Status of the Sampling Plan for Mercury, Cadmium and Lead
225. The Commission agreed to endorse temporarily the sampling plan as proposed at Step 8 (CAC/PR 5-1984).
226. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX. 10 that the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants should continue under the Chairmanship of the Netherlands.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON FOOD HYGIENE (Agenda Item 25)
227. For this agenda item the Commission had before it documents ALINORM 91/13, the report of the 24th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene and ALINORM 91/21. These documents were presented by Dr. Catherine E. Adams (United States), on behalf of the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Douglas Archer.
228. The Commission noted that the guidelines were intended to reduce loss of wholesome food unaffected by exposure to adverse conditions and to prevent the sale of food not fit for human consumption.
229. The Commission agreed to adopt the Guidelines at Step 8 of the Procedure.
230. The Commission noted that the Committee had approved several proposed changes and revisions of the draft guidelines and had forwarded them to Step 5 with a recommendation for their adoption at Step 8.
Status of the Guideline Procedures
231. Taking into consideration the detailed revision of the document and its importance, the Commission adopted the Guideline Procedures to Establish Microbiological Causes of Spoilage in Canned Foods at Step 8 with the omission of Steps 6 and 7.
232. The Commission took note that the guidelines had been thoroughly discussed at the 24th Session. The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene had agreed that the lactoperoxidase system was of great utility for fluid raw milk when refrigeration was practically impossible and had recommended the adoption of the guidelines at Step 8 with the omission of Steps 6 and 7. The Commission also noted that JECFA determined no toxicological hazard by the use of this system (35th Meeting, WHO Technical Report Series 789, 1990), and that the Joint FAO/WHO Committee of Government Experts on the Code of Principles Concerning Milk and Milk Products had reviewed the draft and had supported the conclusions and recommendations of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CX 5/70-22nd, paras. 69–72).
233. The Delegation of Switzerland repeated its reservation in principle in regard to this process. The Observer from the EEC stated that this document and the two preceding documents should be finalized as codes of practice instead of guidelines to ensure more transparency in their elaboration.
234. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene had decided to elaborate this text as guidelines through the step procedure and, recognizing the detailed discussions of the document and its importance for many developing countries, adopted the guidelines at Step 8. The Commission also agreed to emphasize that the lactoperoxidase system should not be used for products intended for international trade and should never be used as a substitute for refrigeration.
235. The general provisions, intended to simplify endorsement procedures and unify hygiene provisions in Codex standards, were revised at the 24th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene and advanced to Step 5.
Status of the Proposed Draft General Provisions
236. The Commission adopted the draft general provisions relating to hygiene at Step 5 and agreed that they should be applied to all Codex standards when they are revised or republished.
237. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene had approved the draft as it applied to low acid foods and had advanced it to Step 5. The Codex
Committee on Food Hygiene had requested the Delegation of the United States to report at the next meeting of the Committee on an annex to the code addressing acid foods.
Status of the Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice
238. The Commission adopted the Draft Code of Hygienic Practice at Step 5 and endorsed the proposed procedure.
239. The proposal to elaborate a separate code for this type of cooked foods was approved by the Committee in view of important technological developments, the growth of refrigerated packaged food industries and substantial international trade in these products. The Commission noted that the Delegation of France had been asked to provide a draft for the next session of the Committee and agreed to endorse the elaboration of this code.
Core Elements for a Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Street Foods (ALINORM 91/21)
240. The Commission recalled that at its 18th Session in 1989 it had decided to circulate at Step 3 a revised code prepared by the Codex Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean and had also made the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene responsible for the elaboration of common core elements and for coordinating the work on regional versions of this code (para. 176, ALINORM 89/40). The convening of an expert consultation on street food hygienic practice, as suggested by the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene, was not considered warranted by the Executive Committee in 1990 before sufficient additional information became available (para. 51, ALINORM 91/3).
241. The Commission took note that the Codex Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean (paras. 172–174, ALINORM 91/36) and the Codex Coordinating Committee for Asia (para 170, ALINORM 91/15) had continued to elaborate separate codes, and that the Codex Coordinating Committee for Africa had discussed these codes in detail and made extensive comments (paras. 101–110, ALINORM 91/28). The Commission noted the strong interest in and support for the elaboration of a code of practice for street foods within the three regional Codex Coordinating Committees and strongly requested the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene to positively consider its future involvement in this problem.
Future Work and Terms of Reference of the Committee (ALINORM 91/21)
242. The Commission noted that a number of important items were included in the agenda for the future session of the Committee, such as review of recommendations on Listeria monocytogenes, development of definitions and procedures for application of the HACCP system for use by Codex, Code of Practice for Uncured Unripened Cheese, and Ripened Soft Cheese, Can Defect Classification and Manual. The Commission also recognized that the recommendations of the FAO/WHO Conference on Food Standards, Chemicals in Food and Food Trade and the decisions of the Commission on these recommendations (this Report, Agenda Item 10) contained a number of implications for the terms of reference and the future work of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene and agreed to request the Secretariat to arrange for the preparation of a paper addressing these issues for the next session of the Codex Committee on General Principles.
243. The Delegation of the United States confirmed its readiness to continue to host the Committee and informed the Commission that the 25th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene would be held in Washington, D.C. from 28 October to 1 November 1991.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND SAMPLING (Agenda Item 26)
244. The Commission had before it the report of the 17th Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (ALINORM 91/23). The report was introduced by Prof. P. Biacs, Chairman of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling, who informed the Commission of the main activities undertaken by the Committee concerning guidelines on sampling which should provide guidance on particular areas of concern to the Codex and flexibility of the application of sampling plans to Codex standards.
245. The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling had endorsed the provisions concerning sampling and methods of analysis in a large number of Codex standards and confirmed that greater attention would be given to the elaboration and selection of general methods of analysis, multi-analyte methods for trace analysis and ELISA methods.
246. The Chairman of the Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling also pointed out that the Committee had expressed its interest in the area of proprietary analytical techniques and in the work on laboratory certification, and that this Committee was ready to develop further work in a horizontal approach in the area of methods of analysis, sampling and laboratory proficiency programmes.
Matters arising from the Report of the 17th Session of the Committee (ALINORM 91/21)
247. The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling noted that there was no support for the general method for net weight determination as outlined in the OIML Recommendation.
