International Standard-Setting Activities, 29987-29996 [2021-11719]

Download as PDF 29987 Notices Federal Register Vol. 86, No. 106 Friday, June 4, 2021 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE U.S. Codex Office [Docket No. USDA–2021–XXXX] International Standard-Setting Activities Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA), USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex), in accordance with 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 21,2020 to May 31, 2021 and June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022, 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, Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop S4861, Washington, DC 20250–3700. • Hand- or courier-delivered submittals: Deliver to 1400 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 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–2021– XXXX. 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 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: uscodex@ usda.gov. For information pertaining to 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-whocodexalimentarius/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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Mission Area the responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standardsetting activities of Codex. The Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Mission Area has, in turn, assigned the responsibility for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office (USCO). Codex was created in 1963 by two United Nations organizations, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Codex is the principal international organization for establishing standards for food. Through adoption of food standards, codes of practice, and other guidelines developed by its committees, and by promoting their adoption and implementation by governments, Codex seeks to protect the health of consumers, ensure fair practices in the food trade, and promote coordination of food standards work undertaken by international governmental and nongovernmental organizations. In the United States, U.S. Codex activities are managed and carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 29988 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices 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. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 Codex Office, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–3700 (uscodex@usda.gov). The information provided in Attachment 1 describes the status of Codex standard-setting activities by the Codex committees for the time periods from June 21,2020 to May 31, 2021 and June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022. 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/meetingsreports/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/uscodex-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) is scheduled to convene virtually for its 44th Session on November 8–13, 2021 due to ongoing concerns related to the novel coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. At its 44th 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 other matters arising from the Reports of the Executive Committee and subsidiary bodies. Although the agenda for the 44th 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 vicechairpersons and members of the Executive Committee elected on a PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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) is scheduled to meet virtually, due to COVID–19 related issues, for its 81st Session on November 1–5, 2021. CCEXEC is composed of the Commission chairperson; vicechairpersons; 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 81st 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. Since there was no consensus to include the section on grain size in the Standard for Quinoa, CCCPL adjourned sine die following the 43rd session of the Commission (CAC43, virtual session, September 24–November 6, 2020). 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 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 E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices 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, was rescheduled due to ongoing concerns related to the Coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. The Committee met virtually on May 3–13, 2021. The Committee considered the following items that will be considered by the 44th Session of the Commission. • Proposed draft revision of the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods (CXS 56–2004) (recommended for final adoption); • Proposed draft MLs for cadmium in chocolate and chocolate products containing or declaring ≥30% to <50% total cocoa solids on a dry matter basis (recommended for final adoption); Proposed draft code of practice for the prevention and reduction of cadmium contamination in cocoa beans at Step 5 (interim adoption; • Proposals for new work on MLs for methylmercury in additional fish species; sampling plans and other risk management recommendations (recommended by CCCF for approval of new work). The Committee will continue working on: Proposed draft MLs for cocoa powder (100% total cocoa solids on a dry matter basis); • 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 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 the CoP for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination in cassava and cassavabased 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: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 Æ Review of staple food-contaminant combinations for future work 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, was postponed due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. The Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on September 1–10, 2021. The Committee will continue working on: • Draft and Proposed draft food additive provisions of the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) (electronic and physical working groups 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 (electronic working group (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 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29989 Committee decisions and to inform the Executive Committee on this matter. The Committee will 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 will 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 Food Hygiene The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) is responsible for developing basic provisions on food hygiene, applicable to all food; considering and amending or endorsing provisions on food hygiene contained in Codex commodity standards and Codex codes 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 52nd Session of CCFH (CCFH52), originally scheduled for November 16– 20, 2020, in San Diego, California, United States, has been postponed due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. CCFH52 is scheduled to convene November 29–December 3, 2021. Since the 44th Session of the Commission will convene prior to the 52nd Session of the CCFH, 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; • Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production; and E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 29990 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices • 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, was postponed due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. The Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on May 31–June 8, 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)); VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 • 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. • Review and update the list of emerging global issues. 