International Standard-Setting Activities, 34161-34171 [2020-11984]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• U.S. Codex Office

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 3, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34161-34171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-11984]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

U.S. Codex Office

[Docket No. USDA-2020-0007]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Office of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA), 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 21, 2019 to May 31, 2020 
and June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021, seeks comments on standards under 
consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: The U.S. Codex Office (USCO) 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 4861, Washington, DC 20250-3700.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or email are to include 
the Agency name and docket number USDA-2020-0007. 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 the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, U.S. 
Codex Office, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Room 4861, Washington, DC 20250-3700; Telephone: +1 (202) 205-7760; 
Fax: +1 (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.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/en/. The U.S. Codex Office (USCO) 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 (OIE), 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 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

[[Page 34162]]

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 USCO 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 U.S. 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 U.S. 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 USCO 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 June 21, 2019 to May 31, 2020 and June 1, 2020 to May 31, 
2021. Attachment 2 provides a list of U.S. Codex officials (including 
U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of forthcoming Codex 
sessions may be found at: https://www.codexalimentarius.org/meetings-reports/en/.

Additional Public Notification

    Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy 
development is important. Consequently, the USCO 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) was scheduled to convene 
for its 43rd Session on July 6-11, 2020 in Rome, Italy; however, it 
will be rescheduled to a later date and time due to ongoing concerns 
related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. At its 43rd 
Session, 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; and matters arising from the Reports of the Commission, the 
Executive Committee, and subsidiary bodies. Although the agenda for the 
43rd Session is not yet available, it is expected that the Commission 
will also consider Codex budgetary and financial matters; FAO/WHO 
scientific support to Codex (activities, budgetary and financial 
matters); matters arising from FAO/WHO; reports of side events; 
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) was 
also scheduled to meet for its 79th Session on June 29-July 3, 2020, 
however this too has been postponed and will be rescheduled due to 
COVID-19 related issues. CCEXEC 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 
coordinating committees. The United States will participate as the 
member elected on a geographical basis for North America. The Executive 
Committee agenda for the 79th session is not yet available.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    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 following item will be considered by the 43rd Session of the 
Commission:
     Inclusion of the section on grain size in the Standard for 
Quinoa, (CXS 333-2019) adopted at Step 8 at CAC42 (2019).
    No additional work is ongoing in this committee. It will again be 
adjourned sine die once the CAC determines whether there is consensus 
to include the section on grain size in the Standard for Quinoa.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition (CFSAN).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods

    The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) establishes or 
endorses recommended

[[Page 34163]]

maximum levels (MLs) to be legally permitted in a commodity, 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 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 14th Session of the CCCF, originally scheduled for April 20-24, 
2020, in Utrecht, Netherlands, has been postponed due to ongoing 
concerns related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It is now 
scheduled for May 3-7, 2021.
    The committee has the following item that will be considered again 
by the 43rd Session of the Commission.
    To be considered for adoption Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration by the next session of CCCF:
     Draft ML for cadmium in chocolates containing or declaring 
<30% total cocoa solids on a dry matter basis.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft 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);
     Proposed draft code of practice for the prevention and 
reduction of cadmium contamination in cocoa beans;
     Proposed draft MLs for lead in selected commodities for 
inclusion in the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food 
and Feed (GSCTFF) (CXS 193-1995);
     Proposed draft revision of the Code of Practice for the 
Prevention and Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods (CXS 56-2004);
     Proposed draft MLs for total aflatoxins in certain cereals 
and cereal based products including foods for infants and young 
children;
     Proposed draft ML for total aflatoxins in ready-to-eat 
peanuts and associated sampling plan;
     Proposed draft MLs for total aflatoxins and ochratoxin A 
in nutmeg, dried chili and paprika, ginger, pepper and turmeric, and 
associated sampling plans;
     Discussion paper on radioactivity in feed and food 
(including drinking water) in normal circumstances;
     Discussion paper on MLs for cadmium and lead in quinoa;
     Discussion paper on MLs for methylmercury in additional 
fish species;
     Discussion papers on MLs for HCN in cassava and cassava-
based products and CoP for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin 
contamination in cassava and cassava-based products;
     General guidance on data analysis for ML development and 
for improved data collection;
     Discussion paper on approach to identify the need for 
revision of standards and related texts developed by CCCF;
     Forward work plan for CCCF, including:
    [cir] Review of staple food-contaminant combinations for future 
work of CCCF; and
    [cir] Project plan for the evaluation of implementation of CoPs of 
CCCF.
     Priority list of contaminants and naturally occurring 
toxicants for evaluation by JECFA; and
     Follow-up work to the outcome of JECFA evaluations.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/Food Safety and Inspection 
Service (FSIS).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Additives

