives;
     Consideration of a discussion paper on harmonized 
probiotic guidelines for use in foods and dietary supplements;
     Consideration of a discussion paper on general guidelines 
to establish nutritional profiles;
     Prioritization mechanism to better manage the work of 
CCNFSDU.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) is 
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and related texts for 
all types of processed fruits and vegetables including, but not limited 
to canned, dried, and frozen products, as well as fruit and vegetable 
juices and necttfa.
    The committee convened for its 29th Session by correspondence, 
March 13-June 28, 2019.
    The committee does not have items that will be considered for 
adoption by the 42nd Session of the Commission in July 2019.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Chili sauce;
     Mango chutney;
     Gochujang;
     Dried fruits;
     Canned fruit salads;
     Referring matters back to CCFA for the use of functional 
classes and food additives in processed fruits and vegetables:
    [cir] ``Emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners'' and xantham gum (INS 
415) in Food Category 14.1.2 Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Food 
Category 14.1.3 Fruit and Vegetable Nectar;
    [cir] Acidity regulators and tartrates (INS 334, 335(ii), 337) in 
Food Category 04.2.2 Dried Fruit;
    [cir] Tartrates (INS 334, 335(ii), 337) in Food Category 04.1.2.6 
Fruit Based Spreads (e.g., chutney), excluding products in Food 
Category 04.1.2.5; and
    [cir] Use of colors in quick frozen French fried potatoes.
     Referring matters to CCMASS on a method for fat extraction 
prior to the use of the method for the determination of free fatty 
acids in quick-frozen French-fried potatoes and other matters related 
to methods of analysis and sampling for processed fruits and 
vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service; 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;

[[Page 31568]]

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 committee convened for its 51st Session in Macau, China, April 
8-13, 2019. The relevant document is REP 19/PR.
    The following items will be considered at the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for final adoption:
     MRLs for Different Combinations of Pesticide(s)/
Commodity(ies) for Food and Feed;
     Revision of the Classification of Food and Feed: 
Miscellaneous Commodities not Meeting the Criteria for Crop Grouping.
    To be considered for approval as new work:
     Development of Guidance for Compounds of Low Public Health 
Concerns that could be Exempted from the Establishment of CXLs;
     Class C: Primary Animal Feed Commodities. Type 
Miscellaneous Primary Feed Commodities and Class D: Processed Foods of 
Plant Origin. Type Miscellaneous Processed Foods of Plant Origin;
     Priority List of Pesticides for Evaluation by the 2020 
JMPR.
    To be considered for revocation:
     CXLs for Different Combinations of Pesticide/
Commodity(ies) Proposed for Revocation by CCPR49.
    The committee will continue to discuss the following items:
     Draft and Proposed Draft Revision of the Classification of 
Food and Feed:
    [cir] Revision of Class C, Animal feed commodities, taking into 
account silage, fodder, and a separate group for grasses;
    [cir] Revision of Class D, Processed Food commodities;
    [cir] Transferring commodities from Class D to Class C;
    [cir] Creating tables with representative crops for Class C and D;
    [cir] Edible animal tissues (including edible offal) in 
collaboration with the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs 
in Foods (CCRVDF) EWG on edible animal tissues.
     Information on a National Registration Database of 
Pesticides--Establishment of a Codex Database of National Registration 
of Pesticides;
     Establishment of JMPR Schedules and Priority Lists for 
Evaluations of Pesticides;
     Discussion Paper on the Review of the International 
Estimated Short-Term Intake (IESTI) Equations (possible revision);
     Discussion Paper on the Management of Unsupported 
Compounds;
     Discussion Paper on the Opportunity to Revise the 
Guidelines on the Use of Mass Spectrometry for the Identification, 
Confirmation and Quantitative Determination of Pesticide Residues;
     Discussion Paper on Opportunities and Challenges for JMPR 
Participation in International Review of a New Compound.
    Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

