20. The Committee noted that the Executive Committee at its 43rd Session approved the elaboration of a code of hygienic practice for aqueous coconut products subject to consideration by the CCFH for advice on whether a specific code was required. The Delegation of Malaysia presented the paper which contains the rationale for the need of the code and a proposal for the code. The Committee focused its discussion on the need of such a code.
21. Several delegations stated that the hygienic aspects of aqueous coconut products were already well covered by the existing codes, namely, the Recommended International Code of Practice - General Principles of Food Hygiene and the Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Acid and Acidified Low-Acid Canned Foods, and therefore, no new specific code of hygienic practice was necessary. Some other delegations were of the opinion that a specific code was necessary due to the importance of the products in the Region and for precautious measures. The Delegation of the Philippines commented that a code of practice could create an impression that aqueous coconut products require specific hygienic handling practices, which could be detrimental to the market.
22. As the paper became available at the Session, the Committee decided to circulate the document to seek opinions of Member countries on whether a specific code was necessary for aqueous coconut products. It agreed to discuss at its next session whether to refer this paper, with amendments if necessary, to the CCFH or to discontinue the work.