    The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) establishes or 
endorses acceptable maximum levels (MLs) for individual food additives; 
prepares a priority list of food additives for risk assessment by the 
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 52nd Session of the CCFA, originally scheduled for March 2-6, 
2020, in Lanzhou, China, has been postponed due to ongoing concerns 
related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It is now scheduled for 
March 8-12, 2021.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Draft and Proposed draft food additive provisions of the 
General Standard for Food Additives (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 (physical Working Group 
(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 immediately 
preceding the 52nd Session of CCFA on alignment of the food additive 
provisions of commodity standards and relevant provisions of the GSFA, 
to be chaired by Australia. That group will discuss the recommendations 
of the EWG on alignment.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA/CFSAN.
    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 its 21st Session in Monterrey, Nuevo 
Le[oacute]n, Mexico from October 7-11, 2019. The relevant document is 
REP 20/FFV.
    The committee has the following items that will be considered by 
the 43rd Session of the Commission.
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8 and Step \5/8\:
     Draft standard for garlic;

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     Draft standard for kiwifruit;
     Draft standard for ware potatoes;
     Draft standard for yams;
    The committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft standard for onions and shallots;
     Proposed draft standard for berry fruits;
     Proposed draft standard for fresh dates;
     Discussion paper on glossary terms used in the layout for 
Codex standards for fresh fruits and vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS); 
HHS/FDA/CFSAN.
    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 
Codex of Practice 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 51st Session in Cleveland, Ohio, 
United States, November 4-8, 2019. The relevant document is REP20/FH.
    The following items will be considered by the 43rd Session of the 
Commission.
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8 and Step 5/8:
     Draft revision of the General Principles of Food Hygiene 
(CXC 1-1969); and
     Draft code of practice on food allergen management for 
food business operators.
    To be considered for adoption Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration by the next session of CCFH:
     Proposed draft guidance for the management of biological 
foodborne outbreaks.
    To be considered for approval as new work:
     Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food 
production.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Diagram/decision tree to accompany the draft revision of 
the General Principles of Food Hygiene (CXC 1-1969);
     Redrafting proposed draft guidelines for the control of 
Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in raw beef, raw milk and 
raw milk cheeses, fresh leafy vegetables, and sprouts; and
     New work proposals/forward workplan.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CFSAN; 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, 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 25th Session of the CCFICS, originally scheduled for April 27-
May 1, 2020, in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, has been postponed due to 
ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It is 
now scheduled for March 22-26, 2021.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Draft principles and guidelines for the assessment and use 
of voluntary Third Party Assurance (vTPA) programs;
     Proposed draft guidance on paperless use of electronic 
certificates (revision of the Guidelines for Design, Production, 
Issuance and Use of Generic Official Certificates (CXG 38-2001));
     Proposed draft guidelines on recognition and maintenance 
of equivalence of national food control systems (NFCS);
     Proposed draft consolidated Codex guidelines related to 
equivalence; and
     Discussion paper on 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/CFSAN.
    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 is scheduled to meet October 19-23, 2020, in Canada. 
It does not have any items that will be considered for adoption or 
approval by the 43rd Session of the Commission.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft guidelines on front-of-pack nutrition 
labeling;
     Proposed draft guidance on internet sales/e-commerce;
     Revision of the General Standard for the Labelling of 
Prepackaged Foods: Allergen labeling and proposed draft guidance on 
precautionary or advisory allergen labeling;
     Discussion paper on innovation--use of technology in food 
labeling;
     Discussion paper on labeling of alcoholic beverages; and
     Discussion paper on future work and direction of CCFL 
(update).
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CFSAN; 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.