248. The Commission agreed that the provisions contained in the Codex General Labelling Standard were adequately covered by available national and international practices and that no further action was required on this matter.
Amendment of the Definition of Type I Method
249. The Commission noted the proposed amendment of the definition of Type I method and adopted the proposal as outlined in document ALINORM 91/21.
Terms of Reference of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
250. The Commission was informed that the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling had expressed its interest in work on laboratory certification, proficiency programmes and guidelines on quality assurance in laboratories and in combining its future work on methodology with the study of such laboratory systems.
251. The Commission noted the interest of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling and in view of the discussions held during the FAO/WHO Conference on Food Standards, Chemicals in Food and Food Trade in March and agreed that the Codex Committee on General Principles should consider new terms of reference for the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling to strengthen the Committee's role in selecting methods of analysis for application to all Codex standards and in the area of laboratory certification.
252. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling should continue under the Chairmanship of the Government of Hungary.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION AND FOODS FOR SPECIAL DIETARY USES (Agenda Item 27)
253. For this Agenda Item the Commission had before it ALINORM 91/26, the Report of the 17th Session, and ALINORM 91/21 containing some additional matters for action by the Commission. The Report of the Session was introduced by the Chairman of the Committee Prof. G.H. Pahlke of Germany.
254. The Commission recalled the background to the elaboration of this document and the wish expressed by developing countries, through FAO and WHO, for guidance in preparing foods for infants and children from locally-available raw materials. The Commission noted that the Committee had revised the Guidelines extensively, and had advanced them to Step 8, and that the delegations of Switzerland and the Netherlands had reserved their position due to their concern about overlapping of the Guidelines with existing Codex standards.
255. Concern was expressed at the present session about overlapping of the Guidelines with CODEX STAN 74-1981 on Cereal-based Foods and the implication for the application of these two documents within the context of the proposed GATT Agrement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Barriers. It was proposed that the Guidelines be returned to Step 6 and that one single document be prepared. Several delegations supported the adoption of the Guidelines at Step 8 but stressed the need for clarifying any possible confusion and overlapping between the Guidelines and the Standard.
256. Comments were made in relation to the use of polyols as sweetening agents and the possible laxative effect on children, and the different national daily requirements for the nutrients listed in the Guidelines.
Status of the Draft Guidelines
257. The Commission noted that the Guidelines had been elaborated and discussed over several years, and recognizing that Guidelines could be used as guidance by national authorities agreed to adopt them at Step 8 and requested the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses to revise the Codex Standard on Cereal-Based Infant Foods (CODEX STAN 74-1981) in order to integrate the Guidelines into the Standard so as to avoid duplication.
258. The Delegation of Mexico stated that the vitamins and minerals in Section 3.2.3 should cover 100% of the daily requirements and suggested that the following values be substituted for the existing ones: Vitamin A - 1000 micrograms (μg) retinol equivalent; Vitamin E - 50 mg; Thiamine - 1.4 mg; Riboflavin - 1.4 mg; Niacin - 22.5 mg. The delegation also pointed out that Section 9.6.5 should contain a statement that the product should always be administered under medical supervision and should be considered a drug.
259. The Commission noted that this Standard had been substantially revised, and improved at the 17th Session of the Committee and adopted it at Step 8 of the Procedure.
260. The Commission noted that the Committee had agreed in principle that the essential element of the products covered by the Draft Standard was that they should be used under medical supervision and that they were a special category of food for special dietary uses for which specific claims were made. The Commission noted that the Committee had agreed to include in Section 3 of the Standard a statement prohibiting the advertising of these products to the general public but had concluded that legal advice on the matter was needed (ALINORM 91/26, para. 77).
261. At the request of the Commission the FAO Legal Counsel stated that given the character and context of this particular Standard, if the Commission considered that the inclusion of such a statement would be appropriate, although the Commission's mandate did not include advertising standards, there would be no legal objection to this in the context of the Standard under consideration.
262. The Commission adopted at Step 8 the Standard as presented in App. IV of ALINORM 91/26.
263. The Commission recalled that the General Principles for the Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods (ALINORM 87/26 App. V) were adopted by the Commission at its 17th Session (ALINORM 89/39 paras. 444–447) and that the inclusion of the definition for “nutrient density” was adopted by the Commission at its 18th Session (ALINORM 89/40 paras. 359–361). The Commission noted that the Committee had discussed in detail the definitions for “fortification or enrichment” and “standardization” and had advanced them to Step 5 of the Procedure. Taking into account the extensive written comments and discussions the Commission adopted the two amendments at Step 8.
264. The Committee had endorsed at its last Session the earlier proposal to change the existing maximum level of 5% cocoa on a dry basis into a maximum level of 1.5% in the ready-to-eat product and agreed to move it to Step 5.
265. The Commission noted the wide support for this amendment in written comments and at the Committee's Session and adopted it at Step 8.
266. The Commission noted that the Committee had agreed to withdraw this Standard since its subject would be more fully developed by the Codex Committee on Food Labelling within the framework of the Draft Guidelines for Use of Health and Nutrition Claims in Food Labelling. The Commission endorsed this decision.
267. During the discussions on Formula Foods for Use in Weight Control Diets at the 16th Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses, the Delegation of the Netherlands was of the opinion that very low-energy formula foods should also be considered, as such foods were hazardous if used improperly. The Committee agreed to consider a paper on this issue. The Commission noted that a Proposed Draft Standard had been presented and briefly discussed at the 17th Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses and it was agreed to request the Commission to advise on whether the Committee should proceed with the elaboration of such a standard.
268. The Commission also noted that government comments on the Proposed Draft had been requested by CL 1991/12-NFSDU and recommended that the subject be reviewed at the next session of the Committee and that the Commission be advised accordingly at its 20th Session in 1993.
269. The Commission recalled that the advisory list of vitamin compounds and mineral salts in Part IV of the Codex Standards for Foods for Special Dietary Uses was being continuously reviewed and amended and noted the unanimous approval by the Committee of the new proposals, which included phosphoric acid as a source of phosphorus, hydrochloric acid, as a source of chlorine, potassium iodate as a source of iodine, gum arabica, gum acacia and silicon dioxide. In accordance with the procedure agreed at its 17th Session (ALINORM 87/39 para. 458), the Commission endorsed these amendments.