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 46th Session of the CCFL is scheduled to meet virtually, due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic, on September 27–October 1, 2021. At this time, CCFL does not have any items to be considered for adoption or approval by the 44th Session of the Commission. The Committee will continue working on: • Draft Guidance for the Labelling of Non-Retail Containers; • Proposed draft Guidelines on Frontof-Pack Nutrition Labeling; • Proposed draft Guidelines on internet Sales/e-Commerce; • Proposed draft revision to the General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods: Provisions relevant to allergen labeling and proposed draft Guidance on Precautionary Allergen Labeling; • Discussion paper on innovation— use of technology in food labeling; • Discussion paper on labeling of alcoholic beverages; • Discussion Paper on labeling of foods in joint presentation and multipack formats; and • Discussion paper on future work and direction of CCFL. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 elaborating worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, and marine origin, including margarine and olive oil. The Committee is scheduled to host its 27th session virtually on October 18– 26, 2021. 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 Fish and Fishery Products The Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP) is responsible for elaborating standards for fresh, frozen, and otherwise processed fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The 35th session of CCFFP will work by correspondence from September 20th to October 20th, 2021. The Committee will work on the following item: • To evaluate if the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94–1981) could be amended to include the fish species S. lemuru (Bali Sardinella) in the list of Sardinella species under section 2.1. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; DOC/NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 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 met virtually February 8–17, 2021 and completed work on the following item, to be considered by the 44th Session of the Commission: E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices • Procedural guidance for committees working by correspondence. The Codex Secretariat is expected to present a proposal on revisions/ amendments to Codex texts to CAC44 for possible referral to CCGP. The 33rd Session of the CCGP is projected for early Fall 2022 in France. Depending on the outcome of consideration by the Commission (CAC44), the Committee may continue discussions on: • Revisions/amendments to Codex texts; and • Format and structure of the Codex Procedural Manual. Responsible Agencies: USDA/TFAA/ USCO and HHS/FDA/CFSAN. 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 those 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 41st Session of the CCMAS, originally scheduled for May 11–15, 2020, in Budapest, Hungary was postponed due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. CCMAS met virtually on May 17–21 and 25, 2021. The Committee recommended the following matters for consideration by CAC44: • Adoption of the following methods for inclusion in the Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 (CXS 234–1999): AOAC 2011.14/ISO 15151 | IDF 229 as Type III for calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc in special foods; • Adoption of an editorial amendment to the provision in Section 3.3 of the Standard for Edible Casein Products (CXS 290–1995) to change ‘‘maximum free acid’’ to ‘‘maximum free acidity’’ as this is a more appropriate description of the provision; • Adoption of methods and numeric criteria for milk products as endorsed for inclusion in CXS 234–1999, to be accompanied by revocation of the existing methods; • Final adoption at Step 8 of the revised Guidelines on Measurement Uncertainty (CXG 54–2004); and • Interim adoption at Step 5 of the revised General Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50–2004). At its next session, 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 Cereals, Pulses, and Legumes Workable Package; • Revision of the General Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50–2004); • Discussion on the Report of an Inter-Agency Meeting on Methods of Analysis; and • Discussion Paper on Criteria to Select Type II Methods from Multiple Type III Methods. Responsible Agencies: HHS/Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Center for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN); USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (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 is scheduled to meet virtually from November 19–December PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29991 1, 2021. It does not have any items that will be considered for adoption or approval by the 44th Session of the Commission. The Committee is expected to continue working on: • Review of the Standard for Followup Formula—Section A (Older Infants): Scope, Description, and Labelling (CXS 156–1987); • Review of the Standard for Followup Formula—Section A (Older Infants) and Section B (Young Children): Essential Composition Requirements (CXS 156–1987); • Review of the Standard for Followup Formula: Remaining sections; • Proposed draft Guideline for Readyto-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF); • Proposed draft General Principles for the establishment of NRVs–R for persons aged 6–36 months (CXG 2– 1985); • Discussion Paper on the development of nutrient profiling for labeling purposes; and • Discussion Paper on the technological justification for several food additives. Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/ CFSAN; USDA/ARS. 