FOOD POLICY AND NUTRITION

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

Established by the Council at its Thirty-ninth Session (1962, Resolution 4/39) at the request of the Conference at its Eleventh Session (1961, Resolution 13/61) and with the subsequent approval of WHO, as a Joint FAO/WHO/CCTA Commission (CCTA - Commission for Technical Cooperation in Africa South of the Sahara, OAU). Revised statutes were approved by the Council at its Fifty-ninth Session (1972, Resolution 1/59).

To provide liaison at the regional level in matters pertaining to food and nutrition, particularly as regards the collection, analysis and dissemination of information.

To review food and nutrition problems in Africa, drawing them to the attention of FAO, WHO, and OAU.

September 1974.

Open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of the FAO and WHO Africa Region, and Member States of the OAU. Membership comprises such eligible nations as have notified FAO, WHO or OAU of their desire to be considered as Members.

The present membership is:

English, French.

General Rules of the Organization.

1974, 1981, 1983, 1985.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

(Article VI-2 of the Constitution)

Established in 1948.

Originally established to ensure collaboration in those fields of nutrition with which FAO and WHO are mutually concerned. Now especially concerned with nutritional problems of interest to both organizations.

December 1949.

10 - 12 experts.

English.

General Rules of the Organization.

1962, 1966, 1970, 1974, 1990.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

(Article VI-2 of the Constitution)

Established in 1955.

To consider chemical, toxicological and other aspects of additives, contaminants and residues of veterinary drugs in food related to safety for human consumption and to report thereon.

December 1956.

15 - 25 experts covering all aspects relevant to the safety evaluation of the substances.

English.

General Rules of the Organization.

Annual. (Four sessions were held in the 1996-97 biennium).

Evaluated the safety-in-use of substances used as food additives in the following categories: antioxidants, emulsifiers, eneyme preparations, flavouring agents, glazing agents, sweetening agents, thickening agents, and certain miscellaneous additives. Made complex safety evaluation of residues in food of twenty-four drugs and made a quantitative risk assessment of a major food contaminant, aflatoxin. Evaluated the allocation of acceptable daily intakes of residue levels where appropriate.

Published new or revised identity and purity specifications for the additives evaluated. Also published residue monographs for veterinary drugs in foods.

Provided advisory services to the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants and the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food.

(Article VI-1 of the Constitution)

The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established by the Eleventh Session of the FAO Conference in 1961. Following the recommendations of the FAO Conference, those of the Twenty-ninth Session of the WHO Executive Board and a Joint FAO/WHO Executive Board and a Joint FAO/WHO Conference on Food Standards held in 1962, the Commission has been responsible for the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.

The Commission is responsible for making proposals to, and shall be consulted by, the Directors-General of FAO and WHO on all matters pertaining to the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, the purpose of which is:

a)    To protect the health of the consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade;

b)    to promote coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governemental organizations;

c)    to determine priorities, to initiate and guide the preparation of draft standards through, and with, the aid of appropriate organizations;

d)    to finalize standards elaborated under (c) above and, after acceptance by Governments, publish them in a Codex Alimentarius either as regional or worldwide standards together with international standards already finalized by other bodies under (b) above, wherever practicable;

e)    to amend published standards after appropriate survey in the light of
development.

June/July 1963.

Open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and WHO which are interested in international food standards. Membership comprises those nations which have notified the Director-General of FAO or of WHO of their wish to be considered as Members of the Commission. The present Membership is:

English, French, German, Spanish.

Amendments were adopted by the Commission at its Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh Sessions, and Twenty-first session and confirmed by the FAO and WHO in accordance with their respective procedures. The Rules of Procedure of the Commission are issued in its Procedural Manual.

Rule IV-1 requires that in principle one regular session be held each year. In practice the Commission meets every 18 to 24 months. The last session was held in June 1997.

See pages 74 to 94.

The Commission adopted Statements of Principle relating to the role of food safety risk assessment, and definitions of risk analysis terms relating to food safety. It also adopted maximum residue limits for 45 pesticides and seven veterinary drugs in various commodities; six new or revised Codex standards, amendments and additions to existing standards including the General Standard for Food Additives; adopted a major revision of the General Principles of Food Hygiene and guidelines for the establishment of microbiological specifications for foods. It revoked a number of existing standards considered to be obsolete or not of significance to international trade, including over 300 obsolete maximum residue limits for pesticides and the Standards for Edible Ices.

Established under Rule III of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

To act on behalf of the Commission as its executive organ and to make proposals to the Commission regarding the general orientation and work programme of the Commission; to study special problems and help implement the programme as approved by the Commission.