Salt Iodization (ALINORM 91/26, paras. 123–125; ALINORM 91/21)
270. At its 16th Session, the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses agreed that it would be possible to prepare advice on the iodization of salt, and discussed this subject on the basis of a background paper at the 17th Session.
271. The Commission was aware of extensive regional and world-wide activities and of a World Health Assembly Resolution (WHA 43.2) concerning the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders and recognizing the importance of salt iodization, requested the Secretariat to arrange for the development of an Annex on iodization to the existing Codex Standard for Food-Grade Salt.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements (ALINORM 91/26, paras. 126–128; ALINORM 91/21)
272. The Commission recalled its earlier decision to seek the views of governments on whether or not work on vitamin and mineral supplements should be undertaken within the Codex System, and to provide appropriate information so that distinction could be made between products which are foods and those which are pharmaceutical or medicines (ALINORM 89/40, para. 371).
273. The Commission noted that the comments received in response to this request had been discussed at the 17th Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses. Most of the comments stressed the need to clearly distinguish between foods and drugs, and there was a general support for the development of guidelines. Several delegations at the present Session expressed support for the development of the document in view of the increasing international trade in these products and their free availability to the general public. Two delegations proposed that the Guidelines be further developed to cover other supplements such as amino acids, fatty acids. One delegation expressed concern over the implications of the Guidelines in those countries where these products are considered medicines.
274. The Commission noted the general support for a document on this subject and agreed that work on the Guidelines should continue. The Commission noted that a paper on vitamin and mineral supplements would be presented at the next session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses.
275. The Commission noted that at the 17th Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses, there had been strong general support for work by the Committee to address the concern over excessive intakes of fat, sugar and sodium and inadequate intake of fibre. The Committee had welcomed proposals to have a Consultant examine current nutritional recommendations and guidelines and prepare specific proposals for the Committee. The Commission endorsed this procedure.
276. One delegation proposed that the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses be renamed Codex Committee on Nutrition and that it should become a General Subject Committee. It was pointed out that this would not necessarily involve a change in the terms of reference of the Committee, which were now of a rather general nature. Several delegations supported in principle this idea. The Commission noted that the forthcoming International Conference on Nutrition (December 1992) would certainly provide much specific guidance on how governments would like to address nutritional problems and agreed to consider this proposal at its 20th Session in July 1993.
Confirmation of the Chairmanship
277. The Commission noted that the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Dr. G.H. Pahlke had retired and expressed appreciation of his able guidance of the Committee as its Chairman and of his contribution to the work of the Committee over 22 years.
278. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses should continue to be under the Chairmanship of Germany.
JOINT UN/ECE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON STANDARDIZATION OF FRUIT JUICES (Agenda Item 28)
279. This Agenda Item was presented by Prof. H. Woidich (Austria) on the basis of the Report of the 19th Session of the Group of Experts (ALINORM 91/14, AGRI/WP.2/GE4/19), ALINORM 91/21, ALINORM 91/39 and ALINORM 91/39 Add 1, containing the comments of Egypt, Spain and Sweden. In summing up the work of the 19th Session of the Group of Experts Prof. Woidich highlighted the excellent working cooperation between the ECE Working party on Standardization of Perishable Produce and the Codex Alimentarius, which had resulted in the production of 26 Standards and Guidelines over a period of almost 30 years. At the Session which took place in Rome 12–16 November 1990 the Group reviewed and agreed on several items of a more general character such as provisions for contaminants, (ALINORM 91/14 paras. 25–37) and the definition of fruit juice, which remained based on mechanical means of production (ALINORM 91/14, paras. 78–90). Several items were presented for the attention of the Commission.
280. The Delegation of Poland stated that the Standard was unacceptable for them since the Polish Standard has lower maximum values for copper and tin and does not provide for the addition of malic acid. The Commission also noted the comments of certain other delegations relating to the declaration of the use of concentrated juice as part of the name of the product and provisions for additives and contaminants.
Status of the General Standard for Vegetable Juices
281. The Commission adopted the General Standard for Vegetable Juices at Step 8 of its Procedure.
282. One delegation pointed out that the Guidelines contained no specific numerical provisions for fruit components and suggested that adequate methodology be developed for dealing with a trade that was very prone to fraudulent practices. The Commission noted that approaches for the determination of fruit content were being investigated, and were not likely to be available soon in a form suitable for regulatory purposes. The Observer from the EEC recommended that since the Guidelines were in the form of a standard they should be adopted as a Codex Standard.
Status of the Guidelines on Mixed Fruit Juices
283. The Commission noted that the Guidelines had been discussed and reviewed in detail in the Committee and adopted them at Step 8. The Delegation of the United Kingdom reserved its position because it considered the Section 8.1.3 of the Guidelines unhelpful and confusing particularly when considered jointly with the footnote to paragraph 58 of the Report (ALINORM 91/14).
284. The Group of Experts had discussed at length whether the addition of sugars or honey should be mandatory or optional for mixed fruit nectars. Several countries noted that fruit nectars were characterized by the addition of sugars or honey but that in certain cases this addition was not required. The Commission noted that the Group of Experts had reached a consensus on the definition of nectars which would require consequential changes in the General Standard for Fruit Nectars and requested the Secretariat to undertake the necessary amendments.
Status of the Guidelines on Mixed Fruit Nectars
285. The Commission adopted the Guidelines at Step 8 of the procedure.
Methods of Analysis of Fruit Juices (ALINORM 91/14 paras 91–92, Appendix V)
286. The Commission noted that of the three methods proposed by the Group of Experts, for carbon dioxide, for ethanol and for essential oil, the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling had fully endorsed only the International Fruit Juice Union Method no. 45A(1972) for Essential Oil and adopted this method for the Analysis of Fruit Juices.
287. The Commission noted that the Group of Experts had proposed to adjourn sine die since there were no outstanding issues requiring future sessions of the Group. The Commission endorsed the proposal and noted that a number of areas of future interest had been identified, i.e. analytical methodology, chemometry and identity control, technological advances in the manufacture of fruit juices, possible revisions and updating of standards and guidelines. It was agreed that the review of contaminant provisions would be taken up by the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants.