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 52nd Session of the CCPR, originally scheduled for March 30–April 4, 2020, in Guangzhou, China, was postponed due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. The Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on July 26–31, 2021. The CCPR agenda is currently unavailable and it is not yet possible to determine CCPR recommended adoptions or approvals at CAC44. E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 29992 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices At its 52nd Session, the Committee is expected to consider: • Revision of the Classification of Food and Feed (CXA 4–1989) for selected commodity groups: Æ Revision of Class C, animal feed commodities, taking into account silage, fodder, and a separate group for grasses; Æ Revision of Class D, processed food commodities; Æ Transferring commodities from Class D to Class C; Æ Creating tables with representative crops for Class C and D; and Æ 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 determination of veterinary drug residues in food. 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. The Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on July 12–16, 2021 with adoption of the report taking place on July 20, 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 a pilot 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 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. CCSCH also consults, as necessary, with other international organizations in the standards development process to avoid duplication. The Committee was scheduled to meet September 21–26, 2020 in Budapest, Hungary but was postponed due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. The Committee met virtually on April 20– 29, 2021. The Committee completed work on the following standards recommended for final adoption at Step 8 by CAC44: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 • Draft Standard for Dried Oregano; • Draft Standard for Dried Roots, Rhizomes, and Bulbs—Dried or Dehydrated Ginger (Updated); • Draft Standard for Dried Basil; and • Draft Standard for Dried Cloves. The Committee also recommended the follow proposals for new work for approval by CAC44: • Group Standard for Spices Derived from Dried Fruits and Berries; • Standard for Small Cardamom; and • Standard for Turmeric. The Committee will continue working on: • Draft Standard for Saffron; • Draft Standard for Dried Nutmeg; • Consideration of the Proposals for New Work; and • Update to the Template for SCH 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) was reconvened in 2017 and 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, beginning with TFAMR5 (2017). The 8th Session of TFAMR (TFAMR8), originally scheduled for December 2020, in the Republic of Korea, was postponed due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic. The Task Force is scheduled to meet virtually on October 4–9, 2021. E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices The Task Force has the following item to be considered by the 44th Session of the Commission, pending conclusion of discussion at the virtual session. For final adoption at Step 8: • 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: Processed Fruits and Vegetables— Adjourned 2020 Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA/CFSAN. U.S. Participation: Yes. Cereals, Pulses and Legumes— Adjourned 2020 Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA/ CFSAN. U.S. Participation: Yes. Cocoa Products and Chocolate— Adjourned 2001 Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA/ CFSAN. 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 problems and needs of the regions concerning food standards and food control; promote within the committees contacts for the mutual exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising from food control and stimulate the strengthening of food control infrastructures; recommend to the Commission the development of worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including products considered by the committees to have an international market potential in the future; develop regional standards for food products moving exclusively or almost exclusively in intra-regional trade; draw the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission’s work of particular significance to the region; promote coordination of all regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental and nongovernmental organizations within each region; exercise a general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as may be entrusted to 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. Coordinating Committee for Africa Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 2022. Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer). Coordinating Committee for Europe Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 2022. Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer). Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 2022. Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer). PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29993 Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 2022. Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/ USCO. U.S. Participation: Yes. Coordinating Committee for the Near East Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 2022. 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: uscodex@usda.gov. Attachment 2 U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials Chairpersons From the United States Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Adjourned sine die 2020) 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, henry.kim@fda.hhs.gov. Codex Committee on Food Hygiene 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, emilio.esteban@usda.gov. Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables Robin Chilton, Chief, Standardization Branch, Specialty Crops Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406, Phone: +1 (540) 361–1130, Robin.Chilton@ usda.gov Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods Kevin Greenlees, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Advisor for Science and Policy, Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 29994 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices Place (HFV–100), Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402–0638, Fax: +1 (240) 276–9538, kevin.greenlees@fda.hhs.gov. U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates Worldwide General Codex Subject Committees Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection Systems Contaminants in Foods (Host Government—The Netherlands) U.S. Delegate: 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, lauren.robin@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: Alexander Domesle Senior Advisor for Chemistry, Toxicology, and Related Sciences, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 202–720–9258, alexander.domesle@usda.gov. Food Additives (Host Government—China) U.S. Delegate: 