311. The Commission had before it the Report of the Tenth Session of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils as contained in ALINORM 79/17. The Report was introduced by Mr. A.W. Hubbard (United Kingdom), Chairman of the Committee.
312. The following standards were before the Commission:
| - Revised Text of the General Standard for Edible Fats and Oils not covered by Individual Standards | (Appendix II, of ALINORM 79/17) |
| - Edible Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil | (Appendix III, of ALINORM 79/17) |
| - Edible Coconut Oil | (Appendix IV, of ALINORM 79/17) |
| - Edible Palm Oil | (Appendix V, of ALINORM 79/17) |
| - Edible Palm Kernel Oil | (Appendix VI, of ALINORM 79/17) |
| - Edible Grapeseed Oil | (Appendix VII, of ALINORM 79/17) |
| - Edible Babassu Oil | (Appendix VIII of ALINORM 79/17) |
313. The Chairman of the Committee drew the attention of the Commission to written comments on the above standards received from Egypt, Italy, the Federal Republic of Germany and Poland (ALINORM 79/37 - Part VII and Conference Room Document No. 4).
314. Egypt had indicated that there was a need to elaborate methods of analysis for food additives and any components of the food which were limited by maximum and minimum levels. Egypt and Poland had felt that the list of ingredients should provide more detailed information with regard to the nature of the fats and oils covered by the General Standard.
315. Poland and the Federal Republic of Germany had reiterated their view, expressed at the Ninth and Tenth Sessions of the Committee on Food Additives, that certain food additives should not be used in fats and oils and that, generally, the list of permitted additives for these products was too extensive. Italy had expressed similar concern with regard to chemical additives and colours; and had, furthermore, cautioned against the use of GLC values for edible fats and oils (Appendix XI to ALINORM 79/17), since they would not guarantee the purity of these oils.
316. Many delegations gave an account of their national requirements with regard to additives used in edible fats and oils; in particular the use of colours and flavours was not acceptable for the delegations of Austria, Brazil, Portugal, India and Spain. The delegation of Brazil also had reservations about anti-forming agents.
317. The delegations of Austria and Sudan also supported the views expressed by Italy concerning the difficulties envisaged by introducing GLC ranges into the standards.
318. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission that the Committee on Fats and Oils had considered the proposed GLC ranges to be of an optional and advisory nature and that there was no intention, at the present time, to substitute them for the traditional identity criteria included in Codex Standards for Fats and Oils.
319. The Commission further noted the statement of the delegation of Argentina, indicating that Argentinian Law required a mandatory declaration of the country of origin.
320. The delegation of Japan reiterated its objections, voiced at the Tenth Session of the Committee on Fats and Oils, with regard to the declaration of minimum durability for all products covered by the above standards, especially for products packed in hermetically sealed containers, irrespective of their shelf-life.
321. The delegation of India held the view that the date of minimum durability was only appropriate for products with a short shelf-life and agreed with the delegation of Japan that the date of manufacture should be declared on the label. The delegation of India thought that the scope of the general standard should not cover admixtures of different fats and oils, since there were no analytical techniques available to determine the components of mixtures containing different proportions of the oils. Cheaper oils could be mixed with more expensive oils and these mixtures could be sold for a high price. Therefore, such products were not permitted to be sold in India.
322. The delegation of Japan also drew the attention of the Commission to the deletion of emulsifiers from the list of additives in the General Standard, in the course of amending the scope section of the original recommended standard to cover the fats and oils included for use as ingredients in the manufacture of foods, and to the decision of the Ninth Session of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils that the use of emulsifiers could be regulated by appropriate labelling provisions. The delegation felt that, for the better understanding of the standard, it might be more appropriate to include a footnote in the standard indicating that the use of additives, other than those provided for in the standard, was not prohibited, as recorded in the relevant paragraphs of the Report of the Ninth Session of the Committee. The delegation of Japan also expressed its concern about the question of applying the above decision to other Codex Standards which also cover products for use in food manufacture.
323. The delegation of the Ivory Coast pointed out that edible coconut oil was known in his country under the denomination “copra oil” and suggested to permit the use of that synonym in the section on the Name of the Food.
324. It was recognized that even if it was obvious that some countries could not accept all provisions of the abovementioned standards, it would be advisable to advance these important standards to Step 9. When examining the standards with a view to accepting them, countries would be in a position to indicate deviations from the standards. Based on these deviations, amendments to the above standards could be elaborated and proposed for further consideration by the Committee on Fats and Oils.
325. The Commission noted that it was intended to publish all Codex Standards for Fats and Oils in one compendium which would also include decisions of a general nature, relative to the actual standards (paragraph 53 of ALINORM 79/17).
Status of the above Standards
326. The Commission adopted the Revised Text of the General Standard for Edible Fats and Oils not covered by Individual Standards and the Standards for Edible Low Erucic and Rapeseed Oil, Edible Coconut Oil, Edible Palm Oil, Edible Palm Kernel Oil, Edible Grapeseed Oil and Edible Babassu Oil at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards.
327. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission that the Ninth and Tenth Sessions of the Committee had proposed a number of amendments to the labelling section of Step 9 Standards which were consequential to the decisions taken in revising the General Standard (page 8 of ALINORM 79/21).
328. The Chairman further informed the Commission that the Fourteenth Session of the Committee on Labelling had endorsed the proposed amendments which concerned the following sections:
Introduction of provisions for lot identification, date marking and storage instructions; and
clarification of the provision on the Name of the Food by amending the term “products” to read “food products”.
The Commission adopted the above amendments as consequential amendments in accordance with the Codex Procedure.
329. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission that the International Olive Oil Council had elaborated and submitted to the Tenth Session of the Committee a minimum level of B-Sitosterol content in olive oil and the appropriate methodology. The Committee had agreed to include an appropriate provision in the above standard (paragraph 51 of ALINORM 79/17). The delegation of Italy, reiterating its written comments, had stressed the importance to determine sterols especially in imported oils and emphasized the need for careful consideration of the proposed amendment.
330. The Commission authorized the Committee on Fats and Oils to proceed with the consideration of the above amendment in accordance with the established Codex Procedure.
331. The Chairman of the Committee referred to the written comments in ALINORM 79/37-Part VII, and informed the Commission that the Technical Secretariat had prepared a Working Paper on the revision and up-dating of methods of analysis in Codex Standards for Fats and Oils which had been discussed by the Tenth Session of the Committee. The matter would be further discussed at the next Session of that Committee.
332. The Commission was further informed that the Committee had agreed to commence work on standards for vegetable ghee and mixed animal/vegetable ghee. The working papers were being distributed to governments. The delegation of India was of the opinion that there should not be a standard for mixed animal/vegetable fats as products of that nature were confusing the consumers.
333. Referring to the Standard for Low Erucic Acid Rapeseed Oil, the delegation of India pointed out that in that country rapeseed oil had been consumed for centuries without adverse effects. The representative of WHO drew attention to the recommendation, related to Erucic Acid in the human diet, made by a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. The Chairman of the Committee pointed out that the establishment of standards for both types of Rapeseed Oil recognized the existence of the two different oils.
Confirmation of Chairmanship
334. The Commission confirmed, under Rule IX.10, that the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of the United Kingdom.
335. The Report of the Thirteenth Session of the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (ALINORM 79/18) was presented by the Chairman, Dr. O.R. Braekkan of Norway.
336. Dr. Braekkan informed the Commission of the decision of the Norwegian Government to add language facilities in Spanish at future Sessions of the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products. The Commission expressed its appreciation to the Government of Norway.
337. The Rapporteur informed the Commission that the Committee had discussed means of modifying the Step 9 amendment procedure, so as to accelerate the introduction of new species giving final products of types conforming to various standards.
338. A working group met during the session and outlined a proposed procedure for the incorporation of additional species into Step 9 Standards which the Committee agreed to recommend for adoption by the Commission, with regard to Step 9 Standards for fish products.
339. The Commission noted that research into the use of under-exploited fish resources might well lead to an increasing number of requests for the inclusion of related species into standards and agreed that the procedure proposed should be adopted.
