| The 9th Session of the Codex
Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables reached the following conclusions: MATTERS
FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE 24TH SESSION OF THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION The
Committee: - Agreed to advance the Draft Codex Standards for Tannia,
Papaya (revised), Asparagus and Cape
Gooseberry to the 24th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
for adoption at Step 8 (paras. 23, 33, 45 and 74);
- Agreed to advance
the provision on Minimum Juice Content of the Codex Standard
for Limes to the 24th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
for adoption at Step 8 (para. 61);
- Agreed to advance the Proposed
Draft Codex Standard for Cassava to the 24th Session of the
Codex Alimentarius Commission for adoption at Step 5 (para. 92). In addition,
specific comments on the inclusion of bitter varieties of cassava in the Standard
and figures on international trade of these varieties were requested in order
to ensure that the consumption of these varieties did not present a threat to
consumers (paras. 82-85).
- Agreed to retain the current value of 12°Brix
as an indicator of maturity in the Revised Codex Standard for Pineapples
since the Committee felt that this value was the minimum necessary to ensure
the maturity of the fruit (para. 11);
OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST TO
THE COMMISSION The Committee: - Took note of the OECD Council Decision
C(99)/10/FINAL related to the Establishment of one Single International
Grade Standard Setting Body promoted by the Plenary Meeting of the
OECD Scheme for the Application of International Standards for Fruit and Vegetables
and acknowledged the mandate of the Secretariat of the Scheme to initiate
informal contacts with the Codex Alimentarius regarding a course of action to
minimize duplication of work in this area (para. 15);
- Agreed to return
the Draft Codex Standard for Yellow Pitahaya to Step 6 for redrafting
to include other varieties of pitahayas traded internationally, circulation, comments
and further consideration by the 10th Session of the Committee (para.
25);
- Agreed to return the Draft Codex Standard for Oranges, including
Guide for Use in Scoring Freezing Injury to Step 6 for circulation, comments
and further consideration by the 10th Session of the Committee. In
addition, it decided to establish two drafting groups that will work by correspondence
namely (para 57):
- Drafting Group on Maturity Requirements,
led by Cuba with the assistance of Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the European
Community, with a view to revising the minimum juice content and other maturity
requirements related to oranges and their green varieties that would be subsequently
incorporated in the Draft Standard prior to its circulation for comments at Step
6;
- Drafting Group on Sizing, lead by the United States
with assistance of the European Community, with a view to revising the sizing
provisions for oranges that would be subsequently incorporated in the Draft Standard
prior to its circulation for comments at Step 6. This Drafting Group would also
take care of the revision of the sizing provisions in the Codex Standards for
Limes, Pummelos and Grapefruits (see paragraph below).
-
Agreed to return Section 3 - Provisions concerning Sizing of the
Codex Standards for Limes, Pummelos and Grapefruits to Step
6 for circulation, comments and further consideration by the 10th Session
of the Committee (paras. 59, 62 and 64);
- Agreed to discontinue the consideration
of the main body of the Draft Code of Practice for the Quality Inspection and
Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables since it was already covered
by other texts elaborated by the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection
and Certification Systems and inform the Executive Committee and the Commission
accordingly. The Annexes of the Code were returned to Step 2 for redrafting as
a Proposed Draft Guide for the Quality Control of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
since they were specific to the inspection and certification of fresh produce.
The Proposed Draft Guide will be circulated for comments at Step 3 and consideration
by the 10th session of the Committee (paras. 77-78);
- Agreed
to return the Proposed Draft Codex Standards for Apples, Table
Grapes and Tomatoes to Step 2 for redrafting, circulation,
comments at Step 3 and further consideration by the 10th session of
the Committee (paras. 98, 101 and 104);
- Agreed to discontinue the discussion
on Size Tolerances in view of the establishment of a Drafting Group on
Sizing (para. 107);
- Agreed to circulate Definitions for Terms used
in Codex Standards for comments and further consideration by the 10th
session of the Committee (para. 109);
- Agreed to continue to request comments
on proposals for amendments to the Priority List for the Standardization
of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (para. 112).
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