288. The Commission expressed its appreciation of the longstanding and dedicated Chairmanship of Prof. Dr. W. Pilnik, who retired after the 19th Session.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON TROPICAL FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (Agenda Item 29)
289. The report of the 2nd Session of the Codex Committee on Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (ALINORM 91/35) was presented by Ricardo Gonzalez (Mexico) in the absence of the Chairman of the Committee, Lic. Agustin Portal Ariosa. The Commission also noted that other matters arising from the Committee were summarized in document ALINORM 91/21.
290. The Commission agreed that comments of a technical nature should be forwarded to the 3rd Session of the Codex Committee on Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables for consideration, as related to the following agenda items.
291. The Commission was informed that the proposed draft format was revised as instructed by the 17th Session of the Commission to ensure that the Codex format was respected for those matters not dealing exclusively with commercial quality, while the UNECE format was respected for quality characteristics. The Committee agreed to forward the revised proposed draft format for adoption by the Commission at Step 5.
292. Subsequent to the meeting of the Codex Committee on Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, the 21st Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling, while considering the labelling sections of proposed draft standards for pineapple, papaya and mango for endorsement, noted that these standards should be aligned with the revised procedures for the elaboration of labelling provisions in Codex standards. More importantly, the Codex Committee on Food Labelling noted that several aspects of the labelling section were applicable to non-retail containers, which were not normally within the scope of the General Labelling Standard (i.e., prepackaged foods). The Codex Committee on Food Labelling decided to withhold endorsement of the labelling sections, pending the division of non-retail and retail labelling sections into separate parts.
Status of the General Format for Codex Standards for Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
293. The Commission adopted the proposed draft General Format (Appendix II, ALINORM 91/35) at Step 5, with the understanding that the recommendations of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling would be taken into account. The Commission also agreed that similar provisions would be required for the proposed draft standards for pineapple, papaya and mango (see below).
Consideration of the proposed Draft Codex Standard for Pineapple at Step 5
294. The Commission was informed that the proposed Draft Codex Standard for Pineapple was forwarded for adoption at Step 5.
Status of the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Pineapple
295. The Commission adopted the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Pineapple at Step 5, as contained in Appendix III of ALINORM 91/35.
Consideration of the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Papaya at Step 5
296. The Commission noted that the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Papaya was forwarded for adoption at Step 5.
Status of the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Papaya
297. The Commission adopted the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Papaya at Step 5, as contained in Appendix IV of ALINORM 91/35.
Consideration of the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Mango at Step 5
298. The Commission noted that the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Mango was forwarded for adoption at Step 5. In elaborating this standard, the Commission was also informed that the relevant quality sections of the UNECE Standard for Mangoes were taken into account.
Status of the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Mango
299. The Commission adopted the Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Mango at Step 5, as contained in Appendix V of ALINORM 91/35.
Proposed Draft Codex Standards for Nopal, Prickly Pear, Carambola and Litchi
300. The Commission was informed that the 37th Session of the Executive Committee had approved the elaboration of the aforementioned standards, pending confirmation at the 19th Commission session. The Commission agreed to the elaboration of these standards.
301. The Commission was informed that the 37th Session of the Executive Committee had approved the elaboration of the aforementioned Codes pending confirmation at the 19th Commission session. The Commission also noted that the Codes would be presented in two parts, namely, one code for packaging/transport and another code for control/inspection. The Commission agreed to the elaboration of the proposed draft codes.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
302. In accordance with Rule IX.10, the Commission confirmed that the Government of Mexico should continue as Chairman and Host Government of the Committee on Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON FISH AND FISHERY PRODUCTS (Agenda Item 30)
303. The Commission had before it document ALINORM 91/18, the report of the 19th Session of the Committee. Mr. John Race, Chairman of the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products, underlined some important items concerning the heavy work carried out by the Committee at its last session. This had included discussions on the Draft General Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Fillets, retained at Step 6 in view of commencing the process of revision of Codex standards for fish and fishery products undertaken by the Committee.
304. The Commission was informed that the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products had endorsed the approach that a Code of Practice covering all aspects of shark utilization be elaborated by the FAO Fisheries Department and that a first draft of the Code of Hygienic Practice for Products of Aquaculture, prepared by the FAO Fisheries Division through an expert consultation held in Rome in December 1990, would be presented to the Committee for consideration at its next session.
305. The Commission was also informed that the Committee had agreed that considerable emphasis needed to be placed on uniform procedures for sensoric evaluation of fish and fishery products in order to complement the standards and improve their uniform application and that the Secretariat would explore the possibility of recruiting a consultant to prepare a background paper on practical sensoric evaluation procedures for use in international trade.
Consideration at Step 5 of Proposed Draft Standard for Shark Fins
306. The Delegation of the United Kingdom pointed out that the United Kingdom did not oppose the endorsement of this proposed draft standard at Step 5 by the Commission however, it requested that it be made clear in the report that the Delegation of the United Kingdom maintained the same concern expressed during the session of the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products regarding the practice of definning live sharks.
307. The Commission adopted the Proposed Draft Standard for Shark Fins at Step 5 of the Procedure.
308. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products had recommended the deletion of canthaxanthine and erythrosine for the two Codex standards mentioned above due to the changes introduced by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives on the ADI of these two colorants.
Status of Proposed Draft Amendments
309. The Commission adopted the proposed draft amendments to the Codex Standards for Canned Shrimps or Prawns and Quick Frozen Shrimps or Prawns.
Other matters arising from the Report of the 19th Session of the Committee
310. The Commission was informed of the work being carried out by the Committee to review the Codex standards for Fish and Fishery Products with a view to making the standards more appropriate for their intended purpose. Emphasis would be placed on provisions concerning food safety and consumer protection, with “nonessential” detail being transferred to Codes of Practice. The preparatory work has been carried out by a drafting group led by Canada. The Commission noted that this process of review of Codex Standards for Fish and Fishery Products was in line with the recommendations adopted by the Commission, arising from the FAO/WHO Conference on Food Standards, Chemicals in Food and Food Trade, held in March 1991. The Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products hoped to complete this review in approximately two years.
311. The Commission supported this review process of Codex fish and fishery products standards.
312. The Commission endorsed the recommendation to withdraw the proposed draft amendment to the Codex Standard for Canned Shrimps and Prawns because the proposal did not meet the new approach being taken by the Committee on the review process of Codex standards.