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, paul.honigfort@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: Daniel Folmer, Ph.D., Chemist, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (Room 3017 HFS–265), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402– 1274, daniel.folmer@fda.hhs.gov. Food Hygiene 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 (Host Government—Australia) U.S. Delegate: 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, mary.stanley@usda.gov. Alternate Delegate: Jennifer Thomas, Senior Advisor, Office of the Center Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 420–2094, jennifer.thomas@fda.hhs.gov. Food Labelling (Host Government—Canada) U.S. Delegate: Douglas Balentine, Ph.D., 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, douglas.balentine@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: 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, bryce.carson@usda.gov. General Principles (Host Government—United States) U.S. Delegate: Jenny Scott, Senior Advisor, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, HFS–300, Room 3B–014, College Park, MD 20740–3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402–2166, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2632, jenny.scott@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: William K. Shaw, Jr., Ph.D., Associate for Laboratory Services, Office of Public Health Science, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 3171, South Building, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720–6246, william.shaw@usda.gov. Alternate Delegate: 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 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, andrew.yeung@fda.hhs.gov. Jkt 253001 (Host Government—France) U.S. Delegate: 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, maryfrances.lowe@usda.gov. Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government—Hungary) U.S. Delegate: Gregory Noonan, Ph.D., 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, gregory.noonan@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: Timothy Norden, Ph.D., Technology and Science PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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, timothy.d.norden@usda.gov. Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (Host Government—Germany) U.S. Delegate: Douglas Balentine, Ph.D., 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, douglas.balentine@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: 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, pamela.pehrsson@usda.gov. Pesticide Residues (Host Government—China) U.S. Delegate: CAPT David Miller, Chief, Chemistry and Exposure Branch, Health Effects Division, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, William Jefferson Clinton Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460, Phone: +1 (703) 328–8755, miller.davidj@epa.gov. Alternate Delegate: Alexander Domesle, Senior Advisor for Chemistry, Toxicology, and Related Sciences, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720–9258, alexander.domesle@usda.gov. Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (Host Government—United States) U.S. Delegate: Brandi Robinson, MPH, CPH, ONADE International Coordinator, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place (HFV–100), Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: +1 (240) 402–0645, brandi.robinson@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: Louis Bluhm, Ph.D., 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, E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices Athens, GA 30605, Phone: +1 (706) 546– 2359, louis.bluhm@usda.gov. Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active) Fats and Oils (Host Country—Malaysia) U.S. Delegate: 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, paul.south@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: 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, jill.moser@usda.gov. Fish and Fishery Products (Host Government—Norway) U.S. Delegate: Nomination Currently Underway. Alternate Delegate: 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, steven.wilson@ noaa.gov. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Host Government—Mexico) U.S. Delegate: Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW—Mail Stop 0247, Washington, DC 20250–0247, Phone: +1 (202) 690–4944, Fax: +1 (202) 690–1527, dorian.lafond@ usda.gov. Alternate Delegate: David T. Ingram, Ph.D., Consumer Safety Officer, Office of Food Safety, Fresh Produce Branch, Division of Produce Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, Room 3E027, College Park, MD 20740–3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402–0335, david.ingram@fda.hhs.gov. Processed Fruits and Vegetables (Host Government—United States) U.S. Delegate: Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and Vegetables Program, Specialty VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 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, dorian.lafond@ usda.gov. Alternate Delegate: 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, rhoma.johnson@fda.hhs.gov. Spices and Culinary Herbs (Host Government—India) U.S. Delegate: Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops 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, dorian.lafond@ usda.gov. Alternate Delegate: Aparna Tatavarthy, Ph.D. 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, aparna.tatavarthy@ fda.hhs.gov. 29995 Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Adjourned) Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Adjourned sine die 2020) (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, henry.kim@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: 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, patrick.j.mccluskey@ usda.gov. Cocoa Products and Chocolate (Adjourned sine die 2001) (Host Government—Switzerland) U.S. Delegate: Michelle Smith, Ph.D., Senior Policy Analyst, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS–317), College Park, MD 20740– 3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402–2024, Fax: +1 (301) 436–2632, michelle.smith@ fda.hhs.gov. Meat Hygiene (Adjourned sine die 2003) (Host Government—New Zealand) Delegate: Vacant. Worldwide Ad Hoc Codex Task Forces (Active) Milk and Milk Products (Adjourned sine die 2017) Antimicrobial Resistance (Reactivated 2016) (Host Government—New Zealand) (Host Government—Republic of Korea) U.S. Delegate: 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, christopher.d.thompson@usda.gov. Alternate Delegate: 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, john.sheehan@fda.hhs.gov. U.S. Delegate: Donald A. Prater, DVM, Associate Commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, 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, donald.prater@fda.hhs.gov. Alternate Delegate: Neena Anandaraman, DVM, MPH, Veterinary Science Policy Advisor, Office of the Chief Scientist, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 339A, 1200 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: +1 (202) 431–0073, neena.anandaraman@usda.