321. The Delegation of Denmark referring to the comments in ALINORM 89/32 Part I-FH pointed out that the proposal of the USA concerning heat resistant spores of pathogenic microflora and competitive microflora could lead to misinterpretation, and stated that the Delegation supports the original amendment to the definition as given in Appendix VIII to ALINORM 89/13. The Chairman of the Committee on Food Hygiene stressed the difficulties of defining pasteurization which had been discussed at length both by the Committee on Food Hygiene and IDF. The Delegation of New Zealand agreed with Dr. Archer and stated that the definitions as proposed by the Committee and the USA were equally acceptable to it.
322. The Commission adopted the amendments to the definition of pasteurization as contained in ALINORM 89/13 Appendix VIII at Step 8 with the detailed references supplied by IDF in their written comments, as an editorial amendment.
323. The Commission adopted the Guidelines at Step 5 and advanced them to Step 6 of the procedure.
324. The Secretariat recalled that the Code had been prepared by the Delegation of Belgium and discussed over two sessions of the Committee. At the 23rd Session it was decided that the Code is in sufficiently good form to be proposed for clearance by the Commission. The Commission endorsed the proposal of the Committee on Food Hygiene to move the draft Code to Step 5.
325. The Executive Committee at its 35th Session (ALINORM 89/3 page 45) approved the proposal of the Committee to elaborate this Guideline through the Codex procedure at Step 3. The Delegation of the United States of America supported the elaboration of the Guideline and suggested that the Committee on Food Hygiene consider starting work on a new Code on thermally processed food containers other than metallic.
326. The Commission endorsed the decision of the Executive Committee concerning the elaboration of the Guideline, and requested the Committee on Food Hygiene to consider the proposal of the Delegation of the United States.
327. The Executive Committee at its 35th Session recommended a timetable for further review of the Code/Guidelines by the Committee on Food Hygiene in 1989 (24th Session), 1991 (25th Session) and by the Milk Committee in 1990 with a view to presenting the document for adoption by the Commission at its 19th Session in mid 1991. The Commission noted that the Steering Group established by the Milk Committee to act on its behalf between sessions had examined the proposed draft Code in May 1989 and had agreed with the proposals of the Executive Committee for the joint elaboration of the Code by both the Committee on Food Hygiene and Milk Committee.
328. The Delegation of India noted that paragraph 77 of the Report of the 23rd Session of the Committee on Food Hygiene be corrected since it implied that the lactoperoxidase method had been introduced in India, which the Delegation confirmed is not correct.
329. The Commission endorsed the recommendations of the Executive Committee concerning the further elaboration of the Code/Guidelines with the possible input of the IDF to speed up the adoption of the document. It also noted the statement of India that the lactoperoxidase process had not been implemented in the country.
330. The Commission endorsed the submission of this Code to Governments and interested International Organizations for their comments at Step 3.
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Condiments
331. Introducing the item Dr. Archer pointed out that such a Code had been discussed by the Committee several times and that some countries still consider that the elaboration of a Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Herbs would be useful. A proposed draft would be presented at the 24th Session of the CCFH in October 1989. This draft was based on a document initiated in one of the ISO Technical Committees. The Commission was requested to approve the elaboration of a Code within the CCFH. The Delegation of Denmark stressed the need for serious consideration of such a Code.
332. The Observer from ISO informed the Commission that although responsibility for the elaboration of Codes of Hygienic Practice was with the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene at the request of member bodies of ISO Subcommittee 7 of Technical Committee 34, had elaborated a Code of Hygienic.
Practice for Spices. The Observer stated that ISO would continue to cooperate in the further elaboration of the Code.
333. The Commission approved the elaboration of a Code within the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene.
334. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of the USA.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND SAMPLING (Agenda Item 26)
335. The Commission had before it the report of the 16th Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (ALINORM 89/23).
336. The report was introduced by Dr. I. Olah (Hungary). He informed the Commission that the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling at its eighteenth session endorsed several sampling plans included in draft Codex standards and several methods of analysis for sugars and mayonnaise.
337. The Committee reconsidered several methods of endorsement which had been postponed or not previously considered and reviewed methods elaborated by the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses.
338. Dr Olah emphasized the interest of all Codex Commodity Committee in the work of the CCMAS and reviewed the topics which had been dealt with by the Committee. The CCMAS agreed that the needs of Codex for methods of analysis should be studied and priorities determined, decided to develop guidelines for the classification of Codex methods of analysis and considered the report of the Inter-Agency Meeting (IAM).
340. The list of contents of the proposed Codex Guidelines on sampling, included in Appendix II of ALINORM 89/23 was agreed by the Committee and the Commission was requested by Dr Olah to give consideration to the approach which involved the development of a single advisory Codex document on sampling.
341. The Commission agreed to the advisory nature of the Codex document and approved the development of Codex Guidelines on Sampling.
Sampling for Net Contents in Packages
342. The Committee decided that the International Recommendations on Sampling for Net Contents in Packages prepared by the International Organization for Legal Metrology represented a good basis for discussions on the control of net contents in lots moving in international trade.
343. Dr Olah submitted the OIML sampling plans to the Commission with the request to approve its circulation to governments and International Organizations for comments in accordance with an appropriate procedure.
344. The Commission agreed with the recommendation of the Committee.
Sampling Plan for Food Grade Salt
345. After some technical and editorial changes, the Committee endorsed the sampling plan for food grade salt for the determination of essential composition and quality factors in Section 3 of the Standard and requested the Commission to adopt this sampling plan for incorporation in the Codex Standard for Food Grade Salt or in a general Codex publication on sampling.
346. The Commission adopted the proposed sampling plan for Food Grade Salt.
General Methods of Analysis for Contaminants
347. The Committee considered the suggestion that it was timely to review the Codex general methods for contaminants and decided that the general methods so far adopted by the Commission be circulated for comments and that the methods be reviewed at the next session. The Commission was invited to endorse this procedure.
348. The Commission agreed with the views of the Committee and approved the proposed procedure.
349. 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 (Item 27)
350. The Commission had before it the report of the 16th Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (ALINORM 89/26). The report of the Committee was introduced by its Chairman Dr G. Pahlke (Federal Republic of Germany), who outlined the work of the Committee. The conclusions of the Committee are summarized in ALINORM 89/26.
351. The Commission noted that the Committee had detailed discussion on the guidelines and had considered them ready for adoption. The use of local technology and local ingredients in developing countries had been taken into consideration. The written comments received from Thailand (LIM 2) suggested that reference to phosphorus should be maintained in the Guidelines in order to ensure that consumers in developing countries receive adequate amounts of this element. This was supported by the Delegation of Italy. However, the Committee had considered that phosphorus intake in all countries was usually adequate.
352. The Delegation of Switzerland, supported by several delegations, suggested that the Guidelines should be returned for a further round of comments as they had been extensively changed during the last session. The Delegations of Norway and Italy suggested that “older infant” should be defined as an infant from its 6th month of age.
353. The Commission returned the Guidelines to Step 6 of the Procedure for another round of comments.
354. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission that the labelling of these foods represented a complex problem. The standards was intended to cover very special products intended for sick persons. In some countries these products were considered to be medicines. The Committee had therefore recommended that these special dietary products be used only under medical supervision.
355. The Commission advanced the draft standard to Step 6 of the Procedure.
356. The Delegation of the Netherlands expressed the opinion that work should also be done on very low calorie products and drew attention to the decision of the Committee that a working paper should be prepared on the subject by The Netherlands. It might, therefore, be premature to advance the draft standard in the Codex procedure. The Commission was informed that the Committee's intention was to develop a separate standard for such products and that, therefore, the standard under discussion need not be held up. This was supported by the Delegations of the Federal Republic of Germany and France. The Delegation of the United Kingdom was of the opinion that the section on food additives was far too general and should be either deleted or more specific provisions for food additives should be included.