    The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods 
(CCRVDF) determines priorities for the consideration of residues of 
veterinary drugs in foods and recommends Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) 
for veterinary drugs. The Committee also develops codes of practice, as 
may be required, and considers methods of sampling and analysis for the 
determination of veterinary drug residues in food. A veterinary drug is 
defined as any substance applied or administered to any food producing 
animal, such as meat or milk producing animals, poultry, fish, or bees, 
whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic purposes, or 
for modification of physiological functions or behavior.
    A Codex Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) for residues of veterinary 
drugs is the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of 
a veterinary drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis) 
that is recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be 
permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on a food. Residues of a 
veterinary drug include the parent compounds or their metabolites in 
any edible portion of the animal product and include residues of 
associated impurities of the veterinary drug concerned. An MRL is based 
on the type and amount of residue considered to be without any 
toxicological hazard for human health as expressed by the Acceptable 
Daily Intake (ADI) or on the basis of a temporary ADI that utilizes an 
additional safety factor. 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 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 24\th\ Session in Chicago, Illinois, 
April 23-27, 2018. The relevant document is REP 18/RVDF.
    The Committee does not have items that will be considered for 
adoption by the 42nd Session of the Commission in July 2019.
    The committee will continue working on the following items:
     Draft MRL for flumethrin (honey);
     Proposed draft MRLs for zilpaterol hydrochloride (cattle 
fat, kidney, liver, muscle);
     Priority list of veterinary drugs approved by CAC41 
(2018);
     Draft priority list of veterinary drugs for approval by 
CAC;
     Discussion paper on extrapolation of MRLs to one or more 
species (including a pilot on extrapolation of MRLs identified in Part 
D of the Priority List);
     Coordination with the CCPR/EWG on the revision of the 
Classification of Food and Feed for the development of a harmonized 
definition for edible offal/animal tissues for the establishment of 
MRLs;
     Database on countries needs for MRLs;
     Discussion paper on advantages and disadvantages of a 
parallel approach to compound evaluation.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine; USDA/
FSIS.
    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 re-activated electronically to work by 
correspondence on a draft standard for panela and/or common or 
vernacular name as known in each country (non-centrifuged sugar).
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:

[[Page 31569]]

    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8:
     Draft Standard for panela and/or common or vernacular name 
as known in each country (non-centrifuged sugar).
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs

    The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs is responsible for 
elaborating worldwide standards for spices and culinary herbs in their 
dried and dehydrated state in whole, ground, and cracked or crushed 
form. It also consults, as necessary, with other international 
organizations in the standards development process to avoid 
duplication.
    The committee convened for its 4th Session in Thiruvananthapuram 
(Trivandrum), Kerala, India, from January 21-25, 2019. The relevant 
document is REP 19/SCH.
    The following items will be considered by the 42nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2019:
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 5/8:
     Standard for Dried and/or Dehydrated Garlic.
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration at the next session of CCSCH:
     Draft standard for dried oregano;
     Draft standard for dried roots, rhizomes, and bulbs--dried 
or dehydrated ginger;
     Draft standard for dried basil;
     Draft standard for dried floral parts--dried cloves;
     Draft standard for saffron.
    The committee will continue to discuss:
     Draft Standard for Dried and/or Dehydrated Chili and 
Paprika;
     Draft Standard for Nutmeg;
     Working Group (WG) on Priorities and Group Standards.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance

    The Ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial 
Resistance (TFAMR) is responsible for 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 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 
Organization 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 this work within three (or a maximum of 
four) sessions.
    The Task Force convened for its 6th Session (the 2nd Session since 
reactivation in 2016) in Busan, Republic of Korea, December 10-14, 
2018, working on draft text for the Code of Practice (CoP) and Guidance 
on Integrated Surveillance (GLIS).
    The task force does not have items that will be considered for 
adoption by the 42nd Session of the Commission in July 2019.
    The task force will continue to discuss:
     Proposed draft revision of the Code of Practice to 
Minimize and Contain Antimicrobial Resistance;
     Proposed draft Guidelines on Integrated surveillance of 
Antimicrobial Resistance;
     Requests for Scientific Advice from FAO and WHO in 
collaboration with OIE.
    Responsible Agencies: FDA/USDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Adjourned 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, DCO/NOAA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Fish and Fishery Products--adjourned 2016

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

Meat Hygiene--adjourned 2003

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

Milk and Milk Products--adjourned 2017

    Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    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 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) will convene its 23rd Session in Nairobi, 
Kenya, September 2-6, 2019.
    The committee will discuss the following agenda items:

[[Page 31570]]

     Use of Codex standards in the region;
     Matters referred from the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
and other Codex Committees;
     Implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan 2014-2019;
     Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025;
     Codex communication work plan;
     Draft standard for fermented cooked cassava-based 
products;
     Draft standard for Gnetum spp leaves;
     Proposed draft standard for dried meat;
     Discussion paper on regional harmonized food law 
guidelines for the CCAFRICA region;
     Discussion paper on the development of a regional standard 
for fermented non-alcoholic cereal-based drink (Mahewu);
     Nomination of the coordinator;
     Other business.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Asia