313. The Commission noted the action of amendments to the fish codes undertaken by the Committee concerning unused ice and agreed to an automatic amendment of the fish codes.
Draft Definition of Frozen Surimi for Codex Purposes
314. The Commission noted the definition of Frozen Surimi, elaborated by the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products as it appeared in Appendix IV, ALINORM 91/18 and agreed that such definition be incorporated in the volume of the Codex Alimentarius Commission dealing with fish and fishery products.
Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products in Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Packaging
315. The Commission was informed of the discussions carried out by the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products on the importance in the fish market of controlled and modified atmosphere packaging. The Commission noted the agreement of the Executive Committee for the elaboration of a Code of Practice for such issue and supported such decision.
316. The Commission agreed to the inclusion of the following methods of analysis in the Codex standards listed:
Inclusion of method of water capacity of containers in Codex Standards for Canned Shrimps and Prawns;
Inclusion of the method of net content, given in Codex Stan 94-1991 and Codex Stan 119-1981 in the Standards for Canned Pacific Salmon, Canned Shrimps and Prawns, Canned Tuna and Bonito in Water or Oil, and Canned Crab Meat;
Inclusion of the method of net content of products covered by glaze (CAC/RM 41-1971) in the Standard for Quick Frozen Gutted Salmon (Codex Stan 36-1981).
317. The Commission noted that the proposed amendment referred to the inclusion of EDTA and its salts as sequestrants and colour stabilizers in canned seafood and adopted the proposed draft amendment as published in Appendix IX of ALINORM 91/18 at Step 3 of the Codex Procedure for government comments.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
318. 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.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON PROCESSED MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS (Agenda Item 31)
319. The report of the 15th Session of the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products (ALINORM 91/16) was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs. K. Jensen (Denmark). The Commission noted that certain matters arising from the Committee were summarized in ALINORM 91/21, and that government comments submitted in response to a “Survey of Trade Problems Encountered with Processed Meat and Poultry Products in International Commerce” were contained in documents ALINORM 91/39 and LIM.4.
Draft Revised Standard for Corned Beef
320. The Commission was informed that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products had agreed to advance the above standard for adoption by the Commission at Step 8.
321. Subsequent to the decision of the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products, the labelling provisions of this standard had been endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Labelling while the food additive provisions had been previously endorsed at the 22nd Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants. However, the 23rd Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants had only temporarily endorsed the contaminant provisions for lead and tin, as they were felt to be excessively high. Several delegations reiterated their reservations on the high levels established for contaminants derived from the packaging material in this and the other Draft Standards before the Commission.
Status of the Draft Revised Standard for Corned Beef
322. The Commission adopted the Draft Revised Standard for Corned Beef at Step 8, as contained in Appendix V of ALINORM 91/16, with the understanding that the contaminant provisions for lead and tin would remain as temporarily endorsed, pending a review by the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants and the Secretariat in the future.
Draft Revised Standard for Luncheon Meat
323. The Commission was informed that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products had agreed to advance the above standard to the Commission for adoption at Step 8. The Commission was also advised that the labelling provisions were endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Labelling, while the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants did not endorse the food additive provisions for erythrosine in view of its low ADI and possible intake from other food sources. In addition, the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants only temporarily endorsed the contaminant provisions for lead and tin.
Status of the Draft Revised Standard for Luncheon Meat
324. The Commission adopted the Draft Revised Standard for Luncheon Meat at Step 8, as contained in Appendix VI of ALINORM 91/16. This decision was taken with the understanding that the provision for erythrosine was deleted from the standard and that the food contaminant provisions for lead and tin would be dealt with as noted above.
Draft Revised Standard for Cooked Cured Ham at Step 8
325. The Commission was informed that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products had agreed to advance the above standard to the Commission for adoption at Step 8. The Commission also noted that while the food labelling provisions and food additive provisions were endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Labelling and the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants, respectively, the food contaminant provisions for lead and tin were only temporarily endorsed.
Status of the Draft Revised Standard for Cooked Cured Ham
326. The Commission adopted the Draft Revised Standard for Cooked Cured Ham, as contained in Appendix VII of ALINORM 91/16, at Step 8, with the under-standing that the proposed contaminant levels for tin and lead would remain as temporarily endorsed pending their future review.
Draft Revised Standard for Pork Shoulder at Step 8
327. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products had agreed to advance the above standard for adoption by the Commission at Step 8. The Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants, while endorsing the food additive provisions as proposed, only temporarily endorsed those contaminant provisions proposed for lead and tin. The Codex Committee on Food Labelling endorsed the labelling provisions as forwarded by the Committee.
Status of the Draft Revised Standard for Pork Shoulder
328. The Commission adopted the Draft Revised Standard for Pork Shoulder at Step 8, as contained in Appendix VIII of ALINORM 91/16, with the understanding that the lead and tin levels would remain as temporarily endorsed, pending their future review.
Draft Revised Standard for Cooked Cured Chopped Meat at Step 8
329. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products had agreed to advance the above standard for adoption by the Commission at Step 8. As noted above, the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants had endorsed all food additive provisions except for proposals concerning erythrosine (not endorsed), and decided to temporarily endorse the food contaminant provisions for lead and tin.
Status of the Draft Revised Standard for Cooked Cured Chopped Meat
330. The Commission adopted the Draft Revised Standard for Cooked Cured Chopped Meat, as contained in Appendix IX of ALINORM 91/16, at Step 8. In taking this decision, the Commission agreed that the food additive provision for erythrosine would be deleted and that the food contaminant provisions for lead and tin would be subject to future review.
331. The Commission was informed that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products had agreed to advance the draft annex for adoption at Step 8.
332. The Commission adopted the draft Annex as contained in Appendix II of ALINORM 91/16, at Step 8.
333. The Commission was informed that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products had agreed to advance the draft guidelines for adoption by the Commission at Step 8. The Codex Committee on Food Labelling fully endorsed those provisions of the guidelines pertaining to labelling.
334. The Commission agreed with a recommendation of the Chairman of the Committee to revise Section 5.2 of the guidelines as follows:
5.2
(i) Its protein quality, as monitored by an internationally recognized
method (such as the amino acid score corrected for digestibility*) is
appropriate for the nutritional purposes of its usage.