357. The Commission advanced the draft standard to Step 6 of the Procedure.
358. The Commission agreed to add a requirement in these standards that these products should not be presented as breast-milk substitutes and adopted at Step 8 of the Procedure the following new section:
“Additional Requirements”
The products covered by this Standard are not breast-milk substitutes and shall not be presented as such”.
359. The Commission recalled that, at its last session, it had requested the Committee to define “nutrient density” for inclusion in the General Principles, which had been developed outside the Codex procedure. The Commission was informed that the Committee had dealt with this subject and had also discussed new definitions for inclusion in the General Principles dealing with “fortification or enrichment” and “standardization”. As no agreement could be reached on the new definitions, the Committee had recommended that they be developed further in accordance with the Codex Procedure.
360. The Delegation of France was of the opinion that all of the definitions including “nutrient density”, should be developed according to the Codex procedure and be submitted to governments at Step 3.
361. The Commission adopted the definition for nutrient density and agreed to submit the other definitions to governments at Step 3 (see Appendix VIII B. and C. (1)).
362. The Commission noted that expression of the maximum level for cocoa on a dry basis would lead to varying levels of cocoa in the ready-to-eat product, depending on whether the food had been diluted with water or milk. It therefore, agreed that it would be better to express the maximum level on the ready-to-eat product and referred the proposed amendment to governments at Step 3 of the Procedure (see Appendix V C. (2), ALINORM 89/26).
Other Matters Arising from the 16th Session of the Committee
363. The Commission considered a request by the Committee to consider whether the elaboration of a Codex standard for table-top sweeteners would fall within its terms of reference. Governments had also been requested to indicate their opinion of this subject (CL 1988/56-NFSDU) (para 174–176 ALINORM 89/26). The Commission noted that written comments had been received from the Federal Republic of Germany, USA, Denmark and Thailand (ALINORM 89/32 - Part IV and ADD.1 and LIM 2). Replies had been negative.
364. The Delegation of the United Kingdom was of the opinion that there was no need to develop a standard for these products, but if work by Codex on table-top sweeteners was to be done, this should be the task of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants. The Delegation of Sweden indicated that it agreed with the written comments of Denmark, i.e. that no Codex Standard should be developed but that the question of labelling and the use of artificial sweeteners should be considered. The Delegation of Italy was of the opinion that this question should be once more considered by the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses.
365. The Commission decided that there was no need to consider the standardization of table-top sweeteners.
366. The Commission was informed that the Committee had essentially completed the review of methods of analysis in Codex standards elaborated by it (paras 178–187 and Appendix VII ALINORM 89/26). As regards the method for the determination of “dietary fibre”, the Committee would discuss this matter at a future session in the light of developments. However, the Committee did adopt a method for the determination of fibre for the purpose of calculating the energy content of certain special dietary foods. This was not to be confused with the analysis "dietary fibre" for the purposes of labelling. The Commission also noted that the methods of analysis proposed by the Committee had been, for the most part, endorsed by the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Part II, Appendix IV, ALINORM 89/23).
367. The Commission agreed that the revised methods of analysis be included in the appropriate part of the Codex Alimentarius.
Criteria for Amendment of Advisory Lists of Mineral Salts and Vitamin Compounds
368. The Commission agreed to make slight amendments to the above informal criteria document as suggested by the Committee (para. 193, ALINORM 89/26). The purpose of the amendments was to indicate that biological activity of the vitamins and minerals need not derive exclusively from added substances and that such vitamin salts and mineral compounds be in conformity with internationally recognized specifications of identity and purity.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
369. The Commission was informed that the Committee had considered the need for standardization of these products (para 37, ALINORM 89/26). However, the Committee had doubts as to whether vitamin or mineral supplements would fall within the terms of reference of the Commission and had requested the Commission to consider this matter. The Chairman of the Committee indicated that in some countries these products were considered foods, while in others they were considered to be pharmaceutical preparations. Furthermore, depending on composition and other factors, these products could be either regarded as foods or pharmaceuticals. In any case they were nutrient preparations serving a special dietary purpose.
370. Opinion was divided concerning the need to develop Codex standards for these products. Some delegations considered that trade in these products was considerable and that Codex standards or guidelines should be developed to control them. Other delegations were of the opinion that there was no need, at this time, to work in this area. The point was made that a clear definition should be developed as to which products were foods and which products were to be considered pharmaceuticals.
371. The Commission agreed that the Secretariat should send a circular to governments seeking their views on whether or not work on vitamin and mineral supplements should be undertaken and to provide appropriate information so that distinction could be made between products which are foods and those which are pharmaceuticals or medicines. The Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses was requested to consider information received and advise the Commission accordingly, without initiating the standardization of the products.
372. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX. 10 that the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses should continue under the Chairmanship of the Government if the Federal Republic of Germany. The delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany indicated that Spanish interpretation would again be provided at the next Session and urged Spanish speaking countries to attend. The delegation expressed its thanks to the Secretariat for its assistance.
JOINT UN/ECE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS GROUP OF EXPERTS ON STANDARDIZATION OF FRUIT JUICES (Agenda Item 28)
373. The report of the 18th Session of the Group of Experts (ALINORM 89/14) was presented by the Secretariat on behalf of Prof. W. Pilnik (The Netherlands), Chairman of the Joint Group of Experts.
374. The Commission noted that this was a general standard aimed at providing for any fruit nectars which were not covered by individual codex standards. It also noted that the standard provided for the compulsory addition of sugars and for the optional addition of lemon or lime juice.
375. The Delegation of Thailand re-stated its comment as contained in ALINORM 89/32 that in certain nectars where the fruit had high acidity or strong flavour the minimum fruit content could be less than 25% and the actual level governed by Good Manufacturing Practice. The Commission noted that this comment had previously been discussed by the Group of Experts which were of the opinion that such products would need to be considered as fruit juice beverages. The Delegation of Iraq referring to all of the standards under discussion indicated that the level of tin was too high and should be reduced to 150 mg per kg. This comment was supported by the delegation of Poland which referred similarly to the level of copper.
376. The delegations of Hungary, Norway and Sweden stated their opinions that the addition of sugars to these products should be optional and not mandatory. The Observer from the EEC pointed out that the mandatory addition of sugars was not necessary when nectars were produced from fruits with a very sweet or pronounced taste. The Observer also pointed out that reference to lemon or lime juice in the labelling should be as an ingredient and not in association with the name of the food.
Status of the General Standard for Fruit Nectars Preserved Exclusively by Physical Means
377. The Commission adopted the Standard at Step 8 of the procedure.
378. The Delegation of Iraq expressed the opinion that the ethanol content in the standard should be reduced to 3 g per kg equivalent to the level in the General Standard for Fruit Nectars. The Secretariat stated that ethanol was present in the fruit juice due to natural fermentation during processing and handling before the preservation treatment, and that as nectars were diluted fruit juices (with water and sugar added), the level of ethanol in nectars was reduced corresponding to the dilution. The delegations of Switzerland and Sweden expressed their reservations concerning the addition of sugars to fruit juices for sweetening purposes especially the level of 200 g per kg for highly acidic fruit juices. The Observer from the EEC informed the Commission that within the EEC the presence of sugars had to be declared quantitatively near the name of the food.
Status of the Draft General Standard for Fruit Juices Preserved Exclusively by Physical Means
379. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard at Step 8 of the procedure.