July 1963.

The Chairman, three Vice-Chairmen of the Commission and six additional Members, elected by the Commission from among its Members, one each from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Southwest Pacific Regions.

English, French, Spanish.

Two per 18 to 24 months. Last session was held in June 1995.

Made recommendations to the Codex Alimentarius Commission on the role of INGOs in Codex, in particular the establishment of a more transparent process for establishing "observer status" for INGOs; drafted an Action Plan on Codex-wide application of risk analysis principles; recommended that Codex revise its "Acceptance Procedure" to take into account the status of Codex Standards under the SPS and TBT Agreements; endorsed the proposed outline of the Medium-Term Plan; in relation to the review of Codex Subsidiary Bodies, stressed that alternative mechanisms to the existing one would have to have the same attributes of inclusiveness, transparency, cost-efficiency and responsiveness; proposed that the draft Code of Practice for Animal Feeding be submitted to the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene for elaboration through the usual Codes procedure.

Formerly the FAO/WHO Committee of Government Experts on the Code of Principles concerning Milk and Milk Products. The Committee was established before the Codex Alimentarius Commission came into being, but was subsequently integrated into the structure of the Commission. In 1993, the Committee was converted into a Codex Committee under Rule IX-1(b)(i) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: New Zealand.

To establish international codes and standards for milk and milk products within the framework of the Codex Alimentarius and the Code of Principles concerning Milk and Milk Products.

September 1958 as the FAO/WHO Committee of Government Experts on the Code of Principles concerning Milk and Milk Products.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 18 months. Last session was held in May 1996.

Considered the revision of existing international standards for milk products, Code of Principles concerning milk and milk products and other matters related to milk products involved in international trade.

Rule IX-1(b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Netherlands.

Purpose

a)    To establish or endorse permitted maximum or guideline levels for individual food additives, for contaminants (including environmental contaminants) and for naturally-occurring toxicants in foodstuffs and animal feeds;

b)    to prepare priority lists of food additives and contaminants for toxicological evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives;

c)    to recommend specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption by the Commission;

d)    to consider methods of analysis for their determination in food; and

e)    to consider and elaborate standards or codes for related subjects such as the labelling of food additives when sold as such and food irradiation.

May 1964.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 12 - 18 months. Last session was held in March 1997.

Continued the elaboration of the Codex General Standards for Food Additives and for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods; continued the elaboration of levels for aflatoxins in milk and peanuts and for various codes of practice and guidelines regarding the contamination of foodstuffs by environmental and other chemical contaminants.

Rule IX-1 (a) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: United States of America.

Purpose

a)    To draft basic provisions on food hygiene applicable to all foods. (The term "hygiene" includes, where necessary, microbiological specifications for food and associated methodology);

b)    (i) to consider, amend if necessary, and endorse provisions on hygiene prepared by Codex commodity Committees and contained in Codex Commodity Standards, and (ii) to consider, amend if necessary, and endorse provisions on hygiene prepared by Codex commodity Committees and contained in Codex Codes of Practice unless, in specific cases, the Commission has decided otherwise, or (iii) to draft provisions on hygiene applicable to specific food items or food groups, whether coming within the terms of reference of a Codex Commodity Committee or not;

c)    to consider specific hygiene problems assigned to it by the Commission.

May 1964.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Every 18 to 24 months. Last session held in October 1997.

The Committee finalized and recommended adoption of the International Code of Practice - General Principles of Food Hygiene; Hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) system; Guidelines for its application and the Principles for the establishment and application of microbiological criteria for foods. The Committee endorsed Food Hygiene Provisions in a number of Codex standards; continued its work on the proposed Draft Code of Practice for refrigerated foods with extended shelf life; and the Guidelines for the application of principles of risk assessment and risk management to food hygiene including strategies for their application and considered the proposed Draft Code of Practice for all Foodstuffs Transported in Bulk and proposed Draft Code of Practice for Bottled Water (other than mineral water). The Committee agreed to discuss recommendations for the management of microbiological hazards for foods in international trade; the proposed Draft Code for Good Animal Feeding; and proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk Products; guidance on Hygienic Recycling of Processing Water in Food Processing Plants; broader issues on the Application of Microbiological Risk Evaluation in International Food and Feed Trade; Risk-Based Guidance for the Use of HACCP-Like Systems in Small Business, with special reference to developing countries; proposed Draft Recommendations for the Control of Listeria Monocytogenes in Foods in International Trade; and revision of Standard Wording for Food Hygiene Provisions, Section K of the Procedural Manual.

Rule IX-1 (b) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Canada.