335. The Commission adopted the draft guidelines, as contained in Appendix IV of ALINORM 91/16, at Step 8, with the understanding that the amendment to Section 5.2 (i) and its accompanying footnote as outlined above were included.
336. The Commission noted the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products had agreed to forward the proposed draft guide to the Commission for adoption at Steps 5/8 under the accelerated elaboration procedure (i. e., omitting Steps 6 and 7). The Commission also noted that the labelling provisions were endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Labelling, with the understanding that all references to “bulk” containers should be changed to read as “non-retail” containers.
337. The Commission adopted the proposed draft guide, as contained in Appendix III of ALINORM 91/16, at Step 8, with the understanding that the labelling provisions cited above would be taken into account.
Other matters arising from the Report of the 15th Session of the Committee
338. The Commission was informed that the Committee had agreed to recommend its adjournment sine die unless substantial work was proposed in response to the above survey (CL 1991/6-PMPP) to support its continuation. The Commission noted that the survey results did not support continued activities of the Committee.
339. In response to concerns expressed by some delegations concerning the review of Codex standards with a view towards their simplification, the Commission was informed that this activity could best be accomplished through cooperation between the Codex Secretariat and the host government, and if necessary, the Committee could be reinstated to examine these issues.
Adjournment of the Committee sine die
340. The Commission, while expressing its appreciation to the Committee and to the Government of Denmark for its valuable work over the years, concurred that the Committee be adjourned sine die.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
341. 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.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON CEREALS, PULSES AND LEGUMES (Agenda Item 32)
342. The Commission had before it the report of the 7th Session of the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (ALINORM 91/29) which was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Steven N. Tanner (United States). The Commission also noted that other matters arising from the Committee were summarized in ALINORM 91/21, and that additional comments were included in ALINORM 91/39 and ALINORM 91/39-Add.1.
Consideration of the Draft Standard for Durum Wheat Semolina and Durum Wheat Flour
343. The Commission was informed that the Standard for Durum Wheat Semolina and Durum Wheat Flour had been adopted at its 18th Session at Step 5, and that the labelling provisions had been endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Labelling. In addition, the Commission noted that the methods of analysis and sampling had been endorsed by the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling.
Status of the Draft Standard for Durum Wheat Semolina and Durum Wheat Flour
344. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Durum Wheat Semolina and Durum Wheat Flour, as contained in Appendix III of ALINORM 91/29, at Step 8, (see also para. 355 below).
345. The Commission noted that at its previous session the amendment to increase the provision for fat acidity in the Codex Standard for Wheat Flour from 30 mg to 50 mg KOH/100g had been adopted at Step 5. Subsequent to this decision, the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes had agreed to forward the draft amendment (Section 3.3.2 - Fat Acidity) of the Codex Standard for Wheat Flour to Step 8 for adoption by the Commission, with the understanding that the corresponding AOAC method of analysis would be maintained.
Status of Draft Amendment of the Fat Acidity Provision in the Codex Standard for Wheat Flour
346. The Commission adopted the draft amendment of the Codex Standard for Wheat Flour at Step 8 (see paras. 350–351 below).
347. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes had decided to advance the proposed draft guideline levels for arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead in cereals, pulses and legumes through the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants for endorsement and to the Commission for adoption at Step 5.
348. The 23rd Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants, while noting the difficulty in establishing guideline levels for contaminants in general as opposed to specific commodities, decided to temporarily endorse those levels proposed for arsenic, mercury and lead and postpone endorsement of cadmium. This decision was taken to allow for the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes to review the proposed draft levels for lead and cadmium and to indicate the necessity for the establishment of levels for arsenic and mercury.
Status of the Proposed Draft Guideline Levels for Contaminants in Cereals, Pulses and Legumes
349. The Commission adopted the proposed draft guideline levels, as contained in para. 24 of ALINORM 91/29, at Step 5, with the understanding that the above discussion would be brought forward to the Committee for its consideration. In addition, it was agreed that the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes should clearly indicate the stage of processing for which these levels would apply.
Others matters arising from the Report of the 7th Session of the Committee
350. The Commission, while noting its agreement to adopt the draft Codex Standard for Wheat Flour (see paras. 346 above), was also informed that the Committee had agreed to consider a proposal to elaborate an additional revision of the fat acidity provision to include a new fat acidity basis and measurement related to an ISO method of analysis, with the understanding that the current revised fat acidity level and corresponding AOAC method of analysis would be maintained for the time being.
351. The Commission agreed that the current fat acidity provision and corresponding AOAC method of analysis would be maintained. However, this decision was made with the understanding that the proposal to amend this Section with a new fat acidity level and corresponding ISO method of analysis would be supported by the appropriate data and information being forwarded to the Committee. It was also agreed that this amendment, if and when proposed, would be subjected to the full Codex elaboration procedure.
Sampling Plans and Guideline Levels for Aflatoxins
352. The Commission was informed that the Committee had decided to circulate two proposed sampling plans as well as proposed draft guideline levels specific to peanuts for government comment, and also recommended the convening of an expert consultation on sampling plans for aflatoxins to examine the various issues concerning this subject.
353. The 23rd Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants reviewed the proposed draft guideline levels for aflatoxins in peanuts and decided to request additional data from the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes in support of the levels proposed (i.e., the levels were felt to be too high) as well as an indication of the stage of processing (i.e., ready for processing, ready for consumption, etc.) for which the levels would apply. The Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants also agreed in principle with the request to FAO and WHO to consider holding an expert consultation regarding sampling plans for aflatoxins.
354. The Commission supported these proposals. However, as funds were not available to FAO or WHO to conduct such a consultation, the Commission noted that sources of funding would need to be found.
355. The Commission, while noting that the draft standard concerned had been adopted (see para. 344), was informed that the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes had agreed to elaborate a method of analysis for the determination of particle size as well as a fat acidity limit and related method of analysis as future amendments to the Standard. The Commission agreed with this procedure.
356. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes had recommended the elaboration of these proposed draft standards.
357. The Commission, while agreeing to the elaboration of proposed draft standards for oats, durum wheat and peanuts, noted that relevant standards elaborated by the International Organization for Standardization should be taken into account by the Committee when developing these standards.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
358. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX. 10 that the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of the United States of America.
359. The Report of the 22nd Session of the Joint FAO/WHO Committee of Government Experts on the Code of Principles Concerning Milk and Milk Products CX 5/70 (22nd Session) was presented by Mr. A. Oterholm (Norway).