Consideration at Step 5 of the Proposed Draft General Standard for Vegetable Juices
380. The Commission adopted the Draft General Standard at Step 5 of the procedure and advanced it to Step 6.
Consideration of Guidelines for Mixed Fruit Juices and Guidelines for Mixed Fruit Nectars
381. The Commission adopted both guidelines at Step 5 of the procedure in accordance with its decision that guidelines should be elaborated in accordance with the Step procedure unless there was adequate justification for not doing so.
Methods of Analysis for Fruit Juices
382. The Commission noted that the Joint Group of Experts had prepared a revised updated evaluation of the methods of analysis for Codex standards for fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices and fruit nectars.
383. The Commission endorsed the revised general methods and noted that the methods for ethanol and lead had not yet been endorsed by the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling.
384. The Commission supported the opinion of the Delegation of Tanzania that efforts should be continued to elaborate methods for the determination of fruit content as an essential part of quality control procedures for fruit juices. It noted however that such methods did not appear to be immediately available.
Revision of Labelling Provisions in Codex Standards for Fruit Juices and Fruit Nectars
385. The Commission noted that the Group of Experts had recommended that the labelling provisions in the individual Codex standards for fruit juices and fruit nectars should be aligned with the similar provisions in the draft general standards for fruit juices and fruit nectars.
386. The Commission endorsed these amendments as being consequential to the adoption of the general standards.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON TROPICAL FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (Agenda Item 29)
387. The report of the First Session of the Codex Committee on Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (ALINORM 89/35, Parts I and II) was introduced by the Committee's Chairman, Lic. Javier Cuellar Hernandez (Mexico). The Commission noted that several matters arising from the CCTFFV Session were also discussed at the Ninth Session of the Codex Committee on General Principles (paras. 56-73, ALINORM 89/33).
388. The Secretariat of the UNECE Group of Experts on Coordination of Standardization of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables presented an oral statement to the Commission which was adopted at the Group's Thirty-fifth Session (Geneva, 3-6 July 1989). The Commission noted that the statement will be officially forwarded as a comment to the CCTFFV.
Format for Standards for Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
389. The Commission agreed with the recommendation of the CCGP (paras. 57–60, ALINORM 89/33) and decided to refer issues concerning standard format back to CCTFFV with a request that the Codex format should be respected in regard to those matters not dealing exclusively with commercial quality, and the detailed format of the UNECE should be considered as a basis for the description of the section on quality characteristics.
390. The Commission confirmed the opinion of the CCGP, in that the current Codex Procedures for the Elaboration of Worldwide Codex Standards did not need amendment, as they provided an adequate process for collaboration with interested international organizations (paras. 67–69, ALINORM 89/33). However, the Commission also agreed that the following provision relating to the role of the UNECE Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce be included as a note to the procedures:
The UNECE Working Party on Perishable Produce:
may recommend that a world-wide Codex standard for tropical fresh fruits and vegetables should be elaborated and submit its recommendation either to the CCTFFV for consideration or to the Commission for approval;
may prepare “proposed draft standards” for tropical fresh fruits or vegetables at the request of the CCTFFV or of the Commission for distribution by the Codex Secretariat at Step 3 of the Codex Procedure, and for further action by the CCTFFV;
may wish to consider “proposed draft standards” and “draft standards” for tropical fresh fruits and vegetables and transmit comments on them to CCTFFV at Step 3 and 6 of the Codex Procedure; and
may perform specific tasks in relation to the elaboration of standards for tropical fresh fruits and vegetables at the request of CCTFFV.
Codex “proposed draft standards” and “draft standards” for tropical fresh fruits and vegetables at Steps 3 and 6 of the Codex Procedure should be submitted to the UNECE Secretariat for obtaining comments.
Acceptance Procedures (Point of Application)
391. The Commission noted the opinion of the CCGP concerning the point of application (i.e.; export, import) and acceptance procedures for tropical fresh fruit and vegetable standards (paras. 61–66, ALINORM 89/33) and agreed that it was unnecessary to amend the current Acceptance Procedures for Worldwide Codex Standards. However, the Commission also agreed with the opinion of CCGP in that governments, when indicating the acceptance of a Codex standard for tropical fresh fruits or vegetables, should notify the Commission which provisions of the standard would be accepted for application at the point of import, and which provisions would be accepted for application at the point of export.
Collaboration with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
392. The Commission noted that the CCGP (para 70, ALINORM 89/33) had welcomed the proposals of the CCTFFV concerning its collaboration with the OECD Scheme for the Application of International Standards for Fruit and Vegetables (paras. 39–41, ALINORM 89/35, Part I):
Collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
393. The Commission noted that it had discussed the following Resolution adopted by the 43rd Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in paras. 207–208 above:
that the list of fresh fruits and vegetables which will be standardized by the new Codex Committee be established in agreement with the other standardizing intergovernmental organizations;
that the intergovernmental organizations involved in standardization, work in close relation so as to maintain a high methodological homogeneity in the elaboration of standards;
that the standards for fruits and vegetables considered as “exclusively” tropical be established without mention, neither in the definition nor in any other chapter of the standard, of this fact.
394. The Commission, while noting that it had agreed to include a note relating to the role of the UNECE Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce in the Elaboration Procedures for Worldwide Codex Standards (paras. 390 above), decided to adopt the opinion of the CCGP (paras. 70–73, ALINORM 89/33) regarding the UNECE resolution. As a result, the Commission only endorsed point number two of the above resolution, and decided that no further action was needed concerning this matter.
395. The Commission noted that the CCTFFV adopted the following definition of "tropical zone", as outlined in paras. 13–16 of ALINORM 89/35 - Part I:
Tropical Zone: for the purposes and guidance of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, tropical fruits and vegetables are those that are cultivated in areas between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, and/or in areas with similar natural climatic conditions.
396. The Delegation of Switzerland recommended that the definition should focus on defining “tropical fresh fruits and vegetables” which are cultivated in tropical zones, in order to more fully conform to the Committee's programme of work. The Delegation of the United Kingdom, with support from the Delegation of New Zealand, recommended that the definition refer to fruits and vegetables whose origin is in the tropics, as temperate crops are often grown in tropical areas. The Delegation of Finland could not justify the need for a definition of tropical zone, as the Committee's work was already defined through the establishment of a priority list.
397. The Delegation of Cuba reassured the Commission that an expert working group developed this definition at the CCTFFV Session only after careful deliberation and consideration of various issues. The delegations of Mexico, Brazil and Kenya supported this view and recommended adoption of the existing definition. The Delegation of Singapore, while recalling the opinion of Switzerland, encouraged the adoption of a definition entitled “Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables”.
398. The Commission agreed to adopt the definition as forwarded by CCTFFV, with the understanding that the definition is changed to read “Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables”.
Establishment of Worldwide Codex Standards for Pineapple, Papaya and Mango
399. The Commission noted that the CCTFFV had circulated proposed draft worldwide Codex standards for pineapple, papaya and mango as contained in appendices V, VI, and VII, respectively of ALINORM 89/35 - Part II, (CL 1988/49-TFFV).
400. The Commission was also informed that a UNECE Recommended Standard for Mangoes, which has been used on a trial basis for over two years, was only recently officially communicated to the Codex Secretariat through the OECD Secretariat and is currently being circulated to Codex Contact Points for information, (CL 1989/23-TFFV).
401. The Delegation of Iraq suggested the comparison of Codex and UNECE standards for mangoes in order to develop a Codex worldwide standard based on international participation and trade. The delegations of India, Cuba, Mexico and Argentina supported this view. The Delegation of Tanzania also noted that the conversion of the UNECE standard into a Codex standard would more accurately reflect the needs of producing rather than consuming countries. The Delegation of the United States, with support of the Delegation of Australia, noted that the discrepancies between these standards and organizations must be addressed in order to eliminate duplicative efforts and to develop a standard based on the widest possible participation and acceptance.
