With an audience again exceeding 500, the 43rd gathering of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, being held in three-hour sessions across six days, has completed its programme of standard adoption and approval of new work.

Chairperson Guilherme Da Costa, Brazil, applauded once again the continued collaboration of Member Countries to build consensus and ensure valuable work can continue. “I thank you all for your support, your energy and usual cooperative spirit”, he said.

The Commission adopted a series of standards from the Processed Fruits and Vegetables Committee and agreed to adjourn this technical body considering its work, carried out exclusively through online mechanisms, completed. The Chairperson of the Committee, Richard Boyd, United States, said the group “has achieved its goals and updated all of the standards that were identified as high priority”.

As some work in setting Codex standards is concluded, issues arise that require other groups to reopen. The Commission has agreed to reactivate the Committee on Fish and Fishery Products to evaluate a proposal for the amendment of the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94- 1981) to include the Sardinella lemuru (Bali Sardinella) species.

List of standards adopted and proposals for new work agreed on Monday 12 October 2020.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV)

Standards for Chili sauce and Gochujang

The regional Codex standards for Chili sauce and Gochujang were developed in 2011 and 2009 respectively. These products are increasingly being consumed and distributed globally hence this conversion to a worldwide standard.

Relevant Codex Document (REP20/PFV Para. 13, App. II)

Standard for dried fruits

Dried fruits are produced and consumed in most regions of the world. Dried tropical fruits from developing countries are exported worldwide and the consumption of freeze-dried berries is likely to increase. Due to growing worldwide consumption, production and trade and the innovation of drying technology, Codex has developed an international standard for dried fruits to cover existing standards and new products.

Relevant Codex Document (REP20/PFV Para. 21, App. V)

Standard for canned mixed fruits

Fruits are important for a healthy diet and canned fruits provide a good way to enjoy tasty and nutritious fruits any time of year. There is growing interest amongst consumers for different combinations of mixed fruits and while some varieties of canned mixed fruits are currently available in international trade, this comprehensive horizontal standard will cover new combinations of mixed fruits by describing the required essential quality, hygiene and labelling requirements of the products.

Relevant Codex Document (REP20/PFV Para. 26, App. VI)

Revision to the Standard for Mango Chutney

The Codex Standard for Mango Chutney (CXS 160-1987) was developed almost 30 years ago. Since then a lot of developments have taken place regarding choice of ingredients and additives; processing techniques; quality parameters including identification of defects; colour and flavor, as well as the food safety parameters. The revision is in line with current production and marketing practices and now conforms to the current layout of Codex standards.

Relevant Codex Document (REP20/PFV Para. 17, App. IV)

Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP)

New work: Proposal for the amendment of the Standard for Canned Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (CXS 94- 1981): inclusion of Sardinella lemuru (Bali Sardinella) in the list of Sardinella species under sec. 2.1

This amendment will provide Member Countries and the sardine canning industry with a revised list of sardine-type fishes authorized for the preparation of sardine and sardine-type products including Sardinella lemuru or Bali Sardinella.

Relevant Codex Document (CX/CAC 20/43/9 Add.1 Annex II)

Read more

Review webcast of the day’s proceedings

Download working papers

Pictured (clockwise): Denmark, India, Cuba, Panama, Mauritius, Honduras, EU, Botswana