To draft provisions on labelling applicable to all foods; to consider, amend if necessary, and endorse specific provisions on labelling proposed by the Codex Commodity Committees drafting commodity standards, in the codes of practices and in the guidelines; to study specific labelling problems assigned by the Commission; and to study problems in food advertisement, especially those dealing with claims and misleading descriptions.

June 1965.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Every 18 to 24 months. Last session was held in April 1997.

Continued its work on the Guidelines for the Labelling of Organically-Produced Foods. Finalized Guidelines for Use of Nutrition Claims. Finalized General Guidelines for the Use of the term "Halal". Continued revision and endorsement of labelling provisions in individual standards, codes of practice and guidelines. Considered the labelling aspects of potential allegens, and foods obtained through biotechnology.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: France.

To deal with such procedural and general matters as are referred to the Committee by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

October 1965.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

1965, 1967, 1968, 1974, 1979, 1981, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1996. The Committee meets when there are problems referred to it by the Commission. Last session met in November 1996.

Reviewed the Rules of Procedure; the General Principles of Codex; the Guidelines for Codex Committees; continued its work on the integration of risk analysis principles in the Codex decision-making process.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Germany (1965-1971), Hungary since 1972.

a)    To define the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis and Sampling;

b)    to serve as a coordinating Body for Codex with other international groups working on methods of analysis and sampling and quality assurance systems for laboratories;

c)    to specify, on the basis of final recommendations submitted by the other Bodies referred to in (b) above, reference Methods of Analysis and Sampling appropriate to Codex Standards which are generally applicable to a number of foods;

d)    to consider, amend if necessary, and endorse, as appropriate, methods of analysis and sampling proposed by Codex (Commodity) Committees. The methods of analysis and sampling for pesticide residues in food, and the assessment of specifications for food additives do not fall within the terms of reference of this Committee.

e)    to elaborate sampling plans and procedures, as may be required;

f)    to consider specific sampling and analysis problems submitted to it by the Commission or any of its Committees;

g)    to define procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for the assessment of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality assurance systems for laboratories.

September 1965.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French.

Approximately every 18 months. Last session was held in March 1997.

Finalized and recommended to the Commission: the IUPAC/ISO/AOAC Harmonized Guidelines for Internal Quality Control in analytical Chemistry Laboratories; Guidelines for the Assessment of the Competence of Testing Laboratories Involved in the Import and Export Control of Food; and definitions of selected analytical terminology; and endorsed a number of methods of analyisis for certain food additives and Codex commodity standards.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Netherlands.

To recommend maximum limits for pesticide residues and environmental contaminants in specific food products; to prepare a list of priorities of those pesticide residues found in food commodities on the international market for evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues; to recommend appropriate methods of sampling and analysis to ensure the safety of food containing residues.

January 1966.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 12 months. Last session was held in April 1997.

Recommended three maximum residue limits for pesticides in certain raw agricultural commodities and considered the revision of the recommended methods for sampling for determination of pesticides residues. Recommended obsolete maximum reesidue limits for revocation.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Switzerland.

To elaborate worldwide standards for cocoa products and chocolate.

November 1963.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French.

Approximately every two years until Fifteenth Session in 1982. Committee adjourned sine die.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: United Kingdom.

To elaborate worldwide standards of all types of sugars and sugar products.

March 1964.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Annual to 1968, then 1974. Committee adjourned sine die but continues to work by correspondence.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: United States of America.

To elaborate worldwide standards for all types of processed fruits and vegetables, e.g. canned and dried products, but not dried prunes, or fruit and vegetable juices.

May 1964.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 18 to 24 months. Last session was held in March 1986. Committee adjourned sine die but continues to work by correspondence.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: United Kingdom.

To elaborate worldwide standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable and marine origin including margarine and olive oil.

February 1964.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 24 months. After being adjourned in February 1987, met again in September 1993. Last session November 1996.

The Committee continued its work on the Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Fats and Oils in Bulk, the revision of standards for vegetable oils and animal fats, and the elaboration of a standard for fat spread.

Rule IX-1(b)(1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: New Zealand (sessions held in London or in Rome).

To elaborate worldwide standards and/or codes of practice as may seem appropriate for meat hygiene, excluding poultry meat.

April 1972.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 18 months until 1974. Reactivated in 1979 and adjourned sine die in 1982. Reactivated again in July 1989. Last session was held in April 1993. Adjourned sine die.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Denmark.

To elaborate worldwide standards for processed meat products, including consumer-packaged meat, and for processed poultry meat products.

As Sub-Committee IV of the Codex Committee on Meat and Meat Products, July 1966.