340. After examination of samples of finished products, the Committee recommended the inclusion of the following species: Sardinella fimbriata, Sardinella sirm, Sardinella longiceps, Sardinella gibbosa and Engraulis mordax.
341. The Commission agreed with the Committee's recommendation.
342. The Commission noted that the Committee, after examination of samples of finished products, had recommended that the genus Rastrelliger should be included under the heading Scombridae. The Commission agreed with this recommendation.
343. The Rapporteur informed the Commission that at their last Sessions the Codex Comittees on Food Additives and Food Labelling had endorsed the respective sections of the Draft Standard for Canned Mackerel and Jack Mackerel.
344. Several delegations expressed the opinion that the list of food additives was excessive; in particular, the list of modified starches should be studied carefully and the permitted quantity of pectin was too high.
345. Concern was also expressed that smoke flavours had not been sufficiently studied to permit their use.
346. With regard to the labelling section, the delegation of Austria was of the opinion that in this and other standards declaration of the country of origin should be mandatory and not optional, as at present.
347. The delegation of Japan expressed the view that the levels of exuded water, stated in sub-section 7.1.4 of the labelling section, should be transferred to sub-section 3.2.2 Packing Media, and that the product packed in oil with own juices containing more than 12% of exuded water should be declared sub-standard or allocated another form of presentation. In addition, in sub-section 3.5.1 the minimum drained or washed drained weight for edible oil and edible oil with own juices should be 70%.
348. The delegation of The Netherlands expressed its opposition to the absence of a mandatory declaration of drained weight and washed drained weight in the labelling section of the Standard.
349. The Commission recognized that the Standard as it stood represented a compromise arrived at after lengthy discussions in the Committee and that the Food Additives Lists had been cleared both by the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the Codex Committee on Food Additives.
350. The Commission noted that in the labelling section, the Committee had concluded that because of the long shelf-life of these types of products a provision for date-marking was not thought necessary. It also noted that a paper on the subject of uniform implementation of date-marking guidelines would be prepared by the delegation of Canada for discussion at the next meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling.
Status of the Draft Standard for Canned Mackerel and Jack Mackerel
351. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Canned Mackerel and Jack Mackerel at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards.
352. The Commission noted that the Recommended International Standard for Canned Pacific Salmon had been discussed and amended at the last Session of the Committee (ALINORM 79/18, paragraphs 48–66). It had been agreed that a table of defects similar to those provided in the Standards for other Canned Fish should be developed. The delegation of Japan had offered to provide the defects table used in Japan for circulation with the Standard to Member Governments.
Status of the Revised Recommended International Standard for Canned Pacific Salmon
353. The Commission advanced the revised Recommended International Standard for Canned Pacific Salmon to Step 6 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards.
354. The Rapporteur informed the Commission that at its Sixteenth Session, the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (ALINORM 79/13A, paragraph 69) had examined the hygiene provisions of the Code and had recommended that to this and other Codes, Annex I to the Revised Code of Practice - General Principles of Food Hygiene (Cleaning and Disinfection) (see paragraph 204, of this Report), should be attached as a new Appendix.
355. The Commission agreed with the recommendation of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene.
356. The Commission noted that, in the opinion of the delegations of the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Germany, the definition under sub-section 2.23 of “smoke” was not such that the use of sawdust containing extraneous material such as plastic was excluded.
357. The Commission agreed that the Codex Committee on Food Additives should consider the matter, so that an amendment to the Code at Step 9 could be proposed in which the raw material was specified so as to exclude foreign materials.
358. The Commission noted that at some future date a specific description for salt might need elaboration for the purposes of the Code if the description of salt presently under elaboration by the Codex Committee on Food Additives did not meet the need of the salt fish industry.
Status of the Draft Codes of Practice for Lobster, Smoked Fish and Salted Fish
359. The Commission adopted the Draft Codes of Practice for Lobster, Smoked Fish and Salted Fish at Step 8 of the Procedure.
360. It noted with satisfaction that the Codes, which were a result of close collaboration between the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products, the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene and the FAO Fisheries Department, were already proving of great service to both developed and developing countries both as teaching aids and as guidelines to industry.
361. The Commission was informed that the Draft Code of Practice for Minced Fish had been extensively revised by an ad hoc Working Group which had met during the Thirteenth Session of the Committee (ALINORM 79/18, paragraphs 112–118), but that because of pressure of work it had not been possible to issue the revised document in time for examination by the Commission.
362. The Commission noted the concern expressed by the delegations of Australia and The Netherlands over the development within Codex of a Code of Practice for products which were destined for further manufacturing rather than direct consumer use.
Status of the Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Minced Fish
363. The Commission decided to return the proposed Draft Code of Practice for Minced Fish for further consideration by the Committee and to re-examine the Code at its Fourteenth Session at Step 5 of the Procedure.
364. The Rapporteur informed the Commission that the Committee had decided that an ad hoc Working Group should be formed to consider the question of establishing microbiological criteria for cooked ready-to-eat shrimps and prawns in the light of data based on the sampling plans and methodologies referenced in the Report of the Second Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Microbiological Specifications for Foods (EC/Microbiol/77/Report 2, pp. 3-5 and Annex III).
365. It had been hoped that such a Working Group could meet prior to the Fourteenth Session of the Committee, but because sufficient data was not yet available from governments, the meeting would have to be deferred to a later date.
366. The Commission noted that future work of the Committee included consideration of Codes of Practice for Minced Fish, Frozen Battered and/or Breaded Fishery Products, for Crabs and for Cephalopods and a Standard for Dried Salted Fish of the Gadidae family.
367. The delegation of Thailand informed the Commission that there was considerable consumption in South East Asia of food grade fish concentrates corresponding to type B products of PAG Guideline No. 19 and that there were some problems with regard to the microbiological quality of such products. He enquired whether the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products might consider the elaboration of a Code of Practice for Food Grade Fish Concentrates.
368. The Commission agreed that the Committee should examine the question and noted that the delegation of Thailand would prepare a background document on the production and consumption of Food Grade Fish Concentrates as a basis for discussion by the Committee.
Confirmation of Chairmanship
369. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of Norway.
370. The Commission had before it the Report of the above Committee (ALINORM 79/20) and Government comments on Step 8 Standards contained in ALINORM 79/37, Part IV and ADD. I there-to.
371. Dr. R. Weik of the delegation of the United States of America, gave an account of the work accomplished by the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables since the last Session of the Commission.
372. On the suggestion of the delegation of the United Kingdom, the Commission agreed to add a new sub-section 9.2.7 indicating that a method for the determination of drained weight was to be developed. On the suggestion of the delegation of Hungary, the Commission decided to transfer paprika to the section on ingredients.
373. The delegations of Hungary, the Federal Republic of Germany, Austria, India, Poland and France made reservations concerning the use of food additives in the preparation of pickled cucumbers since, in their opinion, many of the additives, especially the colours were not required from a technological point of view. Other delegations pointed out that the inclusion of food additive provisions in Codex Standards did not necessarily mean that all those additives would be used in any particular product. Furthermore, in accepting Codex standards, governments were free to indicate (by means of specified deviations) whether they accepted, or otherwise, the use of food additives provided for in Codex Standards. The delegation of the United States of America indicated that this was the approach followed by the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables in drawing up sections on food additives.
374. The delegations of India, Australia and Finland indicated their agreement with the proposed maximum level of 250 mg/kg for tin and were opposed to any reduction of this figure. The delegation of the United States of America informed the Commission that the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables, through an ad hoc Working Group, was considering in detail the question of contaminants in processed fruits and vegetables.
Status of the Draft Standard for Pickled Cucumbers at Step 8
375. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Pickled Cucumbers as amended, at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards. It was understood that those food additive provisions which had not been endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Additives would not be included in the Step 9 Standard.