360. The Commission noted that the Committee had agreed to advance Standards A-3 and A-4 for Evaporated and Condensed Milk respectively to Step 7 of the procedure for the elaboration of standards for milk and milk products. Group standards for Cheeses in Brine and for Uncured/Unripened Cheeses, and standards for Edible Rennet Casein and Food Grade Sweet and Acid Whey Powders had been advanced to Step 5. The Committee had also amended its Guidelines for the Designation and Presentation of Substitute Products, adopted a Definition of Sterilization of Milk. The Delegation of Egypt expressed its reservation on the decision of the Committee not to proceed with a standard for Feta Cheese and a reservation on the use of bleaching agents in the preparation of cheeses in brine.
361. The Committee had discussed the development of a proposed draft standard for low-fat dairy spreads but had agreed to initiate the preparation of a broader based standard or guideline to cover all fat spreads in consultation with the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils and other interested parties. The Commission agreed to the development of such a standard by the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils in consultation with the Milk Committee's Steering Committee, the International Dairy Federation and the International Federation of Margarine Associations. Several delegations expressed the need to ensure that the use of the term “low-fat” be closely controlled so as to prevent it from misleading consumers as to the true nature of the product.
362. The Commission noted the opinions of many delegations which expressed full support for the Committee's ongoing future work and which called for more frequent meetings of the Committee if possible. Noting the interest expressed by these delegations and also the financial constraints facing the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, which was fully responsible for this Committee, the Commission welcomed expressions of interest in hosting the Committee made by the delegations of Canada and France.
363. Several delegations proposed that the Milk Committee should operate along the same lines as other Codex Committees. In this regard the Commission invited the Secretariat to study the structure and the elaboration procedures of the Milk Committee in consultation with FAO and WHO Legal Counsels and report to the next Session of the Codex Committee on General Principles.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (Agenda Item 34)
Consideration of the Draft Standard for Grated Desiccated Coconut at Step 8
364. The Commission had before it the document ALINORM 91/20 which was introduced by the Secretariat. The Commission was informed that the draft standard for grated desiccated coconut, adopted at Step 5 by the 18th Session of the Commission, had been redrafted by the Secretariat in cooperation with the Chairman of the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables and had been circulated for government comments through CL 1990/7-PFV. Written comments had been received from Argentina, Canada, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom. A redrafted standard for grated desiccated coconut, taking into account the comments received had been attached to document ALINORM 91/20.
365. The Commission noted that several sections of the draft standard had been revised and that in the Section on Analytical Characteristics two values in square brackets had been included, for Oil Content and Ash respectively, in function of some country comments related to partial extraction of fat in the product to reduce rancidity problems and washing practice with chlorinated water. The Commission was requested to remove the square brackets and to adopt the draft standard at Step 8.
366. The Commission adopted the draft standard for Grated Desiccated Coconut at Step 8 as a world-wide Standard.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
367. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX. 10 that the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables should continue under the Chairmanship of the United States of America.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON FATS AND OILS (Agenda Item 35)
368. For this discussion the Commission had before it ALINORM 91/17 together with ALINORM 91/17 Add. 1 and Add. 2. The papers were introduced by the Chairman of the Committee Dr. W. H. B. Denner (United Kingdom). Dr. Denner noted that the Committee had continued to work since being adjourned sine die after its 13th Session in 1987.
Proposed Draft Standards for Palm Olein and Palm Stearin
369. The Commission noted that substantive comments, as contained in ALINORM 91/17 Add. 1 and Add. 2 had been received on the proposed draft standards and that because of these comments it would be suitable to consider them at Step 5 only. It requested the Committee's Secretariat to incorporate the comments into revised drafts for circulation to governments at Step 6. The Commission also noted the comments of Malaysia concerning the Iodine Value and Slip Point contained in the standards and that the UK Secretariat's recommendation for the Slip Point for Palm Stearin should be “not less than 45°C”. The Delegation of Tanzania reiterated its reservations concerning the elaboration of a standard for palm stearin which in its opinion was unsuitable as a product for human consumption because of its high melting point and unsuitable fatty acid composition.
370. The Commission accepted the UK Secretariat's amendments (a) and (b) in both Appendices 1 and 2 of ALINORM 91/17 and adopted the draft standards for Palm Olein and Palm Stearin at Step 5 of its Procedure.
371. The Commission noted that the Committee had received a request to revise the Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Fats and Oils and Oils in Bulk; to revise the Standard for Olive Oil; to be responsible for the development of world-wide standards for mayonnaise (see para. 94 above); and “low-fat” spreads (see para. 361 above). The Delegation of the United Kingdom, as Chairman of the Committee noted that it may be necessary to reconvene the Committee in order to complete this work and that the possibility of holding a meeting in 1993 was being examined.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
372. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX. 10 that the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils should continue under the Chairmanship of the United Kingdom.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON SUGARS (Agenda Item 36)
373. The Commission noted that this Committee had been adjourned sine die and current issues had been dealt with by correspondence through the United Kingdom Secretariat. Mr. Charles Cockbill of the United Kingdom introduced a progress report on items requiring action by the Commission, ALINORM 91/27.
Proposed Draft Standard for Raw Cane Sugar at Step 5 (ALINORM 91/27 (a), App. I, App. IA)
374. The Commission noted that the elaboration of this Standard had been initiated by the Codex Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean and that the present draft had been prepared by the Delegation of Cuba in consultation with the Secretariat of the Codex Committee on Sugars. The Commission noted a proposal that raw beet sugar should also be covered by the Standard but agreed that raw beet sugar differed significantly from cane sugar and was not a significant product in world-wide trade.
375. The Commission adopted the draft at Step 5 and endorsed its further elaboration by the Codex Committee on Sugars on the understanding that the Standard will cover the product destined for direct human consumption and not for further processing.
Amendments to Codex standards for Sugar - Revision of Lead Levels (ALINORM 91/27 (b) App. II)
376. The Commission recalled that at its two last sessions it had welcomed proposals made within the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants to reduce the lead provisions in all sugar standards to 1 mg/kg, except in fructose where it already was at 0.5 mg/kg (ALINORM 89/40 paras. 503–505). The Commission took note that the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants had concluded during its 23rd Session that the lead levels could be lowered significantly and had decided to recommend that the lead levels in sugars be lowered to 0.5 mg/kg (ALINORM 91/12A, paras. 158–159). Based on this decision the Codex Committee on Sugars proposed that the amendments be adopted at Step 5 and advanced by the Commission to Step 8 for final adoption.
