CCFFP35 set out to evaluate if the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94-1981) can be amended to include the fish species S. lemuru (Bali Sardinella) in the list of Sardinella species. Working by correspondence since 20 September 2021, the work has progressed steadily with nearly 150 delegates signing up to participate on the platform also used for electronic working groups in Codex.

So far the committee has agreed to select three species to be compared with Sardinella lemuru in a sensory evaluation as prescribed in Section II: Elaboration of Codex texts of the Codex Procedural Manual. The evaluation involves the intrinsic sensory attributes of a sample (odours, tastes, appearances, textures) being measured through the analytic sensory perceptions of human assessors under laboratory conditions.

• Guidelines for the sensory evaluation of fish and shellfish in laboratories

The three species identified are Sardina pilchardus /European Pilchard, Sardinella aurita/Round Sardinella and Sardinella maderensis /Madeiran Sardinella.

The Committee and has also expressed interest in the possibility of developing relevant Codex guidance on seaweed safety.

Chairperson Vigdis Veum Møllersen, Norway, said: “We have good progress, agreeing on three species to be compared with the candidate species, the laboratories to perform the sensory evaluation and who will lead the work - Philippines and the EU.” The remaining task is to decide upon the leading laboratory.

Although 50 Codex Members are registered to the Committee interventions have been limited which Veum Møllersen interprets as consensus.

“When it comes to working by correspondence, compared to a virtual meeting, I would say we may need to reflect on efficiency. A committee session lasting for one month is time consuming for all participating, from the Codex Secretariat, Chairperson and Members. Especially as other meetings are ongoing at the same time,” she said.

Hilde Kruse, Codex Secretariat, said “CCFFP35 has so far demonstrated that working by correspondence can be productive when the task is limited and clear, and that the Commission’s core values of collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building, and transparency can be respected and adhered to.”

Work is expected to conclude on 25 October when the report will be adopted online.

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FAO’s role in fisheries

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©FAO/Giuseppe Bizzarri / FAO