ALINORM 97/12A

JOINT FAO/WHO FOOD STANDARDS PROGRAMME

CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION
Twenty-second Session
Geneva, Switzerland 23–28 June 1997

NOTE: This report includes Codex Circular Letter CL 1997/6-FAC.

SUBJECT: Distribution of the Report of the Twenty-ninth Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (ALINORM 97/12A)

The report of the Twenty-ninth Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants is attached. It will be considered by the Twenty-second Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Geneva from 23–28 June 1997.

MATTERS FOR ADOPTION BY THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION

1. Proposed Draft Revised Preamble to the Codex General Standard for Food Additives at Step 8; ALINORM 97/12A, para. 28 and Appendix III.

2. Additives with Non-Numerical Acceptable Daily Intakes and Food Categories or Individual Foods where the Use of These Additives was Not Allowed at Step 8; ALINORM 97/12A, para. 36 and Appendix IV).

3. Codex Advisory Specifications at Step 8; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 39–40 and Appendix VI.

4. Draft Annexes IV and V of the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods at Step 8; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 51–53 and Appendix VII.

5. Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin B₁ in Raw Materials and Supplemental Feedingstuffs for Milk Producing Animals at Step 8; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 60–61 and Appendix IX.

Governments wishing to propose amendments or to comment on the above matters should do so in writing in conformity with the Guide to the Consideration of Standards at Step 8 of the Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex Standards Including Consideration of Any Statements Relating to Economic Impact (Codex Alimentarius Procedural Manual, Ninth Edition, pages 33–35) to the Chief, Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, FAO, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy, not later than 30 May 1997.

1. Proposed Draft Schedules for Antioxidants, Preservatives, Stabilizers/Thickeners and Sweeteners With a Numerical ADI at Step 5; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 29–30 and Appendix V.

2. Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Lead at Step 5; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 69–70 and Appendix X.

Governments wishing to submit comments regarding the implications which the above matters or any provisions thereof may have for their economic interest should do so in writing in conformity with the Uniform Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex Standards and Related Texts (at Step 5) (Codex Alimentarius Procedural Manual, Ninth Edition, pages 27–29) to the Chief, Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, FAO, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy, not later than 30 May 1997.

REQUEST FOR COMMENTS AND INFORMATION

1. Methods of Analysis for the Determination of Food Additives and Contaminants in Foods; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 9–11.

The Committee confirmed the decision of its last Session to invite comments for additional methods of analysis for food additives and contaminants based on specific criteria (see para. 28, ALINORM 97/12).

2. Consideration of Technological Justification and Need for the Use of Food Additives; ALINORM 97/12A, para. 35.

The Committee requested comments on the above document as currently drafted (CX/FAC 97/10) for consideration at its next meeting.

3. Proposed Amendments to the International Numbering System; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 41–43.

The Committee proposed that the INS numbers 425 and 960 be assigned to Konjac Flour and to Stevioside respectively for circulation and comment at Step 3. The Committee also decided that amendments to the International Numbering System will be requested on a standing basis.

4. Proposed Amendments to the Inventory of Processing Aids; ALINORM 97/12A, para. 44.

The Committee agreed that comments would be requested on a standing basis.

5. Draft Maximum Level for Aflatoxin M₁ in Milk; ALINORM 97/12A, para. 55.

The Committee agreed to collect more information on the public health implications of a higher level and the potential economic problems from the lower level as proposed.

6. Draft Guideline Levels and Sampling Plans for Peanuts Intended for Further Processing; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 56–59.

The Committee agreed to collect more information on the potential economic problems from a level of 10 ug/kg and the public health implications of a level of 15, as compared to 10, μg/kg.

7. Position Paper on Patulin; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 75–77.

The Committee requested additional information on Patulin for direct submission to France.

8. Position Paper on Tin; ALINROM 97/12A, paras. 78–80.

The Committee requested governments to send additional information to the author countries (i.e., Australia) to enable the preparation of an updated version of the document.

9. Proposals for the Priority Evaluation of Food Additives and Contaminants by JECFA; ALINORM 97/12A, paras. 81–82 and Appendix VIII.

Additional proposals for amendments and/or additions to the above list are requested.