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1 29996 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / Notices Natural Mineral Waters (Adjourned sine die 2008) (Host Government—Switzerland) Delegate: Vacant. Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS) (Adjourned sine die 2019) (Host Government—Colombia) U.S. Delegate: Chia-Pei Charlotte Liang, Ph.D., Chemist, Office of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: +1 (240) 402–2785, charlotte.liang@ fda.hhs.gov. 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. 2021–11719 Filed 6–3–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Forest Service Manual 1800, Chapter 20 Forest Service, USDA. Notice of availability for public comment. AGENCY: ACTION: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service is proposing to issue a proposed directive to revise direction on workforce partnerships authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act as amended by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019. Directive revisions expand guidance regarding partnerships with non-profits, Tribes, universities and other organizations that offer community and national service, work experience and training to youth, young adults and veterans and help the Forest Service accomplish critical work; improve procedures and requirements to enroll young adults and veterans in work programs and on Forest Service units, using partnership agreements authorized by the Public Lands Corps and Resource Assistants Program statute; and, clarifies guidance about how young adults and others enrolled working with the Forest Service under SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:08 Jun 03, 2021 Jkt 253001 these authorities can become eligible for special hiring pathways to Forest Service jobs. DATES: Comments must be received in writing by July 6, 2021. ADDRESSES: The proposed directive may be reviewed, and comments may be submitted electronically to https:// cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/ CommentInput?project=ORMS-2661. Written comments may be mailed to Merlene Mazyck, Program Manager, Recreation, Heritage and Volunteers Resources Staff, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250– 1124. All timely received comments, including names and addresses, will be placed in the record and will be available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at https:// cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/ ReadingRoom?project=ORMS-2661. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Merlene Mazyck, Program Manager, SM.FS.WOVolServ@usda.gov, 202–306– 9084. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the hearing-impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC) is a public-private partnership that employs young adults, veterans, and emerging professionals to strengthen infrastructure, boost local economies and multiply returns on our country’s most valuable assets: Its unmatched landscapes and people. A Public Lands Corps program, 21CSC projects support conservation priorities and develop the next generation of conservation stewards. The 21CSC projects are diverse and support all facets of Forest Service work. Program objectives are to build rural and urban economies, promote workforce development and hiring outcomes, address facility and maintenance backlogs and improve infrastructure, and increase public and private sector collaboration on Forest Service land management projects or programs. The Resource Assistants Program (RAP) is a rigorous and immersive paid experience for U.S. citizens or permanent residents interested in natural and cultural resources careers who are at least 17 years old. Resource assistants are recruited by partner organizations and work under the direction of Forest Service staff to accomplish mission-critical work that develops leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication skills. Through collaboration, coaching, and PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 mentorship, resource assistants launch their careers and expand their understanding of our Nation’s natural and cultural resources and land management priorities. Women and recent graduates from institutions of higher education, especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities, are strongly encouraged to apply to opportunities posted with our partner organizations. Program objectives are to attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce, accomplish mission-critical work and high priority projects, promote career exploration and professional development for recent graduates and underrepresented populations, and facilitate Forest Service coaching and mentoring of emerging professionals. The Forest Service has determined that the changes to the manual formulate standards, criterion, or guidelines applicable to a Forest Service program and is therefore publishing the proposed manual for public comment in accordance with 36 CFR part 216. The Forest Service is seeking public comment on the proposed directive, including the sufficiency of the proposed directives in meeting its stated objectives, ways to enhance the utility and clarity of information within the direction, and ways to streamline processes outlined. Forest Service National Environmental Policy Act procedures exclude from documentation in an environmental assessment or impact statement ‘‘rules, regulations, or policies to establish servicewide administrative procedures, program processes, or instructions.’’ 36 CFR 220.6(d)(2). The Agency’s conclusion is that these proposed directives fall within this category of actions and that no extraordinary circumstances exist as currently defined that require preparation of an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement. After the public comment period closes, the Forest Service will consider timely comments that are within the scope of the proposed directives in the development of the final directives. A notice of the final directives, including a response to timely comments, will be posted on the Forest Service’s web page at https://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency/ regulations-policies. Dated: May 28, 2021. Tina Johna Terrell, Acting Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2021–11730 Filed 6–3–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P E:\FR\FM\04JNN1.SGM 04JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 106 (Friday, June 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29987-29996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11719]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 106 / Friday, June 4, 2021 / 
Notices