376. The Commission considered an editorial amendment proposed by the United Kingdom to section 1.3(a) and (b) of the Standard. The text adopted by the Commission is as follows:
Conical or cylindrical cultivars (e.g. Chantenay and Amsterdam varieties) - consist of carrots which, after processing, retain their approximate original conformation. The largest diameter of carrots, measured at right angles to longitudinal axis shall not exceed 50 mm. The variation in diameter between the largest carrot and smallest carrot shall not exceed 3:1
spherical cultivars (“Paris” carrots) - consist of fully mature carrots of a roundish shape of which the largest diameter in any direction shall not exceed 45 mm.
Conical or cylindrical cultivars - consist of whole carrots which have a diameter of not more than 23 mm and are not longer than 100 mm
spherical cultivars - consist of whole carrots which have a diameter of not more than 18 mm in any direction.”
377. The delegation of India drew the Commission's attention to the fact that the provision for monosodium glutamate had not been endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Additives. The Commission noted that this amounted to a proposal by that Committee to delete the provision for that flavour enhancer, in view of strong opposition to its use by a number of countries. The Commission agreed to delete the provision for monosodium glutamate from the Standard.
378. The Commission had detailed discussions on the section on Food Additives, during which a number of delegations expressed their reservations to a number of additives provided for. The Commission noted the opinions expressed by these delegations in connection with the use of food additives and also noted that there had been changes of attitude by governments to the use and regulation of food additives. The Commission decided that it would, therefore, be appropriate for the Codex Committee on Food Additives to reconsider its approach to the endorsement of food additives in Codex Standards as an important general issue. In this respect, the Commission noted paragraph 73 of the Report of the Thirteenth Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (ALINORM 79/12A) and requested the Secretariat to examine the acceptances received from governments with respect to food additives and to prepare a paper for the next Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives. In this connection, the Commission also thought that it would be useful to obtain the opinion of the Chairmen of Codex Commodity Committees.
Status of the Draft Standard for Canned Carrots at Step 8
379. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Canned Carrots as amended, at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards. The delegation of India reserved its position concerning this decision, in view of the strong objection by a number of delegations to the section on Food Additives.
380. The Commission discussed a proposal by the delegation of the United Kingdom, supported by other delegations, that the Draft Standard for Dried Apricots be returned for further consideration to the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables. The representative of the UN/ECE drew the Commission's attention to the views of the UN/ECE Working Party on the Standardization of Perishable Produce concerning the need to reconcile differences between the Codex and the UN/ECE standards and that it would be necessary for the Commission to return the Draft Standard to step 6 of the Procedure for further discussion, in order to achieve this aim.
381. Other delegations were of the opinion that as dried apricots represented a commodity moving in worldwide trade, it was for the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables, which was a worldwide body, to draft standards for this product. These delegations were also of the opinion that differences between the UN/ECE and Codex Standards had been considerably narrowed and that the Draft Standard for Dried Apricots was ready for adoption at Step 8 of the Procedure. They also thought that the advancement of the Draft Standard all the more desirable, as no arrangements had been made for the two Committees concerned to meet jointly or indeed for the views of the UN/ECE body (which would meet at the end of 1980) to be made known to the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables, prior to the Fourteenth Session of the Commission.
Status of the Draft Standard for Dried Apricots
382. The Commission decided to return the Draft Standard for Dried Apricots to the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables, at Step 7 of the Procedure. The two Bodies and Secretariats concerned were requested to make all efforts, in order to bring the two standards in line with each other, so that the Codex Standard can be adopted by the Commission at its next Session. The Commission emphasized that it would be helpful, in order to harmonize the provisions of the two standards, if the experts on this subject who attend the UN/ECE meeting could also attend the next Session of the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables. If this was not possible, there should be liaison at the national level between the experts concerned.
383. The Commission adopted the above draft amendments at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Amendment of Recommended Codex Standards.
384. The Commission noted that Draft UN/ECE Standards existed for dates and unshelled pistachio nuts and that this would result in similar difficulties as in the case of dried apricots. The Secretariats of the two Bodies and the respective Committees were requested to ensure that any differences between the Codex and UN/ECE Standards should be removed before these Standards were advanced to Step 8 of the Codex Procedure.
Status of the Proposed Draft Standard for Dates, Unshelled Pistachio Nuts and Canned Apricots at Step 5
385. The Commission decided to advance the above three Standards to Step 6 of the Codex Procedure.
386. The Commission recalled that at its Eleventh Session, it had requested Codex Commodity Committees to consider the need, or otherwise, for a general provision for styles in Codex Standards. It noted that, like other Codex Committees, the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables had considered this question. The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables, however, had reached the conclusion that the inclusion of such a general provision for styles not specifically covered by the Standard would cause difficulties and had referred the matter to the Commission for guidance (see paragraphs 12–14, ALINORM 79/20). Difficulties arose from the fact that styles not specifically covered in the Standard would not have to comply with certain essential quality criteria and weights and measures provisions, as these provisions were linked to specific styles enumerated in the Standard.
387. The delegation of Australia pointed out that the Commission had already agreed, at its Eleventh Session, that the question of other styles was not for general and automatic application to all Codex Standards but should be considered by Codex Committees on a commodity by commodity basis. The Commission, however, decided to refer this matter to the Executive Committee and, should it be necessary, to the Codex Committee on General Principles.
388. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables had taken concrete steps with a view to reviewing the provisions for contaminants in Codex Standards elaborated by it. It also noted that an ad hoc Working Group had been established for this purpose under the Chairmanship of Australia and that a circular requesting information from governments had been distributed. The Commission urged governments to make available appropriate information on contaminants to the Committee.
389. The delegation of Chile informed the Commission that some countries were applying the definition of “peaches” given in the Recommended Standard for Canned Peaches to the fresh fruit moving in commerce. This caused some problems in trade in that country since nectarine varieties were not included in the Standard for Canned Peaches.
390. The Commission took note of the view expressed by the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (paragraph 192, ALINORM 79/20) that limitations on, or definitions of varieties included in Codex Standards for processed foods, did not necessarily apply to the fresh fruit.
391. The delegation of Brazil, with the support of the delegation of Argentina, recalled that the subject raised by Chile had already been discussed by the Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables during the consideration and approval of the Recommended Standard for Canned Peaches. The consideration of this Standard resulted then, in the exclusion of nectarines from the Standard for Canned Peaches, it being understood that, in trade, nectarines are neither peaches nor a variety of peaches.
392. On the proposal of the delegation of Argentina, the Commission decided to refer the matter to the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables for reconsideration and requested governments to express their views on the proposal of the delegation of Chile to amend the Standard for Canned Peaches, as indicated in the written comments received from that country.
Confirmation of the Chairmanship
393. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of the United States of America.
394. The Commission had before it the Report of the Thirteenth Session of the Group of Experts (ALINORM 79/14) and document ALINORM 79/37-Part II containing comments and observations on the several draft standards under discussion.
395. The Chairman of the Group of Experts, Prof. Dr. W. Pilnik (Netherlands), in introducing the Report of the Group of Experts, noted with satisfaction the increasing interest shown by developing countries in the work of the Group particularly in regard to the development of standards for juices and nectars of certain tropical fruits.
396. In introducing this item, the Chairman of the Group of Experts drew attention to the decision taken by the Fourteenth Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling to amend the section 7.1.1 of the draft standard so as to disallow the use of the term “sweetened blackcurrant juice” for products which contained added sugar or sugars (ALINORM 79/22A, paragraphs 58–60). Because of the special nature of blackcurrant juice, and its natural very acid taste, any addition of sugars, he said, would be intended to sweeten the product and, therefore, would be rather large. The term “sweetened” in reference to the name of the food would, therefore, not be misleading to the consumer. He mentioned that the product was currently sold under the name “sweetened blackcurrant juice” and was widely used as a syrup or topping. After some discussion, the Commission decided that it would be necessary to distinguish between those products which had been sweetened in the manner proposed and those products to which small amounts of sugar may have been added in order to correct the sugar/acid ratio. The representative of the EEC suggested that an appropriate limit for distinguishing between the two would be 1.5%. The relevant section was amended as follows:
“7.1.1 The name of the food shall be “blackcurrant juice” and the term “contains x% of added sugar” shall appear in close proximity to the name where x times 10 represents the amount of sugar or sugars added in grammes per kilogramme of the final product. If more than 15 g/kg of sugar or sugars is added the name of the food shall be “sweetened blackcurrant juice” and the content of added sugar or sugars shall similarly be declared.”