402. The delegations of Egypt and Singapore noted that the Commission and its subsidiary bodies could easily take the views of other international organizations into account, as well as advice from the Codex Regional Coordinating Committees. The Delegation of Finland also noted the relevance of the Commission's earlier decision (para 218 above), in which it decided to adopt the proposals of the CCGP regarding the strengthening of Codex activities to coordinate work of other international and regional organizations. The Delegation requested the Codex Secretariat to develop an agreement with international and regional standards setting bodies in order to encourage the adoption of Codex standards.
403. The Delegation of Poland expressed its opinion against the elaboration of Codex standards for any products which were under development by other international organizations, as it created duplication of work, was a waste of resources and could possibly create trade barriers.
404. The Commission concluded and agreed that the Codex Committee on Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables should continue the elaboration of worldwide Codex standards for pineapple, papaya and mango. It also encouraged the Committee to consider the assistance and advice of the Regional Coordinating Committees when developing these standards. The Codex Secretariat was also requested to work with other international and regional standards setting bodies on these issues, as proposed by the CCGP.
405. In accordance with Rule IX.10, the Commission confirmed that the Government of Mexico should continue as Chairman and host government of the Codex Committee on Tropical Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON FISH AND FISHERY PRODUCTS (Agenda Item 30)
406. The Commission had before it ALINORM 89/18, the Report of the 18th Session of the Committee. Mr. John Race, the Chairman of the CCFFP, informed the Commission that good progress had been made on several matters as reflected by the fact that three important Standards and one Code of Practice were before the Commission for consideration at Step 8.
407. The Commission was informed that the Committee had discussed the guidelines for mercury in fish. In this connection, reference was made to the statement by JECFA, when evaluating methylmercury contamination of foods, that fish was a nutritious food and that any recommendations that implied that changes were needed to culturally entrenched dietary habits should be based on compelling arguments, and must not overlook possible implications. The Chairman of the CCFFP also raised the question of risk assessment in connection with contamination of food, and the management and alleviation of possible health risks and suggested that further in-depth discussion of these matters was desirable (see also para. 530).
408. The Commission was also informed that the Committee was currently undertaking the elaboration of a proposed Code of Practice for Aquaculture by means of a Circular Letter (CL 1989/13 FFP) and a questionnaire prepared by the FAO Fisheries Department. The replies will be considered at the next session of the CCFFP. It was underlined that the Committee was very dependent on the assistance of the FAO Fisheries Department when elaborating Codes of Practice for fish and fishery products and urged that FAO give high priority to this work. The Commission expressed its full appreciation to the FAO Fisheries Department in giving assistance to the Committee on the elaboration of Codes of Practice for fish and fishery products, and looked forward to continuing this cooperation.
409. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission of current and future work regarding the proposed draft standards for Quick Frozen Squid and Dried Shark Fins and important items such as the review of methods of analysis and guidelines on inspection techniques.
410. The Commission was informed that comments had been received from three countries i.e. Denmark, Mexico and the Netherlands, recorded in ALINORM 89/32 Part III.
411. The Delegation of the Netherlands expressed its objection to the development of a Codex standard for raw materials, and the Delegation of France, supported by the Delegations of Switzerland, Poland, Federal Republic of Germany and Belgium expressed reservations on the use of polyphosphates. The Delegation of France requested that methods for the estimation of added water absorbed in the quick-freezing process should be included in the standard. The Delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany referred to its earlier comments in respect to the defect tables included in the standard and reconfirmed its reservations in this regard.
412. At the request of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Chairman informed the Commission that the Committee had extensively discussed the need to introduce date marking requirements and had decided for all quick frozen products not to introduce date marking, but to include the storage instruction provisions, considering that the quality of quick frozen foods depends more on the initial product quality, processing, packaging and the temperature of storage.
413. The Observer of the EEC stated that the EEC had adopted rules for the date marking of all quick-frozen foods, including fish, which specified the use of the date of minimum durability.
414. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Blocks of Fish Fillet, Minced Fish Flesh and Mixtures of Fillets and Minced Fish Flesh at Step 8 of the Procedure.
415. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission that at its 21st Session the CCFAC had endorsed the provisions proposed for food additives, and that comments had been received from Denmark.
416. The Delegation of Sweden, supported by the Delegations of Austria, Denmark and the Federal Republic of Germany expressed reservations on section 4.3.4. on the use of colours for bread coating or batter. The Delegation of France proposed to increase the minimum requirements for fish to 60% from the currently included 50%. The Commission noted that these comments had been taken into account by the Committee during earlier discussions.
417. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Portions Breaded or in Batter at Step 8 of the Procedure.
418. The Commission was informed that the CCFAC had endorsed the provisions proposed for food additives, and that no comments had been received.
419. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Dried Salted Fish (Klippfish) of the Gadidae Fish Family at Step 8 of the Procedure.
Consideration at Step 8 of the Draft Code of Practice for Cephalopods
420. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission that comments had been received from Mexico and Thailand. The Government of Mexico had submitted several editorial comments to the Spanish version which were accepted by the Commission. However, a comment by Mexico on Section 5.4.4.3 was considered to be possibly of a substantive nature, and this was not adopted. Mexico was requested to submit the comments to the CCFFP for consideration at its next session. The position of Thailand concerning the fate of unused ice was considered to have relevance for several Codes of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products, and it was therefore agreed to refer this to the CCFFP, and, if agreed to, the proposed amendment would be introduced into all the relevant Codes.
421. The Commission adopted the Code of Practice at Step 8 of the Procedure.
Consideration at Step 5 of the Proposed Draft General Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Fillets
422. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission that this General Standard was being elaborated as a result of efforts to combine the existing four standards for Quick Frozen Fillets of various species, referred to the favourable comments of Denmark and requested the Commission to advance it to Step 6 of the Procedure.
423. The Delegation of the United States, supported by the Netherlands stated that it did not object to approval by the Commission for advancing the Proposed Draft General Standard but believed that the CCFFP should re-examine the standard and consider:
424. The Commission adopted the Standard at Step 5, advanced it to Step 6 of the Procedure, and requested the Committee to take into account the comments made.
425. The Committee had decided to propose the amendment of the Codes of Practice for Salted Fish by introducing recommended specifications for the salt to be used for salting fish into Section 5.4.2 instead of including such specifications in an annex to the Standard for Dried Salted Fish (Klippfish) of the Gadideae family.
Status of Proposed Draft Amendments
426. The Commission adopted the amendments to the Recommended International Code of Practice for Salted Fish as in ALINORM 89/18, Appendix VII at Step 8 of the procedure.
Proposed Draft Amendment to the Codex Standard for Sardines and Sardine Type Products
427. The Chairman of the Committee informed the Commission that studies had been carried out to fulfil the four conditions of the procedure for the incorporation of additional species of fish in a Codex Standard. The Committee agreed that Opisthonema oglinum should be included in Section 2.1 (a) of the Codex Standard for Sardines and Sardine-Type Products. The Commission was informed that the studies had been carried out by three laboratories in the Federal Republic of Germany, Finland and the United Kingdom. According to the procedure adopted by the Commission in 1979, the incorporation of the new species in the Standard, fulfilling the four conditions of the procedure, would be submitted to the Commission for immediate endorsement and incorporation into the Standard.
428. The Delegation of France, supported by the Delegations of Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom, expressed reservations about the proposed inclusion of Opisthonema oglinum in the Codex Standard.
