Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased to participate in the 15th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission which also happens to coincide with the celebration of our independence. This agenda item provides me an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to the goals of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. We look to the Commission as the international group with the scientific, technical, and professional capability to address and solve food standards issues. In fact, Mr. Chairman, the United States considers the Codex program the primary organization for the promotion of food safety and consumer protection internationally.
The United States has given strong support to the Codex program since its inception. As was indicated under Item 4, the United States has made considerable progress in completing action on documents distributed to governments for acceptance. We are proud of our progress and pledge that every effort will be made to continue consideration of the remaining Codex documents at an accelerated rate. Mr. Chairman, similar action by other countries is welcomed and is essential if the fruits of our efforts are to be fully realized.
Consideration and acceptance is important and necessary because Codex standards and codes will enhance exports by preventing and solving technical barriers to trade. Benefits accrue through the private sector which explains their strong interest and contribution to the Codex program. It also explains why the private sector's use of Codex standards in international trade will ultimately determine the degree of success of the Codex program. The Codex program's positive impact on worldwide trade in foodstuffs can help achieve strong economies which is a universal goal of governments. This brings us to the subject of other international organizations operating to standardize foods and related matters similar to the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Frankly, we are somewhat concerned about some of the overlap which exists. I applaud the Codex and its efforts to avoid overlap and duplication. But, there are activities which concern us in the United Nations framework. Recently, a proposed draft of guidelines for consumer protection was distributed through the United Nations. That document which was referred to ECOSOC for consideration addressed many issues already considered in Codex regarding food products. Also, a separate proposal to prepare a consolidated list of products harmful to health and the environment would have applied to food additives, pesticide residues, and other contaminants. That concerns us. When United States personnel approached the staff people preparing the paperwork necessary to pursue these issues and mentioned the work of Codex they indicated that they had never heard of Codex. I make this point to emphasize that perhaps the Codex should undertake to expand the knowledge and understanding of its programs.
Finally, Mr. Chairman, I applaud this group and its efforts to control its budget. The funding system places primary emphasis directly on governments. By adjourning committees when their work is accomplished and by maintaining a non-expanding efficient secretariat, the Codex Commission is unique. It gets maximum use of its funds and it benefits all countries. It stays up to date in food law activities and well it must. As knowledge and technology change, so must our regulatory activities change. Codex plays a key part and we strongly support it. Thank you Mr. Chairman.