As Codex Committee on Processed Meat Products, November 1970.

As Codex Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products, April 1978.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French.

Approximately every 18 - 24 months. Last session was held in October 1990. Committee adjourned sine die after this session.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Norway.

To elaborate worldwide standards for fresh, frozen (including quick-frozen) or otherwise processed fish, crustaceans and mollusks.

August/September 1966.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 2 years. Last session was held in May 1996.

Considered a Code of Practice for Aquaculture. Continued its work on the elaboration of a Code of Practice for Sensory Evaluation of Fish and Shellfish, and a Code of Practice for Surimi and the revision of all existing Codes of Practice for Fishery Products.

Rule IX-1 (a) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Germany.

Formerly the Codex Committee on Foods for Special Dietary Uses (1966-1987)

a)    to study specific nutritional problems assigned to it by the Commission and advise the Commission on General Nutrition Issues;

b)    to draft general provisions, as appropriate, concerning the nutritional aspects of all foods;

c)    to develop standards, guidelines or related texts for foods for special dietary uses, in cooperation with other committees where necessary;

d)    to consider, amend as necessary and endorse provisions on nutritional aspects proposed for inclusion in Codex standards, guidelines and related texts.

May 1966.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, German.

Approximately every 24 months. Last session was held in October 1996.

Continued its work on Guidelines for Vitamins and Minerals; continued work on the review of provisions for vitamins and minerals in Codex standards; finalized a Revised Table of Proposed Conditions for Claims for Nutrient Contents (as part of the proposed draft guidelines on Nutrition and Health Claims for Food-Labelling); continued work on the revision of the Standard for Gluten-Free Foods; and finalized an amendment on Salt Iodization to the Standard for Food Grade Salt; initiated the revision of the Standard for Cereal-Based Foods and the Standard for Infant Formula, and work on vitamins and minerals in foods for medical purposes.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Switzerland.

To elaborate worldwide standards for soups, broths, bouillons and consomm�s.

November 1975.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French.

Approximately every 18 to 24 months. Committee adjourned sine die. Present work is carried out by correspondence.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1 (b) (i) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Switzerland. The Committee was established by the Commission as a Regional (European) Codex Committee.

To elaborate worldwide standards for natural mineral waters.

February 1966.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

1966, 1967, 1968, 1972, 1996.

The Committee finalized and recommended the adoption of the Revised Standard for Natural Mineral Waters.

Rule IX-1(b) (ii) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Committee (a) defines the problems and needs of the regions concerning food standards and food control; (b) promotes within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising from food control and stimulates the strengthening of food control infrastructures; (c) recommends to the Commission the development of worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including products considered by the Committee to have an international market potential in the future; (d) develops regional standards for food products moving exclusively or almost exclusively in intra-regional trade; (e) draws the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission's work of particular significance to the region; (f) promotes coordination of all regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations within the region; (g) exercises a general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission; (h) promotes the acceptance of Codex standards and maximum limits for residues by Member Nations.

June 1974.

Open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and/or WHO which are Members of the Commission, within the geographical location of Africa.

English, French.

Approximately every two years. Last session was held in November 1996.

The Committee finalized the elaboration and advanced for adoption of the Guidelines for the Design of Control Measures for Street-Vended Foods in Africa. Agreed on working relationship with ARSO with the understanding that ARSO may wish to prepare regional standards. The Committee agreed to encourage increased consumer participation in food standards and food control in the region and active participation of Codex Contact Points/National Committees in the work of Codex; and urged Nations in the region to continue base their standards on Codex texts.

Rule IX-1 (b) (ii) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Committee (a) defines the problems and needs of regions concerning food standards and food control; (b) promotes within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising from food control and stimulates the strengthening of food control infrastructures; (c) recommends to the Commission the development of worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including products considered by the Committee to have an international market potential in the future; (d) develops regional standards for food products marketed exclusively or almost exclusively through intra-regional trade; (e) draws the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission's work of particular significance to the region; (f) promotes coordination of all regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations within the region; (g) exercises a general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission, and (h) promotes the acceptance of Codex standards and maximum limits for residues by Member Nations.

January 1977.

Open to all Members of the Commission within the geographical location of Asia.

English, French.

Approximately every two years. Last session was held in December 1997.

Continued the review of Codex standard acceptances and examined existing regional food control infrastructures, food import and export, technical cooperation and implementation of HACCP risk analysis. Finalized the regional guidelines for Codex contact points and National Codex committees. Elaborated standards for bamboo shoots, dried anchovies, fish crackers, chutney, pickles and kimchi.