Status of the Proposed Amendment
429. The Commission adopted the amendment under its procedure for amending Codex texts.
Revision of Labelling provisions for Fish and Fishery Products
430. The Commission was informed that the proposal of the final amended labelling sections of the Codex Standard for Fish and Fishery Products had been endorsed by the Codex Committee on Food Labelling. In discussing this item the Commission was informed that the CCFFP had agreed not to include a requirement for drained weight in CODEX STAN 70-1981 - Canned Tuna and Bonito in Water or Oil, and this decision is clearly indicated in ALINORM 89/18 para. 46. Apparently an error had been made in Appendix XII on this point and it was this incorrect provision that had been endorsed.
431. The Commission agreed to adopt all the labelling provisions except the drained weight provision in the Standard for Canned Tuna and Bonito in Water or Oil. This specific matter would be discussed by CCFL in the light of information to be supplied by CCFFP.
432. The Delegation of the United States brought to the attention of the Commission the fact that Supplement 1 to the Recommended Code of Practice for Shrimps and Prawns should be changed to inform the user that the “microbiological criteria” contained in the Supplement applied only to cooked frozen shrimps and prawns. The Supplement as currently written made no distinction about the forms of presentation to which the criteria apply, and thus the criteria could be misapplied to all forms of presentation referred to in the Codex Standard for Quick Frozen Shrimps and Prawns.
433. The Commission adopted the amendment as an editorial correction.
434. The Delegation of Sweden referred to the statement on risk assessment made by the Chairman of the CCFFP (para. 407) and suggested that a discussion on risk assessment related to food safety be included as an item for the next session of the Commission. It was suggested that risks related to chemical as well as microbiological contamination should be discussed.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
435. 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)
436. The Report of the Fourteenth Session of the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products (ALINORM 89/16) was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Dr Bent Simonsen (Denmark).
437. The Commission noted that the CCPMPP was currently elaborating Annex D to the subject Code (CAC-RCP 13 - 1976, Rev. 1) entitled “Preservation of Shelf-Stable Cured Meat Products in Consumers Size Hermetically Sealed Containers”, (Appendix II, ALINORM 89/16). The 14th Session of the CCPMPP advanced Annex D to Step 5 for the Commission's consideration.
438. The Commission agreed to adopt Annex D at Step 5 of the Codex procedure.
439. The Commission noted that CCPMPP was currently revising the Codex standards for Canned Corned Beef, Luncheon Meat, Cooked Cured Ham, Cooked Cured Pork Shoulder and Cooked Cured Chopped Meat (Appendices V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, respectively, ALINORM 89/16). The CCPMPP advanced the standards to Step 5 of the Codex procedure for the Commission's consideration. The Commission, while noting the extensive revisions made to these standards, agreed to their adoption at Step 5 of the Codex procedure.
440. The Commission noted that the draft guidelines (App IV, ALINORM 89/16) were being forwarded for consideration at Step 8. The Commission also had before it written comments concerning this issue from the Governments of Denmark (ALINORM 89/32 - Part VII) and Thailand (LIM 13). The Commission was also informed that further discussion of this item would take place under Agenda Item 33 (Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins).
441. The Commission noted that document ALINORM 89/32 - Part VII contained a proposed definition for non-meat protein products from the Government of Denmark for insertion into the draft guidelines. The Chairman of the CCPMPP indicated that the definition might be construed to exclude fish proteins as currently drafted, and emphasized that this was not the intent.
442. The Commission was also informed that the Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins had requested the CCPMPP to introduce a paragraph into the guidelines concerning the need for nutritional equivalency for a meat product containing vegetable proteins as compared with a similar product with no substitution. The Chairman of CCPMPP, while recognizing the significance and implications for the meat industry in this area, recommended that the request be discussed further at the next CCPMPP Session, and that the Guidelines be returned to Step 6. He also indicated that the CCVP had recommended the reintroduction of a paragraph concerning the name of the food into the guidelines, as this paragraph was removed at the last CCPMPP Session.
443. The Commission agreed to return the Guidelines to Step 6 of the Codex procedure for further consideration.
444. The Commission noted that the CCPMPP had agreed to elaborate the subject draft guide (App.III, ALINORM 89/16). The Delegation of the United Kingdom, while not objecting to the elaboration of such a guide, requested the Committee to consider the work of the International Spice Group in order to avoid duplication of efforts.
445. The Commission agreed to the continued elaboration of the Guide for submission to governments for comment at Step 3.
Proposal to Change the Name of the Committee in Spanish
446. The Commission agreed to change the Spanish title of the Committee to read as “El Comité del Codex sobre Productos Carnicos Elaborados” in order to provide a more accurate translation.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
447. The Commission, while noting that the Committee may wish to adjourn sine die at its next Session in October 1990, agreed to confirm under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products should continue under the Chairmanship of the Government of Denmark.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON CEREALS, PULSES AND LEGUMES (Agenda Item 32)
448. The Commission had before it ALINORM 89/29, the Report of the 6th Session of the Committee. In introducing the Report, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Steven Tanner informed the Commission that good progress had been made on the draft standards under discussion and several of these standards were being submitted to the Commission for adoption at Steps 5 and 8.
449. The Commission noted that the Committee, in view of the increasing expansion of world trade in oats, agreed to consider the need for elaboration of a world-wide standard for oats at its next Session on the basis of a working paper to be prepared by the Delegation of the USA assisted by the Delegation of Australia. It also noted that the Committee agreed to review the ISO Specification for Wheat before considering whether a separate Codex Standard for Wheat should be elaborated.
Consideration at step 8 of the Draft Standard for Certain Pulses(ALINORM 89/29, Appendix II)
450. Mr. Tanner pointed out that the Standard which had been returned by the Commission to Step 6 of the Procedure at its last (17th) Session had been thoroughly discussed by the Committee at its 6th Session. The Committee, in order to meet the wide range of proposals for maximum moisture content, proposed two maximum moisture levels to meet different climatic conditions and marketing practices. He informed the Committee that the various sections requiring endorsement had been endorsed by the respective committees.
451. The Commission was informed that Step 8 comments and proposals for amendments to the Standard had been submitted and were available in LIM 12 and in a paper presented by the International Pulse Trade and Industry Confederation.
452. Referring to the comments submitted to the Commission, the Chairman of the Committee stated that the section on defects was amended at the 6th Session of the Committee and that the Committee had taken into consideration the comments of the International Pulse Trade and Industry Confederation and that the Section on defects would not need further amendments. Argentina had, in LIM 12, affirmed its national position and the comments of Argentina would not all for amendments of the world-wide standard. The Chairman of the Committee proposed that the Standard be adopted at Step 8 of the Procedure.
453. The Delegations of UK, India, Australia and Iraq expressed reservation for the moisture content as contained in 3.2.1.1 of the Standard. In their view the moisture levels were high and the figures were vague as regards their suitability at the point of application. The Delegation of Poland expressed reservation for clause 3.4.1 Foreign Matter, 4. Contaminants and 5.2.2 Hygiene. In its view tolerances should be established for heavy metals and the presence of mycotoxins should not be allowed to any extent.
454. To a question raised by the Delegation of Norway as regards the scientific basis for the footnote to clause 4. Contaminants, the Commission deleted the words “pending finalization of levels of heavy metal contaminants” from the footnote.
455. The Delegation of France brought the attention of the commission to certain errors in terminology in Section 2.2 and 3.4.3. The Commission also noted the comment of the Delegation of Brazil that there was an error in the Spanish text in clause 3.4.1 where 0.01% of dead insects should read as 0.1%
Status of the Standard for Certain Pulses
456. The Commission adopted the Draft Standard for Certain Pulses at Step 8 and asked the Codex secretariat to correct the errors in terminology in the French and Spanish text and to inform UNECE that the Codex Standard for Certain Pulses had been adopted.