Governments and international organizations wishing to submit comments and information on the above matters are invited to do so no later than 1 November 1997 as follows: Mr. E.F.F. Hecker, Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries, P.O. Box 20401, 2500 EK The Hague, The Netherlands, (Telefax No. 0031.70.347.7552) with a copy to the Chief, Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, FAO, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The Twenty-ninth Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants reached the following conclusions:

MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION:

• Agreed to forward the draft revised Preamble to the Codex General Standard for Food Additives to the Commission for adoption at Step 8 (para. 28);

• Agreed to advance revised provisions for Antioxidants, Preservatives, Stabilizers/Thickeners and Sweeteners with a Numerical ADI to the Commission for adoption at Step 5 (para. 30);

• Endorsed and forwarded a list of Additives with Non-Numerical Acceptable Daily Intakes and an Annex of Food Categories or Individual Foods where the Use of these Additives was Not Allowed to the Commission for adoption at Step 8 (para. 36);

• Agreed to forward specifications for the identity and purity of food additives to the Commission for adoption as Codex Advisory Specifications (para. 39);

• Forwarded the Introduction section of Annex IV and the whole of Annex V of the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods to the Commission for adoption at Step 8 (para. 53);

• Agreed to forward the draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin B₁ in Raw Materials and Supplemental Feedingstuffs for Milk Producing Animals to the Commission for adoption at Step 8 (para. 61);

• Forwarded a revised version of the proposed draft Maximum Levels for Lead to the Commission for adoption at Step 5 (para. 70), and;

• Agreed to the List of Priorities of Food Additives and Contaminants Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA (para. 81).

OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION:

• Agreed to defer any decision concerning Guideline Levels for Methylmercury in Fish until JECFA had performed the appropriate risk assessment (para. 5);

• Agreed to examine a proposal to include packaging provisions to maintain the stability of iodized salt in the Revised Standard for Food Grade Salt at its next Session (para. 6);

• Confirmed the decision of its last session to invite comments for additional Methods of Analysis for the Determination of Food Additives and Contaminants in Foods based on specific criteria (para. 11);

• Endorsed and/or revised Food Additive Provisions in Codex Standards as proposed (paras. 12–24);

• Agreed that the budget method should be used to screen Additives which Require Further Assessment of their Exposure, and that an appropriate number of these additives be referred to JECFA for the evaluation of data on probable human exposure (para. 26);

• Requested the United States to compress information on Colours/Colour Retention Agents, Bulking Agents and Emulsifiers to create proposals for circulation, comment and discussion at the Committee's next meeting (para. 31);

• Accepted the offer of Denmark, assisted by France and the United Kingdom, to prepare a revised Annex A to the General Standard for Food Additives for circulation and comment prior to the next meeting (para. 34);

• Requested that comments be submitted on a document concerning Technological Justification and Need for the Use of Food Additives for consideration as its next meeting (para. 35);

• Agreed to issue a Circular Letter requesting information on the Remaining Additives with Numerical Acceptable Daily Intakes as had been accomplished for previous requests (para. 37);

• Proposed that the INS numbers 425 and 960 be assigned to Konjac Flour and to Stevioside respectively for circulation and comment at Step 3 (para. 41). The Committee also decided that amendments to the International Numbering System for Food Additives be maintained as a standing agenda item (para. 43);

• Agreed that proposed amendments to the Inventory of Processing Aids would be requested on a standing basis (para. 44);

• Endorsed and/or revised Contaminant Provisions in Codex Standards as proposed (paras. 45–49);

• Decided to postpone discussions concerning Methodology and Principles for Exposure Assessment in the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods until its next Session (para. 50);

• Accepted the offer of Norway to prepare a Position Paper on Zearalenone for circulation, comment and consideration at its next meeting (para. 52);

• Agreed to maintain the draft Maximum Level for Aflatoxin M₁ in Milk at Step 7 in order to collect more information (para. 55);

• Agreed to maintain the draft Guideline Level and Sampling Plans for Total Aflatoxins in Peanuts Intended for Further Processing pending the upcoming JECFA evaluation and the collection of additional information (para. 58);

• Accepted the offer of the delegation of Sweden to revise the Position Paper on Ochratoxin A for consideration at its next meeting (para. 66);

• Decided to maintain the draft Guideline Level for Cadmium in Cereals, Pulses and Legumes at Step 7 pending the forthcoming JECFA evaluation (para. 67);

• Discontinued consideration of the draft Guideline Level for Lead in Cereals, Pulses and Legumes at Step 7 (para. 68);

• Accepted the offer of Denmark, assisted by France and the Netherlands, to prepare a Compilation of Existing Data on Cadmium for discussion at its next meeting (paras. 67 and 71);