[[Page 29987]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

U.S. Codex Office

[Docket No. USDA-2021-XXXX]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA), USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission (Codex), in accordance with 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 21,2020 to May 31, 2021 and June 1, 2021 to May 
31, 2022, 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, 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-2021-XXXX. 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 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 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 Trade 
and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Mission Area the responsibility to 
inform the public of the SPS standard-setting activities of Codex. The 
Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Mission Area has, in turn, 
assigned the responsibility for informing the public of the SPS 
standard-setting activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office (USCO).
    Codex was created in 1963 by two United Nations organizations, the 
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health 
Organization (WHO). Codex is the principal international organization 
for establishing standards for food. Through adoption of food 
standards, codes of practice, and other guidelines developed by its 
committees, and by promoting their adoption and implementation by 
governments, Codex seeks to protect the health of consumers, ensure 
fair practices in the food trade, and promote coordination of food 
standards work undertaken by international governmental and 
nongovernmental organizations. In the United States, U.S. Codex 
activities are managed and carried out by the United States Department 
of Agriculture (USDA); the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 
Department of

[[Page 29988]]

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 21,2020 to May 31, 2021 and June 1, 2021 to May 31, 
2022. 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) is scheduled to convene 
virtually for its 44th Session on November 8-13, 2021 due to ongoing 
concerns related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. At its 
44th 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 other matters arising from the Reports of the 
Executive Committee and subsidiary bodies. Although the agenda for the 
44th 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) is 
scheduled to meet virtually, due to COVID-19 related issues, for its 
81st Session on November 1-5, 2021. 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 81st 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.
    Since there was no consensus to include the section on grain size 
in the Standard for Quinoa, CCCPL adjourned sine die following the 43rd 
session of the Commission (CAC43, virtual session, September 24-
November 6, 2020).
    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 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

[[Page 29989]]

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, was rescheduled due to ongoing concerns 
related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Committee met 
virtually on May 3-13, 2021.
    The Committee considered the following items that will be 
considered by the 44th Session of the Commission.
     Proposed draft revision of the Code of Practice for the 
Prevention and Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods (CXS 56-2004) 
(recommended for final adoption);
     Proposed draft MLs for cadmium in chocolate and chocolate 
products containing or declaring >=30% to <50% total cocoa solids on a 
dry matter basis (recommended for final adoption); Proposed draft code 
of practice for the prevention and reduction of cadmium contamination 
in cocoa beans at Step 5 (interim adoption;
     Proposals for new work on MLs for methylmercury in 
additional fish species; sampling plans and other risk management 
recommendations (recommended by CCCF for approval of new work).
    The Committee will continue working on:
    Proposed draft MLs for cocoa powder (100% total cocoa solids on a 
dry matter basis);
     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 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 the 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;
     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, was postponed due to ongoing concerns related 
to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Committee is scheduled to 
meet virtually on September 1-10, 2021.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Draft and Proposed draft food additive provisions of the 
General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) (electronic and physical 
working groups 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 (electronic working group 
(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 will 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 will 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 Food Hygiene

    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) is responsible for 
developing basic provisions on food hygiene, applicable to all food; 
considering and amending or endorsing provisions on food hygiene 
contained in Codex commodity standards and Codex codes 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 52nd Session of CCFH (CCFH52), originally scheduled for 
November 16-20, 2020, in San Diego, California, United States, has been 
postponed due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) 
pandemic. CCFH52 is scheduled to convene November 29-December 3, 2021.
    Since the 44th Session of the Commission will convene prior to the 
52nd Session of the CCFH, 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;
     Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food 
production; and

[[Page 29990]]

     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, was postponed due to 
ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The 
Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on May 31-June 8, 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.
     Review and update the list of emerging global issues.
    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 46th Session of the CCFL is scheduled to meet virtually, due to 
ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, on 
September 27-October 1, 2021. At this time, CCFL does not have any 
items to be considered for adoption or approval by the 44th Session of 
the Commission.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Draft Guidance for the Labelling of Non-Retail Containers;
     Proposed draft Guidelines on Front-of-Pack Nutrition 
Labeling;
     Proposed draft Guidelines on internet Sales/e-Commerce;
     Proposed draft revision to the General Standard for the 
Labelling of Prepackaged Foods: Provisions relevant to allergen 
labeling and proposed draft Guidance on Precautionary Allergen 
Labeling;
     Discussion paper on innovation--use of technology in food 
labeling;
     Discussion paper on labeling of alcoholic beverages;
     Discussion Paper on labeling of foods in joint 
presentation and multipack formats; and
     Discussion paper on future work and direction of CCFL.
    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.
    The Committee is scheduled to host its 27th session virtually on 
October 18-26, 2021.
    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 Fish and Fishery Products

    The Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP) is responsible 
for elaborating standards for fresh, frozen, and otherwise processed 
fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. The 35th session of CCFFP will work by 
correspondence from September 20th to October 20th, 2021.
    The Committee will work on the following item:
     To evaluate if the Standard for Canned Sardines and 
Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94-1981) could be amended to include the 
fish species S. lemuru (Bali Sardinella) in the list of Sardinella 
species under section 2.1.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; DOC/NOAA/National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS).
    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 met virtually February 8-17, 2021 and 
completed work on the following item, to be considered by the 44th 
Session of the Commission:

[[Page 29991]]

