Other Business
82) The Delegation of the United States introduced the proposal put forward in CRD 9 concerning new work on the consideration of misleading claims, pointing out that although misleading claims were covered in general terms in the General Guidelines on Claims, there was a need for further clarification of what would constitute a misleading claim. The Delegation indicated that some claims might be factually correct but give misleading messages concerning health or other benefits, as compared to similar products, for example by referring to "cholesterol free" for 100% vegetable oil with a heart symbol, and proposed to develop criteria to prevent the use of such claims.
83) Several delegations and the Observer from IACFO expressed the view that misleading claims were already covered by the general labelling texts and that there was no need to develop additional criteria in this area, and expressed their concern that the proposal would create confusion. These delegations also noted that there had not been enough time to consider the paper presented and indicated that it would need careful consideration to clarify its implications as related to possible future work of the Committee. The Delegation of Denmark indicated that its national legislation contained a general clause against misleading claims.
84) As there had been insufficient discussion at the present session, the Committee agreed that the Delegation of the United States would redraft its proposal as a discussion paper on criteria for misleading claims in order to clarify its objectives, for further consideration at the next session. The Delegation of the United States invited member countries to provide information and comments on their experience in this area.
Future Work
85) The Committee noted that in addition to standing items on the Agenda, its future work would include:
Date and Place of the Next Session
86) The Committee noted that its 28th Session was tentatively scheduled to be held in Ottawa from 8 11 May 2000, the exact arrangements to be determined between the host country and Codex Secretariats.
SUMMARY STATUS OF WORK
Subject Matter |
Step |
Action by |
Document Reference in ALINORM 99/22A |
Draft Guidelines for Organically Produced Foods (section
5.1) |
8 |
Governments |
para. 33 |
Draft Amendment to the General Labelling Standard (composite
ingredients) |
8 |
Governments |
para. 39 |
Draft Guidelines for Organically Produced Foods
(Livestock) |
6 |
Governments |
para. 33 |
Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Labelling Standard
(class names) |
5 |
Governments |
para. 52 |
Proposed Draft Amendment to the Guidelines on Nutrition
Labelling |
5 |
Governments |
para. 59 |
Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Use of Health
Claims |
3 |
Governments |
para. 66 |
Proposed Draft Recommendations on
Labelling/Biotechnology |
3 |
Governments |
para. 49 |
Proposed Draft Guidelines for Use of the Term
"Vegetarian" |
3 |
South Africa/India |
para. 81 |
Proposed Draft Recommendations for Sports and Energy
Drinks |
|
22nd CCNFSDU |
para. 74 |