[[Page 34165]]

    The Committee is currently scheduled to host its 27th session in 
early 2021 in Malaysia. It does not have any items that will be 
considered for adoption or approval by the 43rd Session of the 
Commission.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Revision of the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils (CXS 
201-1999): Essential composition of sunflower seed oils;
     Revision of the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils (CXS 
210-1999): Inclusion of avocado oil;
     Revision of the Standard for Olive Oils and Pomace Olive 
Oils (CXS 33-1981); and
     Proposals for new substances to be added to the list of 
acceptable previous cargo (Appendix II to RCP 36-1987).
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CFSAN; USDA/Agricultural Research 
Service (ARS).
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on General Principles

    The Codex Committee on General Principles (CCGP) is responsible for 
procedural and general matters referred to it by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission, including: (a) The review or endorsement of procedural 
provisions/texts forwarded by other subsidiary bodies for inclusion in 
the Procedural Manual of the Codex Alimentarius Commission; and (b) The 
consideration and recommendation of other amendments to the Procedural 
Manual.
    The 32nd Session of the CCGP, originally scheduled for March 23-27, 
2020, in Bordeaux, France, has been postponed due to ongoing concerns 
related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Procedural guidance for committees working by 
correspondence;
     Revisions/amendments to Codex texts;
     Format and structure of the Codex Procedural Manual;
     Discussion paper on monitoring the use of Codex standards; 
and
     Discussion paper on monitoring Codex results in the 
context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling

    The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) 
defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis and 
Sampling; serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other 
international groups working on methods of analysis and sampling and 
quality assurance systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of 
final recommendations submitted to it by the bodies referred to above, 
reference methods of analysis and sampling appropriate to Codex 
standards which are generally applicable to a number of foods; 
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses as appropriate, methods of 
analysis and sampling proposed by Codex commodity committees, except 
for methods of analysis and sampling for residues of pesticides or 
veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of microbiological quality and 
safety in food, and the assessment of specifications for food 
additives; elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be 
required; considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted 
to it by the Commission or any of its committees; and defines 
procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for the assessment 
of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality assurance systems 
for laboratories.
    The 40th Session of the CCMAS, originally scheduled for May 11-15, 
2020, in Budapest, Hungary has been postponed due to ongoing concerns 
related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It is now scheduled for 
May 17-21, 2021.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Endorsement of methods of analysis and sampling plans for 
provisions in Codex standards;
     Revision of the dairy methods workable package;
     Revision of the fats and oils methods workable package;
     Revision of the General Guidelines on Sampling (CAC/GL 50-
2004);
     Revision of the Guidelines on Measurement Uncertainty 
(CAC/GL 54-2004); and
     Discussion paper on criteria to select Type II methods 
from multiple Type III methods.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CFSAN; 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 its 41st Session in Dusseldorf, Germany, 
November 24-29, 2019. The reference document is REP 20/NFSDU.
    The following items will be considered for adoption by the 43rd 
Session of the Commission.
    To be considered for adoption at Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration by the next session of CCNFSDU:
     Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula: Section B: 
Proposed draft scope, description and labeling (CXS 156-1987);
     Proposed draft guideline for ready-to-use therapeutic 
foods; and
     Provisions for xanthum gum (INS 415) and pectins (INS 
440)(CXS 72-1981).
    To be considered for discontinuation:
     Condition for a claim for ``free of'' trans fatty acids 
(TFAs) (CXG 2-1985); and
     Definition of biofortification.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula (CXS 156-
1987): Remaining sections.
    The following items have been completed are on hold pending 
completion of the review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula:
     Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula: Section A: 
Scope, description and labeling; and
     Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula: Essential 
composition requirements for Section A and Section B.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CFSAN; USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) is 
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards and related texts for 
all types of processed fruits and vegetables including, but not limited 
to canned, dried, and frozen products, as well as fruit and vegetable 
juices and nectars.
    The committee convened by correspondence for its 29th Session, 
January 9, 2019 to May 7, 2020.
    The committee has the following items that could continue to be 
discussed or that could be considered for adoption by the 43rd Session 
of the Commission.

[[Page 34166]]

     Conversion of the regional standard for chili sauce into 
an international Codex standard;
     Proposed revisions to the Standard for Mango Chutney (CXS 
160-1987);
     Conversion of the regional standard for gochujang to an 
international Codex standard;
     Proposed draft general standard for dried fruits;
     Proposed draft general standard for canned fruit salads;
     Matters for referral to CCFA; and
     Matters for referral to CCMAS.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA/CFSAN.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