     Procedural guidance for committees working by 
correspondence.
    The Codex Secretariat is expected to present a proposal on 
revisions/amendments to Codex texts to CAC44 for possible referral to 
CCGP. The 33rd Session of the CCGP is projected for early Fall 2022 in 
France. Depending on the outcome of consideration by the Commission 
(CAC44), the Committee may continue discussions on:
     Revisions/amendments to Codex texts; and
     Format and structure of the Codex Procedural Manual.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/TFAA/USCO and HHS/FDA/CFSAN.
    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 those 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 41st Session of the CCMAS, originally scheduled for May 11-15, 
2020, in Budapest, Hungary was postponed due to ongoing concerns 
related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. CCMAS met virtually on 
May 17-21 and 25, 2021.
    The Committee recommended the following matters for consideration 
by CAC44:
     Adoption of the following methods for inclusion in the 
Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CXS 234-1999): AOAC 
2011.14/ISO 15151 [verbar] IDF 229 as Type III for calcium, copper, 
iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc in 
special foods;
     Adoption of an editorial amendment to the provision in 
Section 3.3 of the Standard for Edible Casein Products (CXS 290-1995) 
to change ``maximum free acid'' to ``maximum free acidity'' as this is 
a more appropriate description of the provision;
     Adoption of methods and numeric criteria for milk products 
as endorsed for inclusion in CXS 234-1999, to be accompanied by 
revocation of the existing methods;
     Final adoption at Step 8 of the revised Guidelines on 
Measurement Uncertainty (CXG 54-2004); and
     Interim adoption at Step 5 of the revised General 
Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50-2004).
    At its next session, 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 Cereals, Pulses, and Legumes Workable 
Package;
     Revision of the General Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50-
2004);
     Discussion on the Report of an Inter-Agency Meeting on 
Methods of Analysis; and
     Discussion Paper on Criteria to Select Type II Methods 
from Multiple Type III Methods.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/Center 
for Food Safety and Nutrition (CFSAN); USDA/Agricultural Marketing 
Service (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 is scheduled to meet virtually from November 19-
December 1, 2021. It does not have any items that will be considered 
for adoption or approval by the 44th Session of the Commission.
    The Committee is expected to continue working on:
     Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula--Section A 
(Older Infants): Scope, Description, and Labelling (CXS 156-1987);
     Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula--Section A 
(Older Infants) and Section B (Young Children): Essential Composition 
Requirements (CXS 156-1987);
     Review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula: Remaining 
sections;
     Proposed draft Guideline for Ready-to-Use Therapeutic 
Foods (RUTF);
     Proposed draft General Principles for the establishment of 
NRVs-R for persons aged 6-36 months (CXG 2-1985);
     Discussion Paper on the development of nutrient profiling 
for labeling purposes; and
     Discussion Paper on the technological justification for 
several food additives.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CFSAN; USDA/ARS.
    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 52nd Session of the CCPR, originally scheduled for March 30-
April 4, 2020, in Guangzhou, China, was postponed due to ongoing 
concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Committee 
is scheduled to meet virtually on July 26-31, 2021.
    The CCPR agenda is currently unavailable and it is not yet possible 
to determine CCPR recommended adoptions or approvals at CAC44.

[[Page 29992]]

    At its 52nd Session, the Committee is expected to consider:
     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.
    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. The 
Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on July 12-16, 2021 with 
adoption of the report taking place on July 20, 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 a pilot 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 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. CCSCH also consults, as necessary, with other 
international organizations in the standards development process to 
avoid duplication.
    The Committee was scheduled to meet September 21-26, 2020 in 
Budapest, Hungary but was postponed due to ongoing concerns related to 
the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Committee met virtually on 
April 20-29, 2021.
    The Committee completed work on the following standards recommended 
for final adoption at Step 8 by CAC44:
     Draft Standard for Dried Oregano;
     Draft Standard for Dried Roots, Rhizomes, and Bulbs--Dried 
or Dehydrated Ginger (Updated);
     Draft Standard for Dried Basil; and
     Draft Standard for Dried Cloves.
    The Committee also recommended the follow proposals for new work 
for approval by CAC44:
     Group Standard for Spices Derived from Dried Fruits and 
Berries;
     Standard for Small Cardamom; and
     Standard for Turmeric.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Draft Standard for Saffron;
     Draft Standard for Dried Nutmeg;
     Consideration of the Proposals for New Work; and
     Update to the Template for SCH 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) was reconvened in 2017 and 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, beginning with TFAMR5 (2017).
    The 8th Session of TFAMR (TFAMR8), originally scheduled for 
December 2020, in the Republic of Korea, was postponed due to ongoing 
concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Task Force 
is scheduled to meet virtually on October 4-9, 2021.