397. The delegation of Switzerland reserved its position on the name of the food which, it said, was not a fruit juice in the meaning of the definitions adopted by the Group of Experts as guidelines for the terminology of these products (see ALINORM 78/14, paragraphs 45-47).
398. In addition, the delegation of Switzerland reserved its position on the maximum permitted addition of sugars (200 g/kg) which, it said, was too high. Several other delegations supported this statement.
399. The delegation of India asked for clarification of the Group of Experts' decision to permit the presence of 10 mg/kg of sulphur dioxide as a contaminant in the product, and expressed concern over the effect this would have on canned juices. In reply, the Chairman of the Group of Experts explained that unavoidable yeast activity can reduce naturally present sulphates to sulphites and that the level listed under “Contaminants” took due regard of this activity.
Status of the Draft Standard for Blackcurrant Juice Preserved Exclusively by Physical Means
400. The Commission adopted, as a Recommended International Standard, the Draft Standard for Blackcurrant Juice Preserved Exclusively by Physical Means at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards taking into account the amendment detailed above.
401. The Commission adopted at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards the Draft Standard for Concentrated Blackcurrant Juice Preserved Exclusively by Physical Means.
402. In introducing this draft standard, the Chairman of the Group of Experts noted that this was a group standard, encompassing a number of individual products. For this reason it was not possible to specify a maximum ascorbic acid concentration as had been requested by the Governments of Poland and Sweden, as a number of the fruits had a considerable content of ascorbic acid naturally present whereas others required its addition. He noted that the Committee on Food Additives had endorsed this view.
403. In referring to the comment of Sweden, requesting only the optional addition of sugars, the Chairman of the Group of Experts, supported by the representative of the EEC, stated that this could lead to the manufacture and sale of diluted fruit juices under the name “nectars” and that this would not be in the best interests of the consumer.
Status of the Draft Standard for Pulpy Nectars of Certain Small Fruits Preserved Exclusively by Physical Means
404. The Commission made no changes to the Draft Standard for Pulpy Nectars of Certain Small Fruits Preserved Exclusively by Physical Means and adopted it at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards.
405. The Commission advanced to Step 6 of the Codex Procedure the Proposed Draft Standard for Nectars of Certain Citrus Fruits Preserved Exclusively by Physical Means.
406. The Group of Experts, in considering the Draft Standard for Pulpy Nectars of Certain Small Fruits, agreed that as water was an essential ingredient in fruit nectars, whether prepared from concentrated or single strength juices, it should be declared in the list of ingredients (see paragraph 66 of ALINORM 79/14). In adopting this draft standard the Commission agreed to make the following consequential amendment in the sections dealing with the listing of ingredients in the Step 9 Standards for Apricot, Peach and Pear Nectars and Non-Pulpy Blackcurrant Nectar:
“A complete list of ingredients, including added water, shall be declared in descending order of proportion”.
407. In noting the interest of developing countries in the work of the Group of Experts, its Chairman drew attention to the work being undertaken on juices and nectars of tropical fruits. He invited developing countries to forward information on tropical fruit juices and nectars to the Group of Experts in cases where it might be profitable to develop standards for them. The delegations of the People's Republic of Benin and Senegal offered to do so and made special reference to the juice of the cashew-apple or anacarde.
408. The delegation of Tanzania drew the Commission's attention to the difficulties of obtaining the methods of analysis for fruit juices referred to in the Codex Standards and suggested that the detailed methods might be published in one volume.
409. The Commission noted that the delegation of Mexico undertook to submit first drafts of standards for guava nectar to the Fourteenth Session of the Group of Experts for its consideration. The delegation of India referred to its previous offer made at the Second Session of the Coordinating Committee for Asia, to assist in the development of these standards.
410. The commission had before it the Report of the Thirteenth Session of the Group of Experts, as contained in ALINORM 79/25 (with corrigenda to the English version). In the absence of the Chairman of the Group of Experts, the Report was introduced by the representative of the UN/ECE Secretariat.
411. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Broccoli at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards. In doing so, it noted that in this, as in the other draft standards for quick frozen foods, the provisions concerning sampling required further consideration in the light of government comments in reply to Circular Letter 79/18 and guidance from the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling.
412. The Commission adopted at Step 8 of the Codex Procedure the Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Cauliflower, taking into account the editorial amendment proposed by the Federal Republic of Germany in ALINORM 79/37-Part 3, ADD.1.
413. The Commission also noted the decision of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling to bring the labelling provisions of this standard into line with its general decision not to include processing aids in the list of ingredients (ALINORM 79/22A, paragraph 71).
414. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Brussels Sprouts together with the amendment proposed by the United Kingdom in ALINORM 79/37-Part 3, ADD.1 at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards. A small correction to the French text of the Standard was noted.
415. The Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Green Beans and Quick Frozen Wax Beans, together with the amendment proposed by the United Kingdom in ALINORM 79/37-Part 3, ADD.1 which corrected an oversight in the report, was adopted by the Commission at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards. The delegation of France suggested that the attention of the Group of Experts be drawn to the use of the “mangetout” variety of beans, and that the Standard should eventually be amended.
416. In considering the adoption of this Standard, the Commission heard the objections of a number of delegations supporting the written comments of the Federal Republic of Germany and Poland concerning the provisions on food additives and processing aids. They noted that certain of these substances were not used by their respective potato-processing industries and, in their opinion, may not therefore be considered as technologically justified. Other delegations referred to the decisions of the Group of Experts to include these substances having heard similar objections, and of the Committee on Food Additives to endorse them. The Commission referred to its earlier decision (paragraph 378, of this Report) to request the Committee on Food Additives to reconsider its approach on the justification for the use of food additives and processing aids.
417. The Commission amended 6.1.1 of the draft standard to read as follows:
“The name of the food as declared on the label shall include the designation “French Fried Potatoes” or the equivalent designation used in the country in which the product is intended to be sold.”
418. In taking this decision, the Commission referred to paragraph 63 of the Report of the Sixth Session of the Codex Committee on General Principles (ALINORM 79/35) and made the point that the wide variety of traditional names used for this product constituted an exceptional case; the restriction of the name of the food to only one recognized term could adversely affect the acceptance of the standard.
Status of the Draft Standard for Quick Frozen French Fried Potatoes
419. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Fried Potatoes at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards.
420. The delegation of Mexico reserved its position with regard to the food additives section of the Standard.
421. The Commission advanced both of these proposed draft standards to Step 6 of the Codex Procedure. The Commission drew the attention of the Group of Experts to the decision of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling with respect to linguistic difficulties in the use of the term “baby carrots” (see ALINORM 79/22A, paragraph 49).
422. The Commission had before it the Report of the Eleventh Session of the Codex Comittee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses (ALINORM 79/26). Dr. E. Hufnagel acted as Rapporteur on behalf of Dr. H. Drews, Chairman of the Committee. Dr. Hufnagel gave a brief account of the work currently undertaken by the Committee.
423. In introducing the Standard (Appendix II of ALINORM 79/26) the Rapporteur explained that the definition “gluten-free” was closely linked to the establishment of a maximum level for residual nitrogen related to the gluten-containing cereal grains used in the product. The level of 0.05% had been found not to affect persons intolerant to gluten.
424. The delegation of the United Kingdom, referring to its written proposed amendments to sections 2.2.2 and 4.2.2 of the Standard (ALINORM 79/37-Part I), pointed out that their experts had expressed doubts as to the actual figure of residual nitrogen and, generally, to the feasibility to base the standard on residual nitrogen at all. In the United Kingdom, products with a higher residual nitrogen content had been successfully marketed. Furthermore, the standard should eventually be based on biochemical and immuno-chemical methods on which research was being carried out in the United Kingdom. Several delegations supported the view that the Standard should take into account alternative methods.