    The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) is responsible for 
establishing maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues in 
specific food items or in groups of food; establishing MRLs for 
pesticide residues in certain animal feeding stuffs moving in 
international trade where this is justified for reasons of protection 
of human health; preparing priority lists of pesticides for evaluation 
by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR); considering 
methods of sampling and analysis for the determination of pesticide 
residues in food and feed; considering other matters in relation to the 
safety of food and feed containing pesticide residues; and establishing 
maximum limits for environmental and industrial contaminants showing 
chemical or other similarity to pesticides in specific food items or 
groups of food.
    The 51st Session of the CCPR, originally scheduled for March 30-
April 4, 2020, in Guangzhou, China, has been postponed due to ongoing 
concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It is now 
scheduled for April 12-17, 2021.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Revision of the Classification of Food and Feed (CXA 4-
1989) for selected commodity groups:
    [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; 
and
    [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.
     Harmonization of mammalian meat MRLs between CCPR and 
CCRVDF;
     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);
     Guidelines for compounds of low public health concern that 
could be exempted from the establishment of Codex maximum residue 
limits for pesticides (CXLs);
     Management of unsupported compounds in the CCPR schedules 
and priority lists of pesticides for evaluation by the JMPR;
     Review of the Guidelines on the use of mass spectrometry 
for the identification, confirmation and quantitative determination of 
pesticide residues (CXG 56-2005) and the Guidelines on performance 
criteria for methods of analysis for the determination of pesticide 
residues in food and feed (CXG 90-2017); and
     Opportunities and challenges for JMPR participation in 
international review of a new compound.
    Responsible Agencies: EPA/Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution 
Prevention (OCSPP)/Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP); 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 25th Session of CCRVDF, originally scheduled for May 25-29, 
2020, in San Diego, California, United States, has been postponed due 
to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It 
is now scheduled for January 25-29, 2021.
    The committee will continue working on:
     Draft MRL for flumethrin (honey);
     Draft MRLs for diflubenzuron (salmon--muscle plus skin in 
natural proportion); halquinol (in swine--muscle, skin plus fat, liver 
and kidney); ivermectin (sheep, pigs and goats--fat, kidney, liver and 
muscle);
     Draft MRLs for zilpaterol hydrochloride (cattle fat, 
kidney, liver, muscle);
     Discussion paper on extrapolation of MRLs to one or more 
species (including apilot on extrapolation of MRLs identified in Part D 
of the Priority List--REP18/RVDF, App. VI);
     Discussion paper on the development of a harmonized 
definition for edible tissues of animal origin (including edible offal) 
(in coordination with CCPR);
     Discussion paper on advantages and disadvantages of a 
parallel approach to compound evaluation;
     Database on countries' needs for MRLs; and
     Priority List of veterinary drugs requiring evaluation or 
re-evaluation by JECFA.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM); 
USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Sugars

    The Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS) elaborates worldwide standards

[[Page 34167]]

for all types of sugars and sugar products.
    The Committee had 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 42nd Session of the Commission (July 2019) decided to 
discontinue work on the following draft standard and adjourned the CCS 
sine die:
     Draft Standard for panela and/or common or vernacular name 
as known in each country (non-centrifuged sugar).
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CFSAN.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs

    The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) 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 is scheduled to meet September 21-26, 2020 and does 
not have items that will be considered for adoption or approval by the 
43rd Session of the Commission.
    The committee will continue working on:
     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.
     Draft standard for dried and/or dehydrated chili and 
paprika;
     Draft standard for nutmeg; and
     Working Group (WG) on priorities and group standards.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA/CFSAN.
    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 7th Session (the 3rd Session since 
reactivation in 2016) in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, December 9-13, 
2019, working on draft text for the Code of Practice (CoP) and 
Guidelines on Integrated Surveillance (GLIS).
    The Task Force has the following item to be considered by the 43rd 
Session of the Commission.
    For adoption at Step 5, allowing for further consideration at the 
next session of TFAMR:
     Proposed draft revision of the Code of Practice to 
Minimize and Contain Antimicrobial Resistance (CXC 61-2005).
    The TFAMR will continue working on:
     Proposed draft guidelines on integrated surveillance of 
antimicrobial resistance.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/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/CFSAN.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Fish and Fishery Products--Adjourned 2016

    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA/CFSAN; DOC/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/CFSAN.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Natural Mineral Waters--Adjourned 2008

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

Sugars--Adjourned 2019

    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA/CFSAN.
    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; and
     Coordinating Committee for North America and the South 
West Pacific.

[[Page 34168]]

Coordinating Committee for Africa

    The Committee (CCAFRICA) convened its 23rd Session in Nairobi, 
Kenya, September 2-6, 2019.
    The committee discussed the following agenda items:
     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 communications work plan;
     Draft standard for fermented cooked cassava-based 
products;
     Draft standard for Gnetum spp leaves;
     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); and
     Nomination of the coordinator;
    The committee has the following item for consideration by the 43rd 
Session of the Commission.
    For Appointment:
     CCAFRICA will nominate a new Regional Coordinator for 
Africa at the next session of the CAC.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer).