• Accepted the offer of Denmark to revise the Position Paper on Arsenic for circulation, comment and consideration at its next meeting (para. 74);

• Accepted the offer of France to revise the Position Paper on Patulin for circulation prior to its next meeting (para. 77);

• Accepted the offer of Australia to prepare a revised version of the Position Paper on Tin for consideration at its next meeting (para. 80);

• Decided to advise the Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products that additional information on the Carry-Over of Sulphur Dioxide was not available (para. 83);

• Decided to maintain the current maximum level for sulphur dioxide in the Codex Standard for Dried Apricots (para. 84), and;

Accepted the offer of Sweden to elaborate a proposed draft Code of Practice on Source Directed Measures to Reduce Contamination of Foodstuffs for circulation, comment and consideration at its next meeting (para. 85).

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION AND OPENING OF THE SESSION

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

APPOINTMENT OF RAPPORTEUR

MATTERS REFERRED FROM THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION AND OTHER CODEX COMMITTEES

REPORTS OF JOINT FAO/WHO EXPERT CONSULTATIONS ON RISK MANAGEMENT

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO METHODS OF ANALYSIS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS IN FOODS

ENDORSEMENT AND/OR REVISION OF MAXIMUM LEVELS FOR FOOD ADDITIVES IN CODEX STANDARDS

RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES: PROPOSED EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT METHODS IN SUPPORT OF THE CODEX GENERAL STANDARD FOR FOOD ADDITIVES

CONSIDERATION OF THE CODEX GENERAL STANDARD FOR FOOD ADDITIVES

Proposed Draft Revised Preamble

Proposed Draft Schedules for Antioxidants, Preservatives, Stabilizers/Thickeners and Sweeteners

Worksheets for Colours/Colour Retention Agents, Bulking Agents and Emulsifiers

Proposed Draft Revised Annex A

Technological Justification and Need

Additives with Non-Numerical Acceptable Daily Intakes

Food Additive Classes to Study Next

CONSIDERATION OF SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE IDENTITY AND PURITY OF FOOD ADDITIVES

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL NUMBERING SYSTEM

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE INVENTORY OF PROCESSING AIDS

ENDORSEMENT OF CONTAMINANT PROVISIONS IN CODEX STANDARDS

METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPLES FOR EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT IN THE CODEX GENERAL STANDARD FOR CONTAMINANTS AND TOXINS IN FOODS

ANNEXES IV AND V OF THE CODEX GENERAL STANDARD FOR CONTAMINANTS AND TOXINS IN FOODS

MYCOTOXINS IN FOOD AND FEED

Position Paper on Aflatoxins

Guideline Levels and Sampling Plans for Total Aflatoxins in Peanuts

Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxins in Raw Materials and Supplementary Feedingstuffs for Milk Producing Animals

Position Paper on Ochratoxin A

INDUSTRIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS IN FOODS

Guideline Levels for Cadmium and Lead in Cereals, Pulses and Legumes

Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Lead

Comments on Cadmium

Position Paper on Arsenic

Position Paper on Patulin

Position Paper on Tin

Report of the working group on priorities

OTHER BUSINESS AND FUTURE WORK

Carry-Over of Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur Dioxide in the Codex Standard for Dried Apricots

Source Directed Measures to Reduce Contamination of Foodstuffs

DATE AND PLACE OF NEXT SESSION

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix I List of Participants

Appendix II Endorsement of Food Additive and Contaminant Provisions in Codex Standards

Appendix III Revised Preamble to the Codex General Sk Food+ Additives at Step 8

Appendix IV General Standard for Food Additives: draft schedule of additives permitted for use in food in general, unless otherwise specified, in accordance with GMP

Annex to Food categories or individual food items where the use Appendix IV of food additives with GMP limitations on use are not allowed or restricted

Appendix V (English only) General Standard for Food Additives: Proposed Draft Schedules of food additives (Antioxidants, Preservations, Stabilizers, Thickeners and Sweeteners) specifically permitted in foods

Appendix VI Draft Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food Additives

Appendix VII Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods: Annotated List of Contaminants and Toxins and Food Categorization System

Appendix VIII Food Additives and Contaminants proposed for Evaluation by JECFA

Appendix IX Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin B₁ in Raw Materials and Supplemental Feedingstuffs for Milk Producing Animals

Appendix X Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Lead