425. The Commission agreed that the Standard be adopted in its present form but to recommend to the Committee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses to consider amendments to the Standard if and when the scientific evidence become available.
Status of the Draft Standard for “Gluten-free” Foods
426. The Commission adopted, as a Recommended Standard, the Draft Standard for “glutenfree” Foods at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards.
427. The Rapporteur introduced the Standard (ALINORM 79/26-ADD.I) and pointed out that governments would be requested to comment on a definition on medical foods as a new category, in connection with this Standard.
428. The Commission was informed that the Thirteenth Session of the Committee on Labelling had examined the Standard with the view to endorsement and had made amendments to certain sections concerning definitions and additional requirements. These amendments were contained in paragraphs 114–115 and Appendix III to ALINORM 79/22.
429. With regard to technical comments made by the delegation of India and the observer of the EEC, it was suggested that these comments should be submitted to the next Session of the Committee.
Status of the Proposed Draft General Standard for the Labelling of and Claims on Prepackaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses
430. The Commission decided to advance the Standard to Step 6 of the Procedure.
431. The Secretariat was requested to ensure that the amendments made by the Committee on Labelling be submitted to governments, in conjunction with the request for comments on the Standard at Step 6 of the Procedure.
432. The Commission noted that at the Eleventh Session of the Committee, an ad hoc Working Group had finalized advisory lists of mineral salts and vitamin compounds for use in foods for infants and children (Appendix III to ALINORM 79/26). The Committee had agreed that these lists were of an advisory nature.
433. The Chairman of the Working Group, Dr. R. Weik (United States) informed the Commission of the Committee's decision to recommend to the Commission that the lists, as contained in Annexes I and II to Appendix III, be attached to Codex Standards for Foods for Infants and Children.
434. The Chairman of the Working Group indicated that in case the Commission could agree to appending the lists to the Standards, consequential editorial amendments would have to be made to the Step 9 Standards for infant formula, canned baby foods and processed cereal-based foods. The proposed wording for such amendments was also contained in Appendix III to ALINORM 79/26.
435. Attention was drawn to the set of criteria for amendment of the advisory lists in paragraph 3(i) of Appendix III. The view was expressed that the existing criteria did not cover properly purity requirements and were, therefore, not sufficient to safeguard the quality of the food and to protect the health of the consumer. The Chairman of the Working Group proposed the introduction of a new paragraph 3(i)d, to read as follows:
“The purity requirements for the mineral salt (vitamin compound) are established in an internationally recognized specification”.
He pointed out that as a consequence, a single column entitled “purity requirements” could substitute the three columns presently contained in the list on mineral salts to align its format to that of the list of vitamin compounds.
436. The Chairman of the Working Group stated that in accordance with the above amendment, it was possible to include ferric ammonium citrate in the list of mineral salts as requested by the United Kingdom (paragraph 3, page 11–12 of ALINORM 79/21). The technological information given by the United Kingdom provided adequate justification for such a decision.
437. The Chairman of the Working Group further referred to a proposal by Switzerland (paragraph 4, page 12–13 of ALINORM 79/21) to provide for the use of special vitamin forms in all Standards of foods for infants and children. It was proposed that this might be done by means of a Step 9 amendment in connection with the provision relating to the carryover principle in the Standard for Infant Formula. The Chairman recommended that the matter be considered by the Committee at its next Session.
438. The Commission decided (a) to append the advisory lists of mineral salts and vitamin-compounds as amended to the Codex Standards for Foods for Infants and Children; (b) to authorize amendments to Step 9 Standards proposed in paragraph 9 of Appendix III which were of consequential and editorial nature.
439. The Commission agreed to refer to the Committee consideration of the amendment of the Standard for Infant Formula proposed by Switzerland, to allow for the use of special vitamin forms in products covered by the Standard.
440. The Chairman drew the attention of the Commission to the discussions of the Twenty-fifth Session of the Executive Committee and the Sixth Session of the Committee on General Principles concerning this matter.
441. In introducing this agenda item, the representative of WHO made reference to the request by the Executive Committee (ALINORM 79/3, paragraph 78) that there should be a report to the Commission on the Joint WHO/UNICEF meeting on Infant and Young Child Feeding, held in Geneva 9–12 October 1979. It was pointed out that the meeting was held as part of the two Organizations' on-going programme of promotion of breastfeeding and improvement of infant and young child nutrition.
442. The WHO representative drew the attention of the Commission to two paragraphs in the document “WHO Features”, October 1979, No.49, which the Commission had before it, dealing with the October meeting. The Commission was informed that the Joint WHO/UNICEF meeting had recommended that governments should adopt the recommended international standards covering foods for infants and young children developed by the Codex Committee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses. The Commission also noted that the Joint WHO/UNICEF meeting had requested WHO and UNICEF to organize the process for the preparation, with the involvement of all concerned parties, of an international code of marketing of infant formula and other products used as breastmilk substitutes.
443. The WHO representative further stated that WHO/UNICEF were proceeding by means of consultants of a small working group to develop the first draft of such a code and that the Director-General of WHO would report to the World Health Assembly in May, on this matter.
444. The Secretary of the ACC Sub-Committee on Nutrition informed the Commission that the ACC Sub-Committee on Nutrition had considered, at its Fifth Session in February 1979, a request by the Codex Committee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses to prepare a first draft of a Code of Ethics for the Marketing and Advertising of Infant Foods. The Sub-Committee concurred with the need for such a code, but decided that this should be pursued once the recommendations of the WHO/UNICEF Meeting on Infant and Young Child Feeding were available. The WHO/UNICEF Meeting which included representatives of industry, governments, NGOs and UN agencies took place in October 1979. Amongst its recommendations were the following statements:
“There should be no sales promotion, including promotional advertising to the public of products to be used as breastmilk substitutes or bottle-fed supplements and feeding bottles. Promotion to health personnel should be restricted to factual and ethical information.”
“There should be an international code of marketing of infant formula and other products used as breastmilk substitutes. This should be supported by both exporting and importing countries and observed by all manufacturers. WHO/UNICEF are requested to organize the process for its preparation, with the involvement of all concerned parties, in order to reach a conclusion as soon as possible.”
445. At a subsequent meeting among representatives of the nutrition units, WHO, UNICEF and FAO, it had been decided that the former two agencies would utilize a working group/ consultants to prepare a first draft of the code to be ready for the World Health Assembly in May 1980. It was anticipated that this might take the form of principles which might then be adapted to Codex requirements.
446. During the discussion of this matter a number of delegations, as well as the observer of the International Secretariat for the Industries of Dietetic Food Products, expressed satisfaction that a Code was being drafted by WHO and UNICEF on this matter which they felt to be of great importance. However, they expressed the view strongly that the draft Code, as soon as available, should be submitted to the Codex Committee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses and, subsequently, to the Commission for their review and elaboration as a Codex Code.1
447. The Coordinator for Africa stated that at the last Session of the Coordinating Committee, a discussion was held on the Code of Ethics for the International Trade in Food, which included a section on infant foods. He stated that such Codes were a necessary part of ensuring consumer protection.
448. The delegation of Thailand, while fully supporting the development of a Code on Infant Foods wished to make it very clear that the availability of such a Code would not solve the complex malnutrition problems prevalent in many developing countries. The delegation of Kenya stressed the need for urgency in developing the Code as some of the infant foods were being offered and advertized in their countries in an unsatisfactory manner, resulting in the misleading of the consumer. It was stated that governments should take the necessary steps to bring their national legislation into conformity with such Codes.
449. In response to a question on how to proceed, the Chief of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme stated that the views of the Commission could be drawn to the attention of UNICEF, WHO and the ACC Sub-Committee on Nutrition concerning the proposed Code. He further indicated that the Code being developed by WHO and UNICEF would probably be submitted to the World Health Assembly in May 1980 and, therefore, copies of the Code could be available for the Codex Committee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses at its next Session, September 1980, for examination, if appropriate, as to its suitability for Codex purposes.