Coordinating Committee for Asia

    The Committee (CCASIA) convened its 21st Session in Goa, India, 
September 23-27, 2019.
    The committee discussed 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 communications 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; and
     Other business.
    The committee has the following items for consideration by the 43rd 
Session of the Commission.
    To be considered for approval as new work:
     Development of a regional standard for soybean products 
fermented with Bacillus species;
     Development of a regional standard for quick frozen 
dumpling; and
     Development of a regional standard for cooked rice wrapped 
in plant leaves.
    For Appointment:
     CCASIA recommends that China be appointed for a first term 
as Regional Coordinator for Asia.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer).

Coordinating Committee for Europe

    The Committee (CCEURO) convened its 31st Session in Almaty, 
Kazakhstan, September 30-October 4, 2019.
    The committee discussed the following agenda items:
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the 
region: Current and emerging issues in the region;
     The future of food safety: Outcome of the first FAO/WHO/
African Union (AU) International Food Safety Conference and the 
International Forum on Food Safety and Trade;
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the 
region: 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 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--Roadmap to implementation;
     Codex communications workplan;
     Language policy in CCEURO; and
     Nomination of the Coordinator.
    The committee has the following item for consideration by the 43rd 
Session of the Commission.
    For Appointment:
     CCEURO recommends reappointing Kazakhstan for a second 
term as Regional Coordinator for Europe.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer).

Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean

    The Committee (CCLAC) scheduled its 21st Session in Santiago, 
Chile, from 21-25 October 2019. The meeting opened one day later than 
scheduled to ensure the security and safety of all delegates following 
demonstrations in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago that led to the 
declaration of a Constitutional State of Emergency. After two half days 
of discussions (22 and 23 October 2019), the session was discontinued 
due to the persisting situation in Santiago and the increasing 
challenge to ensure the security and safety of delegates.
    The committee discussed the following agenda items:
     Food safety and quality in countries in the region: 
Current and emerging issues in the region;
     The future of food safety: Outcome of the first FAO/WHO/AU 
international food safety conference and the international forum on 
food safety and trade;
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries in the 
region: 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 arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and 
other Codex committees;
     Codex work relevant to the region;
     Codex strategic plan 2020-2025--roadmap to implementation; 
and
     Codex communications work plan.
    The committee has the following item for consideration by the 43rd 
Session of the Commission.
    For Appointment:
     CCLAC recommends that Ecuador be appointed for a first 
term as Regional Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer).

Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific

    The Committee convened its 15th Session in Port Vila, Vanuatu, 
September 16-20, 2019.
    The committee discussed the following agenda items:
     Keynote address--Managing food safety in an era of 
accelerated climate change;
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the 
region: Current and emerging issues in the region;
     The Future of Food Safety: Outcome of the First FAO/WHO/AU

[[Page 34169]]

International Food Safety Conference and the International Forum on 
Food Safety and Trade;
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the 
region: 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--Roadmap to Implementation; 
and
     Codex communications work plan.
    The committee has the following items for consideration by the 43rd 
Session of the Commission.
    To be considered for adoption Step 5, allowing for further 
consideration by the next session of CCNASWP:
     Proposed draft standard for fermented noni juice; and
     Proposed draft standard for kava as a beverage when mixed 
with cold water.
    For Appointment:
     CCNASWP recommends that Fiji be appointed for a first term 
as Regional Coordinator for North America and the South West Pacific.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Coordinating Committee for the Near East

    The Committee (CCNEA) convened its 10th Session November 18-22, 
2019 in Rome, Italy.
    The committee discussed the following agenda items:
     Keynote address and discussion: Chemicals in food--the 
invisible challenge, when do we need to be worried and what do we need 
to know?;
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the 
region: Current and emerging issues in the region;
     The Future of Food Safety: Outcome of the First FAO/WHO/AU 
International Food Safety Conference and the International Forum on 
Food Safety and Trade;
     Food safety and quality situation in the countries of the 
region: 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 Arising from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and 
other Codex committees;
     Codex work relevant to the region;
     Implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan 2014-2019 
(including Strategic plan for CCNEA 2014-2019);
     Codex Strategic Plan 2020-2025--Roadmap to Implementation;
     Codex communications work plan;
     Food additive provisions for the regional standard for 
doogh;
     Draft regional standard for mixed zaatar;
     Discussion paper on the development of a Codex text for 
ready-to-eat pre-packaged salads;
     Discussion paper on development of a standard for halal 
products;
     Discussion paper on the development of a regional standard 
for maamoul;
     Nomination of the Coordinator; and
     Other business.
    The committee has the following item for consideration by the 43rd 
Session of the Commission.
    For Appointment:
     CCNEA recommends that Saudi Arabia be appointed for a 
first term as Regional Coordinator for the Near East.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer).