    The Committee (CCASIA) will convene for its 21st Session in Goa, 
India, September 23-27, 2019.
    The committee will discuss the following agenda items:
     Use of Codex standards in the region;
     Matters arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and 
other Codex Committees;
     Codex work relevant to the region;
     Implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan 2014-2019;
     Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025;
     Codex communication work plan;
     Discussion paper/project document on the development of a 
regional standard for rice-based low alcohol beverages (cloudy types);
     Discussion paper/project document on the development of a 
regional standard for soybean products fermented with the bacterium 
Bacillus subtilis;
     Discussion paper/project document on the development of a 
regional standard for quick frozen dumplings (Ziaozi);
     Discussion paper/project document on the development of a 
regional standard/code of practice for Zongzi;
     Nomination of coordinator;
     Other business.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Europe

    The Committee (CCEURO) will convene for its 31st Session in Almaty, 
Kazakhstan, September 30-October 4, 2019.
    The agenda will be announced at a later date. It will be posted at: 
https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/en/.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean

    The Committee (CCLAC) will convene for its 21st Session in 
Santiago, Chile, October 21-25, 2019.
    The agenda will be announced at a later date. It will be posted at: 
https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/en/.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific

    The Committee will convene for its 15th Session in Port Vila, 
Vanuatu, September 16-20, 2019.
    The Committee will continue discuss the following agenda items:
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the 
region:
    [cir] Current and emerging issues in the region;
    [cir] Use of the online platform for information sharing on food 
safety control systems; status of information and future plans/
prospects;
     Use of Codex standards in the region;
     Matters referred from the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
and other Codex Committees;
     Codex work relevant to the region;
     Implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan 2014-2019;
     Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025;
     Codex communications work plan;
     Proposed draft standard for fermented noni juice;
     Proposed draft standard for kava as a beverage when mixed 
with cold water;
     Nomination of the coordinator;
     Other business.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Coordinating Committee for the Near East

    The Committee (CCNEA) will convene for its 10th Session on November 
18-22, 2019.
    The agenda will be announced at a later date. It will be posted at: 
https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/en/.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: No.
    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: [email protected].

ATTACHMENT 2

U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials

Chairpersons from the United States

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    Dr. Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, Ph.D., Chief Scientist, Office 
of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 2129--South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690 9058-3429, Email: 
[email protected].

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    Mr. 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 protected].

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

    Dr. 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, 
[email protected].

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, Ph.D., 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) 402-1639, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. Terry Dutko, Laboratory Director, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, Office of Public

[[Page 31571]]

Health Science, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4300 Goodfellow 
Building, 105D Federal, St. Louis, MO 63120-0005, Phone: +1 (314) 263-
2680, Extension 344, [email protected].

Food Additives

(Host Government--China)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. 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, 5001 Campus 
Drive, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1206, Fax: +1 (301) 
436-2965, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. 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, [email protected].

Food Hygiene

(Host Government--United States)
    U.S. Delegate: Ms.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, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. William Shaw, Director, Risk, Innovation 
and 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 protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. 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, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1541, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
[email protected].

Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection Systems

(Host Government--Australia)
    U.S. Delegate: Ms. Mary Stanley, Senior Advisor, Office of 
International Coordination, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 3151, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-0287, Fax: +1 (202) 690-3856, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Ms. 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 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 
402-1242, [email protected].

Food Labelling

(Host Government--Canada)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. Douglas Balentine, Director, Office of Nutrition 
and Food Labelling, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS-830), College 
Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 240 402 2373, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2636, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. Bryce Carson, Issues Analyst, International 
Relations and Strategic Planning Staff, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 250-8915, [email protected]ov.

General Principles

(Host Government--France)
    U.S. Delegate: Ms. Mary Frances Lowe, U.S. Manager for Codex 
Alimentarius, U.S. Codex Office, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Room 4861, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 
(202) 720-2057, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Ms. Camille Brewer, Director of International 
Affairs, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and 
Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-1, College Park, MD 
20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1723, [email protected].

