The Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products begins its 36th session on Monday 7 Otober 2024. Meeting for the second time by correspondence via the Codex online platform, CCFFP36 is set to complete work on the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94-1981) to include the fish species S. lemuru in the list of Sardinella species.

We sat down with Chairperson Vigdis Veum Møllersen, Norway, to learn more about the work ahead.

Vigdis, thanks for your time. CCFFP is working by correspondence for the second time, an almost unique experience in Codex, which also follows the new guidelines for committees working this way. What does working by correspondence involve and how is the Committee doing?

Working by correspondence means that delegates will not be simultaneously present, however they are given the opportunity to provide continuous comments during the timeframes presented. We have aimed at allocating sufficient time to discuss all agenda items, and I strongly encourage participants to familiarize themselves with the timeframes which are available on the CCFFP36 page.

Any lessons learned that you would like to share with us?

During our previous session in 2021 we learned that Members could seem a little reluctant to provide continuous inputs, therefore this time, I hope that Members have gained experience and will keep the discussion going on issues of interest within the mentioned timeframe, while still respecting that we are in different time zones. In other words “the floor is open” during the timeframe assigned to the different agenda items.

Going to the agenda of CCFFP36, the key topic is the proposed inclusion of a new species in the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94 – 1981). What are your expectations?

The main task of this session will be the amendment of the Standard for canned sardines and sardine-type products (CXS 94-1981), to include Sardinella lemuru in the list of Sardinella species under Section 2.1, Product Definition. We have not received any comments indicating opposition to the EWGs recommendation, so my expectations for the main agenda item is that the committee will be able to fulfill its task.

However, there are some issues under matters arising from other Codex committees and from FAO/WHO which Members might want to comment upon. I am referring to agenda item 2, matters referred and the request from CCMAS to clarify the intended use of the provision for amino acid nitrogen in the Standard for Fish Sauce (CXS 302-2011) and the inclusion of two species (Sardinella fimbriata and Sardinella sirm) to the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94-1981). Also the information provided by FAO/WHO in agenda item 4 should be of interest for Members, maybe especially the work being done on seaweed safety and that FAO and WHO consider that there may be value in developing relevant Codex guidance on this subject and are presenting this issue for consideration by this Committee.

Furthermore, I would like to draw members attention to issues raised in two CRDs, one from the Republic of Korea regarding a possible amendment of the TOR (CRD02) and one from the United States of America regarding the scientific names of some fish species in the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94-1981). 

Do you have any recommendations for Codex Members and Observers attending CCFFP36?

Please prepare your inputs and provide them during the timeframe assigned to the different agenda items. Please try to engage continuously, as allowed by your time zone, and please note that silence, or the absence of specific contrary views or objections, will be taken to mean tacit agreement or no objection to proceed as proposed by the Chairperson.

Anything else you would like to add?

I welcome all participants to this session and for those not registered through the online platform, please contact the Codex Secretariat if you need help to complete your registration.

Read more

CCFFP36 webpage

Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94-1981)