Contact Information

    U.S. Codex Office, United States Department of Agriculture, Room 
4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone: +1 (202) 205-7760, Fax: +1 (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: +1 (202) 690-9058, 
[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, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 690-1201, Fax: +1 
(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, Center for Veterinary 
Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place (HFV-
100), Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402-0638, Fax: +1 (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, Sc.D., Branch Chief, Plant 
Products Branch, Division of Plant Products and Beverages, Office of 
Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food 
and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS-317), 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 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., Director, Division of 
Food Contact Substances, Office of Food Additive Safety, U.S. Food and 
Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS-275), 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 K. Shaw, Jr., Executive Associate 
for

[[Page 34170]]

Laboratory Services, Office of Public Health Science, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 3805, South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-6246, [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, Phone: +1 (240) 402-
1242, [email protected].

Food Labelling

(Host Government--Canada)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. Douglas Balentine, Senior Science Advisor 
International Nutrition Policy, 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) 672-7292, Fax: +1 (301) 
436-2636, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. Bryce Carson, Program Analyst, Office of 
Policy & Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Denver Federal Center, Building 45, Entrance 
S-3, 695 Kipling Street, Denver, CO 80215, Phone: +1 (303) 236-9819, 
[email protected].

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].

Methods of Analysis and Sampling

(Host Government--Hungary)
    U.S. Delegate: Dr. Gregory Noonan, Director, Division of 
Bioanalytical 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, Senior Science Advisor 
International Nutrition Policy, 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) 672-7292, Fax: +1 (301) 
436-2636, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. Pamela R. Pehrsson, Ph.D., Lead Scientist, 
Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Agricultural 
Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 105, Building 
005, BARC-West, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705, Phone: +1 
(301) 504-0630, Fax: +1 (301) 504-0632, [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, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 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 Chemist 
and Scientific Liaison, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building D, Room 2083, 
Fort Collins, CO 80526, Phone: +1 (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, Director, Laboratory Quality 
Assurance Division, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Russell Research 
Center, 950 College Station Road, Suite PB-4, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: 
+1 (706) 546-2359, [email protected].

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active)

Cereals, Pulses and Legumes

(Host Government--United States)
    U.S. Delegate: Henry Kim, Ph.D., Senior Policy Analyst, Office of 
Food Safety, 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, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. Patrick McCluskey, Supervisory Agricultural 
Marketing Specialist, Agricultural Marketing Service, Federal Grain 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 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, Center for Food Safety 
and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus 
Drive (HFS-317), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1640, Fax: 
+1 (301) 436-2632, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Dr. Jill K. Moser, Ph.D., Lead Scientist, 
Functional Oil Research, Agricultural Research Service, National Center 
for Agricultural Utilization Research, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
1815 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604, Phone: +1 (309) 681-
6390, [email protected].

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

(Host Government--Mexico)
    U.S. Delegate: Mr. Dorian LaFond, International Standards 
Coordinator,

[[Page 34171]]

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. Rhoma Johnson, Ph.D., Consumer Safety 
Officer, Division of Plant Products and Beverages, Office of Food 
Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and 
Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS-317), College Park, MD 
20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2066, [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, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS-317), College 
Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1013, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
[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, 
U.S. 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, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS-317), 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, Principal Deputy Director for 
Food Safety Science and Policy, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, 
College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402-1422, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. Steven Wilson, Deputy Director, Office of 
International Affairs and Seafood Inspection, National Marine Fisheries 
Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 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, Chief, Dairy 
Standardization Branch, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mail Stop 0230, Room 2756, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-9382, Fax: +1 (844) 804-4701, 
[email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Mr. John F. Sheehan, Senior Advisor for 
Compliance and Enforcement, 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].

Natural Mineral Waters (adjourned sine die 2008)

(Host Government--Switzerland)
    Delegate: Vacant.

Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS)

(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, [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. 2020-11984 Filed 6-1-20; 4:15 pm]
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