377. Several Delegations supported maintaining the lead levels to 1 mg/kg but could not support the further lowering of this level without further study of its impact; other delegations were in favour of adopting levels of 0.5 mg/kg without delay.
378. The Commission adopted the amended value of 0.5 mg/kg at Step 5 for further comments.
Revision of Methods of Analysis for Sugars (ALINORM 91/27 (c))
379. The Commission noted that the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling had endorsed temporarily the method of analysis for sugar at its 16th Session and that no change in the status of these methods had been made at the 17th Session of the Committee (April 1991), since the requested additional information had not been made available.
380. The Commission strongly appealed to the International Commission on Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA) and ISO for further collaborative studies on the methods for sugars with a view of speeding-up their final endorsement by the CCMAS and the Commission. The Commission also recommended to the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling to consider endorsing these methods on the basis of their long use in case that this information was still not available for the next session of the Committee.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
381. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Sugars should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the United Kingdom.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON MEAT HYGIENE (Agenda Item 37)
382. The Commission was informed by the Delegation of New Zealand that preparations for the Sixth Session of the Committee, to be held in Rome from 14 to 18 October 1991, had been completed and that the Draft Revised Codes had been circulated to Governments for comments early in the year. The Delegation noted that this progress had been made possible by the convening of an informal working group at the invitation of the Government of New Zealand in September 1990. Experts from Argentina, New Zealand, USA, EEC, Office International des Epizooties (OIE), FAO and WHO had participated in this meeting. It was hoped that the draft revised codes could be submitted to the 20th Session of the Commission for adoption at Step 8 following their review by the Seventh Session of the Committee scheduled to be held in Rome in March 1993.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
383. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene should continue to be under the Chairmanship of New Zealand.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON VEGETABLE PROTEINS (Agenda Item 38)
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
384. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins should continue to be under the Chairmanship of Canada.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON COCOA PRODUCTS AND CHOCOLATE (Agenda Item 39)
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
385. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate should continue to be under the Chairmanship of Switzerland.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON SOUPS AND BROTHS (Agenda Item 40)
386. The Delegation of Switzerland informed the Commission that proposals for the revision of the Codex Standard for Bouillons and Consommés had been received, and in light of the Commission's decision to encourage the revision and simplification of Codex Standards this work would be initiated by the Committee by correspondence.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
387. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Soups and Broths should continue to be under the Chairmanship of Switzerland.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON EDIBLE ICES (Agenda Item 41)
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
388. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Edible Ices should continue to be under the Chairmanship of Sweden.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON NATURAL MINERAL WATERS (Agenda Item 42)
389. The Commission was informed that the conversion of the existing Codex European Regional Standard for Natural Mineral Waters (CODEX STAN 108-1981) would be carried out initially by correspondence at Step 3 (See also paragraph 94 above).
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
390. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Water should continue to be under the Chairmanship of Switzerland, and that it would operate as a World-wide Committee.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON GENERAL PRINCIPLES
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
391. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on General Principles should continue to be under the Chairmanship of France.
REPORT ON THE STATUS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR COFFEE (Agenda Item 43)
392. The Commission had before it document ALINORM 91/38, prepared by the Secretariat on the basis of replies received to Circular Letter CL 1990/13-CAC. The Commission noted that the question of whether or not the Commission should elaborate standards for tea and coffee has been raised many times, most recently at the 6th Session of the Coordinating Committee for Asia and the 18th Session of the Commission.
393. The Commission noted that the majority of replies received did not support work being undertaken in this area. Considering the existing work carried out by ISO in this area, it was not considered appropriate for the Commission to duplicate or repeat this work. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was invited to keep the Secretariat informed of any new standards being considered and it was suggested that the Codex Circular Letter system could be used to ensure that the opinions of Codex Member countries not members of ISO could be transmitted to the ISO committees concerned.
394. The Commission further noted that Codex Committees working in certain general subject areas (additives, contaminants, pesticide residues and labelling) would, under the new horizontal approach, consider some aspects of standards applying to coffee from the broader perspective and that this should ensure consumer protection and minimize barriers to trade in so far as health protection measures are concerned.
395. Given the major programme of review of the procedures and content of the Commission's existing standards, the Commission decided that it would be inappropriate to consider additional new work.
PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE OF CODEX SESSIONS 1992–93 (Agenda Item 45)
396. The Commission had before it ALINORM 91/25, a Provisional Timetable of Codex Sessions prepared by the Secretariat. It noted a number of amendments would be required as a result of decisions taken at the Commission's present session, especially in regard to the establishment of a new Codex Committee on Export and Import Inspection and Certification, and the possible convening of an additional session of the Codex Committee on General Principles. It was also noted that the Codex Regional Coordinating Committee for Africa would meet in Abuja, Nigeria at a date to be determined in 1992. The Delegation of Hungary informed the Commission that the next Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling would most likely be held in Budapest in early 1993.
397. The Commission noted with concern the problem of having meetings in the month of April in the year of a Commission session, which left little time for the finalization of reports and their distribution to Member Governments in time for study and comment.
OTHER BUSINESS (Agenda Item 46)
398. The Delegation of Mexico stated that the newly established Committee on Export and Import Inspection and Certification, to be hosted by Australia, would be considering highly significant matters of importance to developing countries, and called for the early implementation of proposals aimed at assisting the participation of developing countries at Codex meetings.
Statement by the Delegation of Austria
399. The Delegation of Austria, speaking on the occasion of the Centenary of the Codex Alimentarius Austriacus, outlined the historical developments leading from that time to the present international Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Statement of the Delegation is attached to the present report as Appendix 5.
400. The Commission expressed its fullest appreciation of the work of its outgoing Chairman, Ir. E. R. Méndez. It noted that Ir. Méndez had been associated with the Commission for very many years and had held the office of Vice Chairman on three separate occasions, over a period of 10 years before being elected to the office of Chairman. It wished Ir. Méndez and his family greatest success and happiness in the years ahead.