Consideration at Step 8 of the Draft Standard for Sorghum Grains(ALINORM 89/29, Appendix III)
457. The Commission noted that the Committee had made some minor changes to Section 2. Description, and Sections 3.3 and 3.4 Definitions and Tolerances for Defects, reduced the maximum moisture content from 15% to 14.5%, the ash content from 1.6 to 1.5% on dry weight basis and the fat content from 4.7% to 4.0% and advanced the Standard to Step 8.
Status of the Standard for Sorghum Grains
458. The Commission noted that the Step 8 Comments as contained in LIM 12 had already been discussed by the Committee at its earlier sessions and adopted the Standard for Sorghum Grains at Step 8.
Consideration at Step 8 of the Draft Standard for Sorghum Flour (ALINORM 89/29, Appendix IV)
459. The Commission noted that the Committee had decided to specify a provision of 0.3% for tannin content on a dry basis which was the same as for decorticated sorghum grains, agreed to delete the provision for degree of extraction since there was no methodology available to determine extraction rate of sorghum flour and advanced the Standard to Step 8.
Status of the Standard for Sorghum Flour
460. The Commission noted that the Step 8 comments as contained in LIM 12 had already been discussed by the Committee at its earlier sessions and adopted the Standard for Sorghum Flour at step 8.
461. The Commission noted that Step 5 comments were received from the Federal Republic of Germany (ALINORM 89/32- Part VI-CPL) and from Thailand. Since these comments were of a technical nature, the Commission agreed that they should be considered by the Committee at its next session. It adopted the Draft Standard for Durum Wheat Semolina and Durum Wheat at Step 5 and advanced it to Step 6 of the Codex Procedure.
Sampling Plans Cited in the Standards for Maize Grits and Maize Meal (ALINORM 89/29, para. 16)
462. The Commission noted that the Committee had accepted that the sampling plans should exclude aflatoxins from the methods cited. The Committee had agreed to refer this to the Commission with a request to amend the reference to sampling plans included in the Standards accordingly. Sampling for aflatoxins was considered as a separate issue.
463. The Commission approved the proposed amendment.
464. The Commission noted that provisions for chlorine, chlorine dioxide, benzoyl peroxide, azodicarbonamide, potassium bromate, have not been endorsed by the Codex committee on Food Additives and Contaminants. It also noted that the Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes, at its 6th Session, had endorsed the statement of technological justification contained in CX/FAC 88/10-Part II and requested that this statement be re-submitted to the Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants. Noting that this matter had been under consideration over a number of sessions of both committees; that the additives in question had been evaluated and cleared by JECFA; and that in its opinion adequate technological justification had been provided, the Committee saw no impediment to the endorsement of the provisions by the Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants provided that the Standard clearly indicated that there would be certain restrictions on their use and countries would be able to indicate specified deviations from the Standard. In the event that CCFAC would be unable to endorse these provisions, the Committee requested the Executive Committee and the Commission to consider the matter in order to complete the standard for wheat flour.
465. The Commission noted that the subject was considered by the 36th Session of the Executive Committee (ALINORM 89/4, paras. 40–41) which recommended that the Commission endorse all the food additive provisions for wheat flour, which have not yet been endorsed by CCFAC.
466. The Delegation of the Federal Republic of Germany was unable to agree with the recommendation of the Executive Committee. In its view the need for bleaching agents in wheat flour was not technologically justified. The use of bleaching agents with its attached risk especially in staple foods should be viewed with caution especially in relation to the protection of health to the consumer. The views of the Federal Republic of Germany were shared by Egypt, France, Austria, Portugal, Spain, Nigeria and Belgium. All these Delegations supported the action of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants.
467. The Delegation of the UK brought the attention of the Commission to the fact that there was a principle involved which should be discussed. The real expertise on technological justification of the food additive in commodity standards lay with the Commodity Committee and not with CCFAC. The CCFAC is charged with examining, for the purpose of endorsement, the additive sections of the standard, the purpose of that examination and endorsement being essentially one of food safety. JECFA had evaluated all the treatment agents under consideration and given toxicological clearance for their use in food. In addition, the Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes had restricted their use to flours for certain specific uses. The Delegation supported the views of the Executive Committee that all the food additive provisions should be endorsed. The views of the UK were shared by the USA and the Netherlands, although the Delegation of the Netherlands expressed itself against the use of these agents in such an important substance as wheat flour.
468. The Delegation of Switzerland informed the Commission that the difference in the views expressed above by the countries was due to a large extent to the differences in food habits and proposed that all the food additives in wheat flour should be endorsed. Those countries that were unable to accept certain food additive provisions could then accept the standard with specific deviations.
469. The Commission agreed with the views of the 36th Session of the Executive Committee and endorsed all those food additives in wheat flour which were not endorsed by CCFAC. The Delegation of Egypt expressed reservation on the decision of the Commission.
470. The Committee advanced to Step 5 the amendment to increase the fat acidity in wheat flour from 30 mg to 50 mg KOH/100 g in white flours of extraction rates of 75% or less. The Committee, however, noted that there was no method for determination of extraction rates of wheat flour.
471. The Commission referred the Step 5 comments received from Brazil and Thailand to the Committee, adopted the amendment at Step 5 and advanced it to Step 6. While advancing the amendment to Step 6, the Commission noted that the limits of fat acidity should apply only to white flours of extraction rates up to 75%.
Guideline Levels for Contaminants in Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (ALINORM 89/29, paras. 33– 38)
472. The Committee had proposed Guideline Levels for Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury and Lead in Cereals, Pulses and Legumes.
473. The Delegation of Norway asked the Commission whether guideline levels for contaminants were set on the basis of levels found in food or on health risk to the consumer. The Commission noted that the subject was reviewed by the CCFAC which, through its Working Group on intake, monitors the contaminant intake and health protection of the consumer.
474. The Commission agreed to the proposal of the Committee for the submission of the guideline levels for certain contaminants in cereals, pulses and legumes to the governments for comments at Step 3.
Elaboration of a World-Wide Standard for Rice including Milled Rice (ALINORM 89/29, paras. 114– 115)
475. The Commission noted that the Committee was of the opinion that an appropriate world-wide standard for rice, including milled rice would indeed facilitate world trade and agreed to request its approval to elaborate such a standard. It also noted that the Delegation of the United States assisted by the Delegations of France and the Netherlands, agreed to prepare a first draft proposal which would take into account the ISO Specification for Rice (ISO-7301), for discussion at the Committee's next session.
476. The Delegation of Thailand reaffirmed its reservation for the elaboration of a separate Codex Standard for Rice including Milled Rice. In its view, the ISO specification for rice would suffice.
477. The Commission noted that the elaboration of a separate Codex Standard for Rice including Milled Rice was supported both by the Coordinating Committee for Africa and the Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean and approved the elaboration of a world-wide standard for rice including milled rice.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
478. 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.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON VEGETABLE PROTEINS (Agenda Item 33)
479. The Commission had before it ALINORM 89/30, the Report of the Fifth Session of the Committee which was introduced by Mr. B. Smith (Canada).
Update of the Report on Vegetable Protein Production and Utilization (ALINORM 89/30, paras. 9 –13)
480. The Commission noted that the Committee had expressed appreciation to the U.S. Delegation, particularly to Dr. W. Wolf, for updating this report. It had noted that the report would need constant updating because of the dynamic trends in the utilization of vegetable proteins in foods. Several delegations agreed to provide additional information which could be incorporated in the document, including the use of proteins from tubers.
481. The Commission expressed appreciation to the Canadian Secretariat of the Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins which agreed to prepare the updated text and make it available to the Codex Secretariat for distribution to interested parties.
