59. The Committee noted that its Terms of Reference required it “to develop guidelines for the utilization, as and when appropriate, of quality assurance systems to ensure that foodstuffs conform with requirements and to promote the recognition of these systems in facilitating trade in food products under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by countries”.[20] This subject had therefore been discussed on several occasions by the Committee, most notably at its Fourth and Fifth Sessions, but little progress had been made.[21] In presenting the paper, Mr. Dean noted the previously expressed concern of countries that Codex guidance in this matter should avoid promoting any one quality assurance system. The manner in which proprietary and competing systems were being aggressively promoted and marketed was another concern for food control authorities. He also noted that clarification was needed of the relationship between quality assurance systems, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) System, and other food safety management systems.
60. The Committee noted the views of several delegations that more information and guidance was needed on this subject, but that this should not be related to any specific proprietary or commercial system of quality assurance. On the other hand, it also noted the views of those delegations which felt that there was adequate, even considerable, information available and that there was no need for the Commission to undertake work in this area.
61. Noting this division of opinion, the Committee agreed that it would not be appropriate to seek a mandate to undertake the elaboration of guidelines as proposed in the working document. Nevertheless, it agreed that it would be appropriate to keep the topic on the Committees agenda and accordingly that a further discussion paper would be prepared for consideration at the next Session. The government of Australia offered to coordinate the preparation of such a paper.