450. The Commission reiterated its wish that a Code of Ethics on the Marketing and Advertizing of Infant Foods be developed as soon as possible. The Commission noted the intention of WHO and UNICEF to prepare a first draft of such a Code. The Commission requested that the Code be made available to the Codex Committee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses and to the Commission, at the earliest possible time. The Commission further stated that it considered its procedures as being ideally suited for the elaboration of international Codes of this nature, in particular the possibility for Members of the Commission to report on the utilization of such Codes in their countries.
451. The Commission requested the Codex Secretariat to draw the discussion of this item to the attention of the appropriate authorities of WHO, UNICEF and the ACC Sub-Committee on Nutrition. The Commission confirmed the content of the footnote to section 5.9 of the Code of Ethics which had been agreed to earlier in the Session (see paragraph 120 of this Report).
Confirmation of Chairmanship
452. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.
453. The Danish delegation announced the appointment of Mrs. Anne Brincker as the new Chairman of the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products, who acted as Rapporteur.
454. The Commission had before it the Report of the Tenth (1978) Session of the Comittee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products as contained in ALINORM 79/16 and document ALINORM 79/37-Part 9(PMPP) containing proposed amendments by Australia to Annex B, entitled “Preservation of Meat Products Heat Treated Prior to Packaging” to the Recommended International Code of Hygienic Practice for Processed Meat Products at Step 8.
455. The Rapporteur reviewed briefly the history of the document before the Commission (ALINORM 79/16, Appendix II) and proposed that the amendment proposed by Australia, which was considered not to be of a substantive nature, be accepted. This would bring the provisions of Annex B into line with the Recommended International Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Meat (CAC/RCP 11-1976).
456. Delegations of Italy and India raised objections which were of a procedural nature.
457. The Commission recognized that the proposed amendment was not of substantive nature and accepted it for inclusion in Annex B.
Status of the Draft Annex B
458. The Commission adopted the amended Annex B, entitled “Preservation of Meat Products Heat Treated Prior to Packaging” as an Annex to the Recommended International Code of Hygienic Practice for Processed Meat Products at Step 8 of the Procedure.
459. The Commission was informed that the above procedure would be harmonized with the Code of Hygienic Practice for Low Acid and Acidified Low Acid Canned Foods.
460. The delegation of France suggested that under A(f), it would be preferable to provide alternative time-temperature combinations, that would be required for incubation.
Status of the Draft Code
461. The Commission advanced the Code to Step 6 of the Codex Procedure.
462. The Committee had proposed to initiate the amendment of Step 9 Standards for Cooked Cured Ham, Cooked Cured Pork Shoulder, Luncheon Meat and Cooked Cured Chopped Meat in relation to date-marking and storage instructions (ALINORM 79/16, paragraphs 77–80). Since the guidelines on date-marking were being further elaborated, it was considered premature for the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products to amend the Step 9 Standards at this stage (ALINORM 79/22A, paragraph 90).
Confirmation of the Chairmanship
464. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of Denmark.
465. The Commission had before it the Report of the Thirteenth Session of the Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate (ALINORM 79/10). Dr. E. Matthey, Chairman of the Committee, acted as Rapporteur.
466. The Commission had before it Appendix II of ALINORM 79/10 containing the Recommended International Standard as amended to include Flavoured Chocolate which had been examined and amended by the Committee at its Thirteenth Session. The Committee had decided to advance the Standard to Step 5 of the Procedure with a recommendation to the Commission that Steps 6 and 7 be omitted.
467. The Commission noted the comments of the observer of the EEC who proposed that subsection 4.3 Flavouring Agents, should be amended so that in 4.3.1 “Natural Flavours”, (b) referred to products described under 2.2; and in 4.3.2 and 4.3.3, “Vanillin and Ethyl Vanillin”, (a) referred to the product described under 2.1 and 2.2.
468. The Commission noted that in the opinion of the Rapporteur, Vanillin and Ethyl Vanillin could be used not only in small quantities to balance flavour but also as a flavouring agent per se. It was agreed to amend this sub-section so that 4.3.1 (a) referred to both products described under 2.1 and 2.2.
469. The Commission also agreed to amend the French text of 7.1.15 to bring it into line with a decision taken at the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (ALINORM 79/22A, paragraph 79).
470. The Commission noted the views of the observer from the EEC, who was of the opinion that the country of origin should not be declared, except where its omission would mislead the consumer.
Status of the amended Recommended International Standard for Chocolate
471. The Commission agreed to adopt the Recommended International Standard for Chocolate as amended, at Step 8 of the Procedure with omission of Steps 6 and 7.
472. The Rapporteur referred to the Report of the Thirteenth Session where the proposed Draft Standard for Composite and Filled Chocolate had undergone extensive revision (paragraphs 14–32 and Appendix III).
473. The Commission was again informed by the delegation of Japan, as stated at the Eleventh Session of the Commission, that the Standard for Chocolate excluded a product containing 30% cocoa solids and 10/12% milk solids which had been produced and consumed on a rather large scale for the past several decades. The delegation of Japan expressed the hope that the amended Standard for Chocolate could be so further amended in future, by introducing a labelling provision similar to that of the Standard for Composite and Filled Chocolate, which provided in sub-section 7.1.1.5, that the Japanese type of milk chocolate would be designated as a chocolate, with adequate words, instead of a blend of chocolate.
474. The Rapporteur reminded the Commission that the subject had been discussed at the Twelfth Session of the Committee (ALINORM 78/10, paragraphs 46 and 47) and that sub-section 3.1.2 of the Composite Chocolate Standard had been amended to take account of the product.
475. The delegation of Canada stated that in its opinion, the quantity of ingredients in composite chocolate and the quantity of coating in filled chocolate were proprietary matters and that because part of the cocoa fat in composite chocolate was replaced by vegetable oil the use of the term chocolate in the sense of composite chocolate was not allowed in Canada.
476. The delegation of the Ivory Coast, supported by the delegation of Togo, Brazil and Senegal, was of the opinion that the provision for the addition of up to 5% of other edible fat in composite chocolate was detrimental to the interests of producing countries and was not in line with the definition of chocolate in sub-sections 2.1.1–2.1,10 of the Chocolate Standard. The delegations of Togo, Brazil and the Ivory Coast were further of the opinion that the declaration of the expiry date should be mandatory.
477. The observer of the EEC suggested amendments concerning sections 2.1, 2.2, 3.1.2, 3.2.1 and 7.1 which should be examined when the Standard was further considered by the Committee.
478. After some further discussion, the Commission agreed to maintain the present provisions of the Standard for further comments by governments and examination at the next Session of the Committee.
Status of the Proposed Draft Standard for Composite and Filled Chocolate
479. The Commission decided to advance the proposed Draft Standard for Composite and Filled Chocolate to Step 6 of the Procedure.
480. The Commission noted that at the previous Session of the Commission, there had been considerable discussion of the name of this product.
481. The delegation of the Ivory Coast, supported by the delegation of Togo, Brazil, Egypt, India and Kenya were of the opinion that the term “white chocolate” was in contradiction to the definitions of chocolate given in the Chocolate Standard and that such a term should not be used for a product which had neither the required colour nor the cocoa solids content of traditional chocolate products.
482. The Commission was informed that in certain countries the name was one which had come about by popular use rather than by legal enactment and that the product covered by the proposed Standard in fact contained more chocolate component than some types of milk chocolate. The proposed Standard also protected producing countries against the danger of substitute products coming into the market. The delegation of Togo, anxious to encourage the production of cocoa, expressed the wish that the Committee take account, in future, of the effect of the elaboration of Standards on the economies of countries and, thus, orientate its work towards the elimination of substitute products.
483. The Commission was informed that the product was widely consumed under a variety of designations and was important to the economies of some countries. It was recognized that there might be difficulties in the international use of such a term as “White Chocolate”. It was agreed, therefore, that this subject should be fully set out in a circular letter to be sent by the Codex Secretariat to all Member Governments and that the subject should be fully discussed in the light of government comments at the next Session of the Committee.