Protein Quality Measurement (ALINORM 89/30, para 20)
482. The Commission noted that the Committee had agreed that the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score method was the best available for routine evluation of protein quality of vegetable protein products. However, because the methodology used to measure protein quality had broad implications beyond the purview of the CCVP, it recognized the need for the wider scientific community to address issues such as amino acid methodology, protein digestibility, amino acid bioavailability, and correlations in humans. It accordingly recommended that a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation should be held in order to review the method. The Commission was informed that external funding from the USA would be available to support the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation, and that the Consultation was tentatively scheduled to be held in Washington D.C. from 4 to 6 December 1989.
483. The Commission noted that comments would be later sought on the Expert Consultation's report from member governments and from the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses.
484. The Commission expressed appreciation to the Delegation of the U.S.A. for providing funds to convene the Expert Consultation.
Quantitative differentiation of Vegetable and Animal Protein (ALINORM 89/30, paras 33–37)
485. The Commission noted that Enzyme-Immuno Assays would be the best approach for effective differentiation of vegetable and animal proteins. However, no practical and tested method had yet emerged. It also noted that the Netherlands Delegation had agreed to continue their monitoring of this methodology and had accepted the Committee's request to prepare a further update report by January 1991, in time for the 19th Session of the Commission. The Delegation of the U.S.A. and Canada and the Observer from Euvepro agreed to assist the Netherlands with this assignment. The Commission expressed appreciation to the Delegations of the Netherlands, U.S.A. and Canada and Observer from Euvepro for undertaking this task.
486. The Commission noted that the Committee had replaced the term "Nutritional Adequacy" by "Nutritional Equivalence", on the understanding that this had been proposed by the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses, made the consequential changes to the Guidelines and had advanced the text to Step 8.
487. The Delegation of the U.K. stated its view that the Committee had given too much weight to an opinion expressed by a working party of CCNFSDU which was not adopted by that Committee itself, and that nutritional equivalence was not the same as nutritional adequacy. The Delegation preferred the use of the term “nutritional adequacy” which had been initially used in the guidelines. The concept of nutritional equivalence was almost impossible to achieve, and this would cause severe difficulties for trade in these products which were otherwise safe. The Delegation of Denmark, introducing Conference Room Document LIM 5, informed the Commission that inclusion of the concept of nutritional equivalence in the guidelines was a substantial change to the guidelines and that the new concept would need to be sent to governments for comments before undertaking further consideration of the guidelines. In its view, introduction of the concept of nutritional equivalence of vegetable protein products in partial or complete substitution of the animal protein in food would create major difficulties for food manufacturers. The views of the United Kingdom and Denmark were supported by the Delegations of the Netherlands, Belgium and USA, and the Observer from EUVEPRO.
488. The Commission agreed to delete the definition of nutritional equivalence from the existing text of the guidelines, reinstate the definition for nutritional adequacy and substitute the term “nutritional equivalence” by “nutritional adequacy” in the text.
489. The Delegations of France, Norway and the Federal Republic of Germany expressed reservation to the wording in clause 7.5(iii). In their view the wording "unless properly qualified" should be deleted from the text. The Commission did not delete these words from the text.
490. Referring to Annex I of the Guidelines “Proposed Draft Guidelines for testing safety and nutritional quality of Vegetable Protein Products”, the Delegation of Belgium supported by Switzerland proposed that it should be withdrawn since in their view vegetable proteins could be classed under novel foods which would be later addressed by the International Conference on Food Standards. The Commission noted that the Annex had been elaborated on the basis of PAG Guidelines and expressed the view that retention of the annex would be useful. The Guidelines contained in the Annex which were restricted to new vegetable proteins could be reexamined later in the study.
491. With the changes agreed to as noted above, the Commission adopted the Draft Guidelines for the utilization of Vegetable Protein Products at Step 8.
492. The Commission considered both the General Standard for Vegetable Protein Products and for Soy Protein Products together.
493. The Commission noted that the Committee had completed its work on the General Standard as well as the Soy Standard. With respect to the section on Food Additives, the Committee had agreed to a text which stated that “During the course of manufacturing Vegetable Protein Products, several classes of processing aids, as compiled in the advisory inventory of the Codex Alimentarius Commission may be used”. With regard to contaminants, the Committee had agreed not to establish maximum levels on the basis of the meagre information available on this subject. The Committee had deleted the provision for trypsin inhibitor since it agreed not to set limits for the parameter in primary soy protein products. The Committee advanced both the standards to Step 8.
494. Several delegations expressed concern on the list of processing aids proposed for use. In some countries some of the processing aids listed were considered as food additives. Also certain chemicals could be used both as processing aids and food additives. In their view the food additives which would require to be labelled should be separately listed. The Commission agreed with the views of the delegations with regard to processing aids but accepted the text without change since in its view this was the best compromise that could be achieved. It agreed to include a footnote to the Section 4. Food additives in both the standards “To be reviewed by the Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins”, and requested the Committee to specify which substances are used exclusively as food additives for later inclusion in the standard by means of an appropriate amendment.
495. The delegation of Poland expressed reservation with regard to Section 5 on contaminants and Section 6.3 Hygiene dealing with microbiological aspects. In its view tolerances for heavy metals should be established.
496. The Commission adopted the Draft General Standard for Vegetable Protein Products and Draft Standard for Soy Protein Products at Step 8.
Adjournment of the Committee Since Die
497. Mr. Smith gave an outline of the work and history of the Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins. He expressed the view that the Committee had been very productive and had contributed to international standardization of Vegetable Proteins. It had agreed at its last session that its major work assignments had now been completed and that it should be adjourned sine die. The Committee would however, be willing to continue to serve as a contact point for those seeking information on vegetable proteins.
498. The Commission expressed its appreciation to the Committee and to the Government of Canada for the valuable work on Vegetable Proteins and concurred that the Committee be adjourned sine die.
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
499. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins should continue to be under the Chairmanship of the Government of Canada.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON SUGARS (Agenda Item 34)
500. Matters of interest arising from the Codex Committee on Sugars, which the Commission noted has adjourned sine die, were presented by Mr. Charles Cockbill of the United Kingdom on behalf of the Secretariat of the Committee.
Methods of Analysis Provisions in Codex Standards for Sugars (ALINORM 89/27-Part A)
501. The Commission noted that a Revised Methods of Analysis document (CX/S 88/MAS) was distributed for comment under Circular Letter CL 1988/9- MAS of March 1988. Comments received concerning this issue were reviewed at the 16th Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling, where it was decided to forward the comments to ICUMSA, ISO and IFG for input. The CCMAS, while recommending temporary endorsement of the methods elaborated in this document, emphasized the need for ISO and ICUMSA to conduct collaborative studies prior to the CCMAS final endorsement.
502. The Commission agreed with this procedure.
Codex Sugar Standard Contaminant Levels (ALINORM 89/27-Part B)
503. The Commission noted that the 19th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants had temporarily endorsed maximum levels of lead in all sugars at 1.0 mg/kg, except for fructose (0.5 mg/kg). The Commission was informed that the proposed limits would be circulated for comment at Step 3.
504. The Delegation of Poland stated that a lead limit of 1.0 mg/kg was too high, as their national authorities had established a level of 0.5 mg/kg.
505. The Commission, while noting that the proposed limits will be subjected to circulation and comment, decided to endorse the above procedure.
High Fructose Glucose Syrup(ALINORM 89/27 - Add. 1)
506. The Commission was invited to consider a proposal of the Secretariat of the Codex Committee on Sugars regarding the need to elaborate a Codex standard for High Fructose Glucose Syrup.
507. The Delegation of the United States questioned the need for such a standard in view of the minor amounts moving in international trade and the insignificance of a standard in terms of its manufacture and sale. The Delegation of Canada supported this opinion, and noted that most Canadian production of this product is consumed domestically.
