SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The First Session of the Codex Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology reached the following conclusions:

MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND/OR THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION The Task Force agreed to report to the Executive Committee for approval as new work at Step 1 the following work plan: elaboration of major texts, namely: - A set of broad general principle for risk analysis of foods derived from biotechnology (precise title still to be determined); - Specific guidance on the risk assessment of foods derived from biotechnology (precise title still to be determined) (para. 27). preparation of a list of available analytical methods including those for the detection or identification of foods or food ingredients derived from biotechnology (para. 32).

OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION The Task Force: decided to establish two open-ended Ad Hoc Working Groups, namely: - Ad Hoc Working Group, to be chaired by Japan, to develop texts mentioned in (a) above (The Working Group is planned to meet twice before the Second Session of the Task Force)(para. 35); - Ad Hoc Working Group, to be chaired by Germany, to compile a list of analytical methods mentioned in (b) above (The Working Group will hold a half-day meeting immediately prior to the Second Session of the Task Force)(para. 36). welcomed the initiative of FAO and WHO to convene an expert consultation to support the scientific aspects of its work and agreed upon five specific questions for which scientific advice of the expert consultation would be sought for. (paras. 37, 38; Appendix III)