Status of the Proposed Draft Standard for [White Chocolate]
484. The Commission decided to advance the Proposed Draft Standard for [White Chocolate] to Step 6 of the Procedure.
485. The Commission noted that because the Working Party on Grading of the Study Group on Cocoa had not met since its Third Session in 1969 and had no plans to meet in the foreseeable future, it had not been possible for the Committee to continue its work on the Draft Standard for Cocoa Beans, Cocoa Nibs, Cocoa Mass, Cocoa Press Cake and Cocoa Dust for use in the Manufacture of Chocolate Products. The Draft Standard was at Step 7 and could not be completed until the Model Ordinance had been reviewed and brought up to date.
486. The Committee had considered whether a review of the Model Ordinance could be undertaken at its next Session by inviting specialists from the Commodities Division of FAO, other UN Organizations and from governments to assist in a re-examination of the Model Ordinance and Codes of Practice.
487. At that time, the representative of COPAL stated that he could not make any commitment on the part of the producing countries until he had the opportunity to consult with the Member Governments of his Organization.
488. The Commission was informed that in a communication to the Secretariat, dated July 1979, COPAL had not approved the proposal that the Model Ordinance and Code of Practice could be revised by the Committee and that:
“As a result COPAL requests as a matter of urgency that FAO continues this work and that it organizes, as soon as possible, another Session of the Working Party on Grading so that it can undertake the re-examination and revision of the Model Ordinance and Code of Practice as agreed at the Meeting which the Working Party held in Paris in May 1969”.
489. The Commission noted the observation of the delegation of Senegal that one of the problems that should come under review when the Model Ordinance and Code of Practice came under review was the effect of fermentation on the digestibility of cocoa. It recognized that until the Study Group reconvened, it was not possible to embark on any further work on the Draft Standard. It agreed to make a recommendation to FAO that the Working Party on Grading of the Study Group on Cocoa should reconvene as soon as possible.
Confirmation of Chairmanship
490. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of Switzerland.
491. The Commission had before it the Revised Draft Standard for Edible Ices and Ice Mixes (Appendix I of ALINORM 79/11) which the Commission, at its Twelfth Session, had decided to hold at Step 8 of the Procedure, pending the revision of the Sections on Food Additives, Hygiene and Methods of Analysis and Sampling.
492. In introducing the item, Dr. G. Björkman (Sweden), Chairman of the Committee, informed the Commission that the Codex Committee on Food Additives, at its Twelfth and Thirteenth Sessions, had endorsed the use of food additives proposed by the Ad Hoc Working Group of the commodity committee (paragraphs 61–76, ALINORM 79/12A). The revised section on food additives, now incorporated in the draft standard, only contained those food additives which had been endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Additives. The Chairman of the Committee further informed the Commission that the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene had, at its Fourteenth Session, recommended that the guidelines for sampling and microbiological limits recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Consultation on Microbiological Specifications for Foods should be included in the Standard provisionally until the guidelines had been reconsidered by the Consultation. The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene had decided that in view of the somewhat restricted international trade in edible ices, the elaboration of a code of hygienic practice should be postponed (paragraphs 66–67, ALINORM 79/13A).
493. The Commission was informed that the Codex Committee on Food Labelling, at its Twelfth Session, had endorsed the section on labelling but had agreed that the question of date-marking should be re-examined in the light of more experience gained in relation to date-marking (paragraphs 39–41, ALINORM 78/22).
494. The Commission noted that the section on Methods of Analysis and Sampling, the elaboration of which had been entrusted to an IDF/ISO/AOAC Working Group, had not yet been completed. It was expected that the section on Methods of Analysis and Sampling would be completed by the above Group and endorsed by the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling during early 1981. The Chairman of the Committee, therefore, concluded that the standard, in his opinion, could now be adopted at Step 8 by the Commission.
495. The delegation of Ireland reiterated the view of that country that there was a need to include a product containing a minimum milk fat requirement of 5% in product grouping 3 of the above Standard (see paragraph 32, ALINORM 78/22 and paragraph 4,1.4, ALINORM 78/41). That delegation indicated that Ireland was one of the highest per caput consuming countries of edible ices and that the proposed amendment was necessary to take into account consumer preference in that country. Should the inclusion of such a category prove to be unacceptable, Ireland would not be able to accept the Standard. The delegation of Ireland did not, however, wish to hold up the advancement of the Standard.
496. The delegations of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland indicated similar misgivings to those expressed by the delegation of Ireland, but agreed with the delegation of Ireland that there was no need to hold up the advancement of the Standard in the Codex Procedure. The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany pointed out that the use of fat of plant (vegetable) origin was not permitted for the production of edible ices in their country.
497. The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany was of the opinion that the list of food additives provided for in the Standard was too extensive and, furthermore, objected to the use of synthetic colours in the preparation of edible ices. In addition, that delegation expressed the opinion that the maximum levels indicated for food additives in the Standard were unnecessarily high.
498. The delegation of Sweden pointed out that considerable care had been taken in drawing up the list of food additives, both by the Commodity Committee itself and the Codex Committee on Food Additives. The list of food additives included in the Standard represented a compromise which took into account the need for a comprehensive list of additives in an international standard covering such a wide range of products and the desire to restrict the use of food additives to the greatest extent possible.
499. On the suggestion of the Secretariat, the Commission decided that the amendment proposed by the delegation of Ireland should be submitted to governments for comments. On the basis of comments received, it would then be possible to determine what further action would be needed in connection with the possible amendment of section 3.3 of the Standard. As regards the section on Food Additives, the Codex Committee on Food Additives should be requested to make another attempt at reconciling the diverging views as outlined above.
Status of the Draft Standard for Edible Ices and Ice Mixes
500. The Commission decided to hold the Standard for Edible Ices and Ice Mixes at Step 8 of the Procedure. It agreed to reconsider the Standard, including the amendment proposed by Ireland, at its next Session in the light of government comments and the conclusions of the Codex Committee on Food Additives.
Confirmation of Chairmanship
502. The Commission noted that the Committee had adjourned sine die. The Codex Secretariat had continued with work resulting from the Twelfth Session of the Commission concerning hydrolyzed proteins and the Standard for Soups and Broths. Mr. P. Rossier (Switzerland) acted as Rapporteur.
503. In introducing the item, the Rapporteur recalled that the Twelfth Session of the Commission had held the Standard in abeyance at Step 8 to afford governments an opportunity to comment on the food additive provisions in particular and to allow for consideration and endorsement of the relevant provisions by General Subject Committees.
504. The Rapporteur informed the Commission that the Standard had been revised in the light of the endorsements and that the revised text was contained in Appendix I to ALINORM 79/33. The Committee on Methods of Analysis had not yet been able to endorse the methods of analysis contained in the Standard and it was, therefore, proposed to append them to the Standard at a later time.
Status of the Draft Standard for Bouillons and Consommes
505. The Commission adopted, as a Recommended Standard, the Draft Standard for Bouillons and Consommés at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards. The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany reserved its position with regard to the large number of food additives listed in the Standard.
506. The Rapporteur drew the attention of the Commission to discussions at the Twelfth Session of the Commission concerning hydrolyzed proteins in connection with both the work of the Committee on Soups and Broths (ALINORM 79/39) and the Committee on Vegetable Proteins (ALINORM 78/32). The Executive Committee had discussed the matter at its Twentyfifth Session (paragraph 49 of ALINORM 79/3). Governments had been invited to express their views on the need for standards for hydrolyzed proteins and on the subsidiary body to undertake the work. Government replies, which had been summarized in ALINORM 79/36 were, in the majority, in favour of establishing a standard for hydrolyzed proteins and for the Committee on Soups and Broths to undertake this work.
507. Several delegations stated that, while they were not opposing the elaboration of a standard for hydrolyzed proteins, low priority should be given to this work which did not justify another meeting of the Committee on Soups and Broths. It was proposed to either defer commencement, or to initiate the elaboration of a standard for hydrolyzed protein, by correspondence following the example of the standard for fructose which had been developed in such a way.