[[Page 29993]]

    The Task Force has the following item to be considered by the 44th 
Session of the Commission, pending conclusion of discussion at the 
virtual session.
    For final adoption at Step 8:
     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:

Processed Fruits and Vegetables--Adjourned 2020

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

Cereals, Pulses and Legumes--Adjourned 2020

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

Cocoa Products and Chocolate--Adjourned 2001

    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA/CFSAN.
    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 committees 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.

Coordinating Committee for Africa

    Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 
2022.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer).

Coordinating Committee for Europe

    Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 
2022.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer).

Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean

    Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 
2022.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as an observer).

Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific

    Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 
2022.
    Responsible Party: USDA/TFAA/USCO.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Coordinating Committee for the Near East

    Meetings are not taking place in 2021. Meetings will reconvene in 
2022.
    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 Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Adjourned sine die 
2020)

    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].

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    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

    Robin Chilton, Chief, Standardization Branch, Specialty Crops 
Inspection Division, Specialty Crops Program, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100 Riverside Parkway, Suite 
101, Fredericksburg, VA 22406, Phone: +1 (540) 361-1130, 
[email protected]

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

    Kevin Greenlees, Ph.D., DABT, Senior Advisor for Science and 
Policy, Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, Center for Veterinary 
Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish

[[Page 29994]]

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: 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: Alexander Domesle Senior Advisor for Chemistry, 
Toxicology, and Related Sciences, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 202-720-9258, 
[email protected].

Food Additives

(Host Government--China)
    U.S. Delegate: 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: 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: 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: William K. Shaw, Jr., Ph.D., Associate for 
Laboratory Services, Office of Public Health Science, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Room 3171, South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-6246, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: 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: 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: Jennifer Thomas, Senior Advisor, Office of the 
Center Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. 
Food and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 
20740, Phone: +1 (240) 420-2094, [email protected].

Food Labelling

(Host Government--Canada)
    U.S. Delegate: Douglas Balentine, Ph.D., 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: 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: 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: Gregory Noonan, Ph.D., 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: 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: Douglas Balentine, Ph.D., 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: 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: CAPT David Miller, Chief, Chemistry and Exposure 
Branch, Health Effects Division, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, William Jefferson Clinton Building, 
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460, Phone: +1 (703) 328-
8755, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Alexander Domesle, Senior Advisor for 
Chemistry, Toxicology, and Related Sciences, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: +1 (202) 720-9258, 
[email protected].

Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

(Host Government--United States)
    U.S. Delegate: Brandi Robinson, MPH, CPH, ONADE International 
Coordinator, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration, 7500 Standish Place (HFV-100), Rockville, MD 20855, 
Phone: +1 (240) 402-0645, [email protected].
    Alternate Delegate: Louis Bluhm, Ph.D., 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,

[[Page 29995]]

Athens, GA 30605, Phone: +1 (706) 546-2359, [email protected].

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Active)

Fats and Oils

(Host Country--Malaysia)
    U.S. Delegate: 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: 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].

Fish and Fishery Products

(Host Government--Norway)
    U.S. Delegate: Nomination Currently Underway.
    Alternate Delegate: 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].

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

(Host Government--Mexico)
    U.S. Delegate: Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, 
Fruit and Vegetables Program, Specialty Crop Inspection Division, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 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: 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: 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: 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: Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, 
Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops 
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: Aparna Tatavarthy, Ph.D. 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: Donald A. Prater, DVM, Associate Commissioner for 
Foods and Veterinary Medicine, 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: Neena Anandaraman, DVM, MPH, Veterinary Science 
Policy Advisor, Office of the Chief Scientist, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 339A, 1200 Independence 
Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024, Phone: +1 (202) 431-0073, 
[email protected].

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees (Adjourned)

Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Adjourned sine die 2020)

(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: 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].

Cocoa Products and Chocolate (Adjourned sine die 2001)

(Host Government--Switzerland)
    U.S. Delegate: Michelle Smith, Ph.D., Senior Policy Analyst, Office 
of Food Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food 
and Drug Administration, 5001 Campus Drive (HFS-317), College Park, MD 
20740-3835, Phone: +1 (240) 402-2024, Fax: +1 (301) 436-2632, 
[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: 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: 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].

[[Page 29996]]

Natural Mineral Waters (Adjourned sine die 2008)

(Host Government--Switzerland)
    Delegate: Vacant.

Codex Committee on Sugars (CCS) (Adjourned sine die 2019)

(Host Government--Colombia)
    U.S. Delegate: Chia-Pei Charlotte Liang, Ph.D., 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. 2021-11719 Filed 6-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P


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