508. The Delegation of Belgium, while noting the comments of Canada and the USA, supported the elaboration of such a standard in view of its significance in European trade.
509. The Commission, noting the lack of adequate support for the elaboration of this standard, decided not to elaborate such a standard at this time.
Proposed Draft Standard for Raw Sugar
510. The Commission noted that this issue was discussed under the Codex Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean (Agenda Item 19).
Endorsement of Labelling Provisions for Sugar
511. The Commission noted that the 20th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling endorsed all labelling provisions for sugar standards as outlined in ALINORM 89/21, part 34(b).
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
512. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Sugars should continue under the Chairmanship of the United Kingdom. It noted that the Committee remained adjourned sine die.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (Agenda Item 35)
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
513. 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. It noted that although the Committee remained adjourned sine die, it would be responsible for the future elaboration of the Draft Standard for Grated Desiccated Coconut (see paras. 124–125 above).
CODEX COMMITTEE ON FATS AND OILS (Agenda Item 36)
514. The report of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (ALINORM 89/17) was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Dr. W.H.B. Denner (United Kingdom). Dr. Denner noted that the Committee had adjourned sine die following its 13th Session, and had continued its work by correspondence.
515. The Commission recalled that it had advanced the amendment to Step 6 only at its previous session in view of objections from some delegations to its adoption at Step 8 with the omission of Steps. Further comments had been requested from governments, and amendments had been proposed to that ranges for palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, cottonseed oil, low erucic acid rape seed oil, and sesame seed oil. The Secretariat of the Committee in analyzing the replies received was of the opinion that the compromise achieved at the Committee's 13th Session could not be improved upon, and proposed the adoption of the amendments at Step 8. The Secretariat of the Committee confirmed that the footnote explaining the use of the fatty acid ranges had been accidentally omitted from ALINORM 89/17 and should be reinstated.
516. The Delegation of Thailand, referring to its previous comments stated that it was unable to agree with the fatty acid ranges proposed for coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil and sesame seed oil.
Status of the Draft Amendments
517. The Commission adopted the proposed amended fatty acid ranges as contained in Annex 1 of ALINORM 89/17 at Step 8 noting that several factors including seed variety and climatic conditions contributed towards the variable nature of the fatty acid composition of most edible oils and any proposed identity criteria based on fatty acid ranges must be a compromise between the need to cover all samples of whatever origin, and the ability to assess the authenticity of an oil. In the view of the Commission, the proposed amendments were a satisfactory compromise.
518. The Commission noted that the Codex Coordinating Committee for Asia, at its 6th Session, (ALINORM 89/15, paras 215-217) proposed that the current Codex standards for Palm Oil (CODEX-STAN 125-1981) and Palm Kernel Oil (CODEX-STAN 126-1981) which were elaborated by the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils during 1979 be amended in view of the development of new technologies followed for the production of the oils, and identification and adoption of new methods of analysis suitable for palm oil, palm kernel oil and their products. The Executive Committee at its 35th Session, had approved the initiation of the amendment procedure for the Standards for Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil, and asked the UK Secretariat of the Committee on Fats and Oils to take appropriate action (ALINORM 89/3, para 40).
519. The Commission approved the action taken by the Executive Committee.
Elaboration of Standards for Palm Olein and Palm Stearin
520. In view of the considerable international trade in palm olein and palm stearin, the Codex Coordinating Committee for Asia, at its 6th Session, (ALINORM 89/15, paras 218–220) proposed that Codex should undertake to elaborate international standards for palm olein and palm stearin. The Executive Committee, at its 35th Session, took note of the justification provided by the Government of Malaysia, but requested the Secretariat of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils to determine whether or not palm olein and palm stearin were already covered by the General Standard for Fats and Oils. The UK Secretariat had since expressed the view that palm olein and palm stearin were not covered by the General Standard for Fats and Oils.
521. The Commission endorsed the elaboration of a Standard for Palm Olein only, and requested the Secretariat of the Committee to determine by means of a Circular Letter, whether there was sufficient international trade in palm stearin for food use to justify the elaboration of such a standard.
522. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils should continue under the Chairmanship of the United Kingdom. It noted that the Committee remained adjourned sine die.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON MEAT HYGIENE (Agenda Item 37)
523. The Delegation of New Zealand informed the Commission of its wish to reconvene the Committee to revise the four codes of practice elaborated by it in the period 1973–1982, in order for them to reflect modern inspection techniques and other developments in meat hygiene. This was also seen by the Delegation as providing tangible support to the Multilateral Uruguay Round of Trade Negotiations within GATT to lessen barriers to international trade. The Delegation indicated that the Committee's 6th session would probably be held in London possibly in October 1990.
524. The Commission agreed with the proposal to reconvene the Committee.
525. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene should continue under the Chairmanship of New Zealand.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON COCOA PRODUCTS AND CHOCOLATE (Agenda Item 38)
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
526. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate should continue under the Chairmanship of Switzerland. It noted that the Committee remained adjourned sine die.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON SOUPS AND BROTHS (Agenda Item 39)
Confirmation of Chairmanship of the Committee
527. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Soups and Broths should continue under the Chairmanship of Switzerland. It noted that the Committee remained adjourned sine die.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON EDIBLE ICES (Agenda Item 40)
528. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Edible Ices should continue under the Chairmanship of Sweden. It noted that the Committee remained adjourned sine. die.
CODEX COMMITTEE ON NATURAL MINERAL WATERS (Agenda Item 41)
529. The Commission confirmed under Rule IX.10 that the Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters should continue under the Chairmanship of Switzerland. It noted that the Committee remained adjourned sine die.
530. The Secretariat noted that the major items identified during the present session included future work on novel foods; a paper on the risk assessment of the presence of contaminants in food; and the convening of an inter-governmental food standards conference. The Chief of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme referred to the inter-governmental conferences already planned on food additives and on import and exports food control programmes. He proposed that a single, comprehensive conference should be convened, in the next biennium after the 19th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in which these and other matters could be discussed. The Commission welcomed this proposal.
531. The Delegation of Hungary requested the Commission to consider the reconvening of the Joint ECE/Codex Alimentarius Group of Experts on the Standardization of Quick Frozen Foods and proposed that standards for quick frozen green asparagus, quick frozen spinach leaves and quick frozen bell peppers, as well as a code of practice on the transport of quick frozen foods could be considered. The delegation also proposed that definitions were needed for reformed and restructured meat products and meat by-products.
532. The Delegation of Switzerland drew attention to the greater concern being expressed world-wide at the state of the environment, and warned that such concerns if not approached in a uniform manner could result in the creation of non-tariff barriers to the food trade. The delegation recommended that the Commission give greater attention to environmental matters in the future.
PROVISIONAL TIMETABLE OF CODEX SESSIONS 1990-1991 (Agenda Item 43)
533. The Commission had before it the Provisional Timetable (ALINORM 89/25). It was noted that during the course of the Commission's present session it had been agreed that consideration be given to the holding of a full session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling in early 1991, and a meeting of the Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene. The Secretariat undertook to contact host governments about the possibility of holding this latter session in conjunction with the scheduled meetings of the Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products and the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods, in October 1990.
534. The Commission requested the Secretariat to take the appropriate steps to ensure that the meetings of the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products and the Milk Committee currently both scheduled for 11–15 June 1989 did not coincide, and recommended holding the 22nd Session of the Milk Committee from 25 to 29 June 1990.
535. The Commission noted that the 7th Session of the Coordinating Committee for Asia would be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 5 to 12 February 1990, and the 17th Session of the Coordinating Committee for Europe from 28 May to 1 June 1990 in Vienna.
OTHER BUSINESS (Agenda Item 44)
536. There was no other business.