508. The Commission agreed with the conclusion of the Chairman that a standard for hydrolyzed proteins was not of high priority. However, it was agreed that the Swiss Secretariat should prepare, perhaps in cooperation with the International Hydrolyzed Protein Council (IHPC), a working paper and a first draft of a standard for consideration by the Executive Committee at its next Session. Governments should be invited to comment on the first draft of a standard for hydrolyzed proteins and the next Session of the Commission should consider the matter in the light of these government comments. The delegation of Canada reserved its position with respect to the elaboration of a standard for hydrolyzed proteins because of the low priority associated with this subject.
Confirmation of Chairmanship
509. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Soups and Broths should continue under the Chairmanship of the Government of Switzerland.
511. Mr. Hall reported that work had been completed on re-drafts of the General Standard for Cheese A.6. and for the three standards that related to processed cheese, namely General Standard A.8.(A) for “Named Variety Process Cheese and Spreadable Process Cheese”, General Standard A.8.(B) for “Process Cheese and Spreadable Process Cheese” and General Standard A.8.(C) for “Process Cheese Preparations, Processed Cheese Food and Process Cheese Spread”. With final work completed on these standards, the Committee had agreed that they should be submitted to governments for acceptance.
512. The Committee had completed its work on the establishment of the standard for “Extra-hard Grating Cheese” (Standard C.35) and had submitted it to governments for acceptance.
513. In the case of “Individual International Cheese Standards” on which work had not been started, the Committee had studied a list of applications. Having finished, however, its work on the re-draft of the General Standard for Cheese, the Committee had decided to take no further action on the remaining applications for the present time.
514. “Co-precipitated Edible Casein” was another Standard considered by the Committee. On being informed that this product was not of great significance in world trade, it had decided that setting up of a standard should be postponed.
515. With regard to the “Code of Hygienic Practice for Dried Milk” the Committee had considered that the Code should be referred for further development to the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene but had expressed a wish to have the opportunity to review the Code before it was finalized.
516. The question of standards for “Imitation Milks” had been briefly studied. The Committee, in agreement with the Commission's recommendation, did not embark on standards for these products.
517. On the subject of “Methods of Sampling and Methods of Analysis” the Committee had received a report from representatives of IDF/ISO/AOAC of their work done in this field. The Committee had noted that thirty joint expert group meetings of the three Organizations had been engaged in this work and that results were being followed up. Mr. Hall indicated that the Committee was impressed with the excellent work carried out by IDF/ISO/AOAC in the field of analysis and sampling.
518. The Committee of Government of Experts had noted that the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils had under preparation a standard for low fat spreads, based on fats not mainly derived from milk. The Committee had agreed that the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils should continue to carry out this work except for standards where the fat content was solely derived from milk.
519. Mr. Hall, in referring to the future work of the Committee noted that in the programme for Codex work for 1981, the Commission had made provision for a further meeting of the Committee after which it would be adjourned sine die. This was in line with the Committee's wish and would allow it to complete, before adjourning sine die, the balance of urgent unfinished work on its Programme. It would also meet the Committee's wish to study a clearly defined method for reactivating the Committee when this is considered necessary.
520. The Commission expressed its appreciation to Mr. Hall for the above detailed presentation of the salient features of the Report of the Nineteenth Session of the Milk Committee.
522. The Commission was informed by Mr. F.S. Anderson (United Kingdom), who acted as Rapporteur, that the Committee had adjourned sine die. However, work had continued on methods of analysis and on the revision of lead levels in sugars.
523. The Rapporteur recalled that the Codex Committee on Food Additives had not been able to endorse the maximum level for lead in the standard for fructose and had referred the question of lead levels in sugars back to the Codex Committee on Sugars for further consideration. The United Kingdom Secretariat had requested governments to comment on a proposed level of 1 mg/kg. In the light of comments received, the Secretariat had prepared a working paper, ALINORM 79/27, Part A, recommending to the Commission to reach agreement on a level of 1 mg/kg for inclusion in all sugar standards with the exception of fructose where 0.5 mg/kg might be acceptable. The revised maximum levels for lead would have to be endorsed by the Committee on Food Additives.
524. Several delegations stated that they could agree with a reduction of lead maximum levels in sugars, but some of these delegations found that the recommended maximum level was too high. The delegation of the United States informed the Commission that the present method for the determination of lead in sugars was not sufficiently sensitive to detect lead at levels below 2 mg/kg and suggested awaiting the development of a better method before embarking on a revision of the actual figures for lead maximum levels.
525. The view was expressed that the Commission should not consider these technical matters and that they should be referred to the Codex Committee on Food Additives.
526. The Commission concluded by submitting the recommendation contained in paragraph 5 of ALINORM 79/27 to the Codex Committee on Food Additives for endorsement and agreed to draw that Committee's attention to the view expressed by the United States, with regard to appropriate methods of analysis. After the Codex Committee on Food Additives had finalized its work, appropriate amendments to Step 9 Standards could be proposed.
527. The delegation of Austria drew attention to a typing error in paragraph 4 of ALINORM 79/27, indicating that Austria had proposed a maximum level of 0.5 mg/mg for fructose.
528. The Rapporteur referred to Part B of ALINORM 79/27 which contained a Progress Report on Methods of Analysis for Sugars. Since the work on the revision of these methods had not yet been completed, the United Kingdom Secretariat had not been able to finalize a working paper for consideration by governments. It was hoped, however, that the paper could be distributed in the course of the next year.
Confirmation of Chairmanship
530. The delegation of the United States informed the Commission that the First Session of the Committee on Cereals and Cereal Products was scheduled to be held in March 1980 in Washington.
531. It was pointed out that in view of the worldwide importance of cereals and cereal products, invitations, agenda and working papers for the meeting should be distributed as soon as possible.
532. The delegation of Australia, drew attention to the terms of reference of the Committee and expressed the view that the work of the Committee should proceed in due cognizance of the view of the Programme Committee and Council of FAO that the Commission should continue to concentrate on standards for finished products rather than for raw materials.
533. The Chief of the FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme referred to the discussions of the Twenty-Fifth Session of the Executive Committee where consideration had been given to the programme of work of the Committee on Cereals and Cereal Products (paragraph 43–46 of ALINORM 79/3). He also recalled the views of the Programme Committee and Council of FAO that priority should be given in the programme of work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to standards for products going direct to the consumer and that the work of other international organizations should be taken into account. The Committee would, at its First Session, examine its terms of reference as instructed by the Twelfth Session of the Commission and determine its programme of work. In reporting back to the next Session of the Commission, the Committee could ask the Commission for further guidance, if that was necessary.
534. The Chairman concluded that the Committee should take fully into account the reports of the Executive Committee, the FAO Programme Committee and Council and work already undertaken by other Organizations.
535. The Commission confirmed its decision, taken while discussing the work of the Coordinating Committee for Africa, to submit the Draft African Regional Standard for Maize at Step 5 to the Committee on Cereals and Cereal Products. The Commission agreed that the Committee should consider the text of the standard with a view to its worldwide applicability and would request government comments at the appropriate Step of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex Standards (see also paragraph 253 of this Report).
Chairmanship
536. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Cereals and Cereal Products should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of the United States of America.
537. The Commission was informed that the First Meeting of the Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins would take place in Ottawa, 3–7 November 1980.
538. It noted the comments of Norway (LIM.1) which considered that the terms of reference of the Committee had not been finalized. The Commission recalled its views on this matter, as contained in paragraphs 491 and 492 of the Commission's Twelfth Session, and considered that the Committee could discuss its terms of reference at its first session, The Commission agreed that the comments of Norway should be provided to the Committee for discussion.
539. The Commission expressed its appreciation to the Government of Canada for its offer to host the Committee and, in accordance with Rule IX.10, confirmed the Chairmanship of Canada.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
540. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of Switzerland. It noted that the Committee would remain adjourned sine die.
Confirmation of Chairmanship
541. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Meat should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. It noted that the Committee would remain adjourned sine die.