Methods of Analysis and Sampling

(Host Government--Hungary)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. 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, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. Timothy Norden, Ph.D., Technology and 
Science Division, Federal Grain Inspection Program, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 10383 N Ambassador 
Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153, Phone: +1 (816) 891-0470, Fax: +1 (816) 
872-1253, [email protected].

Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

(Host Government--Germany)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. Douglas Balentine, Director, Office of Nutrition 
and Food Labelling, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS-830), College 
Park, MD 20740, +1 240 402 2373, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2636, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. Pamela R. Pehrsson, Ph.D., Research Leader, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 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), 
[email protected].

Pesticide Residues

(Host Government--China)
    U.S. Delegate: Captain David Miller, Chief, Chemistry and Exposure 
Branch, and acting Chief, Toxicology and 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, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. John Johnston, Ph.D., Scientific Liaison/
Chemist, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building D, Suite 320, Fort Collins, 
CO 80526, Phone: (202) 365-7175, [email protected].

Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

(Host Government--United States)
    U.S. Delegate: Ms. 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, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. Louis Bluhm, Chemistry Branch Chief, 
Laboratory Quality Assurance Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Food Safety and Inspection Service, Russell Research Center, Suite PB-
4, Athens, GA, Phone: +1 (706) 546-2359, [email protected].

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active)

Cereals, Pulses and Legumes

(Host Government--United States)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. Henry Kim, Ph.D., Senior Policy Analyst, Office 
of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and

[[Page 31572]]

Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive 
(HFS-317), College Park, MD, USA 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2023, 
h[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. Patrick McCluskey, Supervisory Agricultural 
Marketing Specialist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural 
Marketing Service, Federal Grain Inspection Service, 10383 N Ambassador 
Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153, Phone: +1 (816) 659-8403, 
[email protected].

Fats and Oils

(Host Country--Malaysia)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. Paul South, Ph.D., 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 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-
1640, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Vacant

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

(Host Government--Mexico)
    U.S. Delegate: Mr. Dorian LaFond, International Standards 
Coordinator, Fruit and Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection 
Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW--Mail Stop 0247, Washington, 
DC 20250-0247, Phone: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. 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 20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-0335, [email protected].

Processed Fruits and Vegetables

(Host Government--United States)
    U.S. Delegate: Mr. Dorian LaFond, International Standards 
Coordinator, Fruit and Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection 
Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW--Mail Stop 0247, Washington, 
DC 20250-0247, Phone: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527, 
[email protected].
    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, [email protected].

Spices and Culinary Herbs

(Host Government--India)
    U.S. Delegate: Mr. Dorian LaFond, International Standards 
Coordinator, Fruit and Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection 
Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW--Mail Stop 0247, Washington, 
DC 20250-0247, Phone: +1 (202) 690-4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690-1527, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. Aparna Tatavarthy, Microbiologist, Spices 
and Seasoning Mixes Team, 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) 402-1013, Fax: +1 (301) 436-
2632, [email protected].

Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS)

(Host Government--Columbia)
    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, [email protected].

Worldwide Ad Hoc Codex Task Forces (Active)

Antimicrobial Resistance (Reactivated 2016)

(Host Government--Republic of Korea)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. 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, Phone: +1-301-348-3007, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. Neena Anandaraman, DVM, MPH, Veterinary 
Science Policy Advisor, Office of Chief Scientist, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 339A, 1200 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: +1 (202) 260-8789, 
[email protected].

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Adjourned)

Cocoa Products and Chocolate (adjourned sine die 2001)

(Host Government--Switzerland)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. 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, [email protected].

Fish and Fishery Products (adjourned sine die 2016)

(Host Government--Norway)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. William R. Jones, Ph.D., 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, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. 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, 
[email protected].

Meat Hygiene (adjourned sine die 2003)

(Host Government--New Zealand)
    Delegate: Vacant

Milk and Milk Products (adjourned sine die 2017)

(Host Government--New Zealand)
    U.S. Delegate: Mr. Christopher Thompson, Dairy Standardization 
Branch, Mail Stop 0230, Room 2756, 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, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. 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-315), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5001 Campus Drive, College 
Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1488, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
[email protected].

[[Page 31573]]

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, U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 
(240) 402-2479, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, [email protected].

Vegetable Proteins (adjourned sine die 1989)

(Host Government--Canada)
    Delegate: Vacant.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces (Dissolved)

Animal Feeding (Dissolved 2013)

(Host government--Switzerland)
    Delegate: Vacant

[FR Doc. 2019-14076 Filed 7-1-19; 8:45 am]
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