Rule IX-1 (b) (2) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Committee (a) defines the problems and needs of regions concerning food standards and food control; (b) promotes within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising from food control and stimulates the strengthening of food control infrastructures; (c) recommends to the Commission the development of worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including products considered by the Committee to have an international market potential in the future; (d) develops regional standards for food products marketed exclusively or almost exclusively through intra-regional trade; (e) draws the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission's work of particular significance to the region; (f) promotes coordination of all regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations within the region; (g) exercises a general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission, and (h) promotes the acceptance of Codex standards and maximum limits for residues by Member Nations.

March 1976.

Open to all Members of the Commission within the geographical location of Latin America and the Caribbean.

English, Spanish.

Approximately every two years. Last session was held in December 1997.

Reviewed commodities of interest to the region and relevant Codex standards in view of their importance in international trade and in the perspective of the WTO SPS and TBT Agreements, considered import/export matters of interest to the region, acceptance and use of standards, consumer protection programmes, activities related to the control of contamination, the activities related to Codex work and consumer participation.

Rule IX-1 (b) (2) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Committee (a) defines the problems and needs of region concerning food standards and food control; (b) promotes within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising from food control and stimulates the strengthening of food control infrastructures; (c) recommends to the Commission the development of worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including products considered by the Committee to have an international market potential in the future; (d) develops regional standards for food products marketed exclusively or almost exclusively through intra-regional trade; (e) draws the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission's work of particular significance to the region; (f) promotes coordination of all regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations within the region; (g) exercises a general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission, and (h) promotes the acceptance of Codex standards and maximum limits for residues by Member Nations.

July 1965.

Open to all Members of the Commission within the geographical location of Europe, including Israel, Turkey and the Russian Federation.

English, French.

Approximately every two years. Last session was held in April 1996.

Considered matters relating to information exchange on food legislation and food control, as well as import/export matters and regional economic integration. Agreed to update information regularly on national food control authorities and training of food inspectors. Considered how consumer participation could be improved at the national and regional levels. Revised the role of Codex standards and related texts in the respective WTO SPS and TBT Agreements.

Rule IX-1 (b) (2) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Committee (a) defines the problems and needs of region concerning food standards and food control; (b) promotes within the Committee contacts for the mutual exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems arising from food control and stimulates the strengthening of food control infrastructures; (c) recommends to the Commission the development of worldwide standards for products of interest to the region, including products considered by the Committee to have an international market potential in the future; (d) develops regional standards for food products marketed exclusively or almost exclusively through intra-regional trade; (e) draws the attention of the Commission to any aspects of the Commission's work of particular significance to the region; (f) promotes coordination of all regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations within the region; (g) exercises a general coordinating role for the region and such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission, and (h) promotes the acceptance of Codex standards and maximum limits for residues by Member Nations.

May 1990.

Open to all Members of the Commission within the geographical location of North America and the Southwest Pacific.

English, French.

Approximately every two years. Last session was held in April/May 1996.

Agreed to support the use of the Codex Code of Ethics in International Trade in Foods, the current alignment of Codex membership in the Region and more active collaboration between Codex and APEC, as well as improved acceptance procedures, priorities and infrastructures of Codex. Discussed risk mechanisms and methodologies and dietary modelling.

This Committee is not a Subsidiary Body of the Codex Alimentarius Commission under any specific rule of the Commission, but follows the same procedure as Codex Commodity Committees for the elaboration of Codex Standards.

To elaborate worldwide standards for certain quick frozen foods.

September 1965.

Open to all Members of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 12 to 18 months. Committee adjourned sine die since 1991.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

This Committee is not a subsidiary body of the Codex Alimentarius Commission under any specific rule of the Commission but follows the same procedure as Codex Commodity Committees for the elaboration of Codex Standards.

To elaborate worldwide standards for fruit juices, concentrated fruit juices and fruit nectars.

April 1964.

Open to all Members of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) and all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 12 to 18 months. Last session was held in November 1990. Committee adjourned sine die after this session.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1(b)(1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: United States of America.

To elaborate worldwide standards and/or codes of practice, as may be appropriate, for cereals, pulses, legumes and their products.

March 1980.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 18 - 24 months. Committee adjourned sine die at its last session in November 1994.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Canada.

To elaborate definitions and worldwide standards for vegetable protein products derived from soybeans, cottonseed, groundnuts, cereals and from other vegetable sources used for human consumption, and to elaborate guidelines on utilization of vegetable protein products in the food supply system, on nutritional requirements and safety, on labelling and on other aspects as may seem appropriate.

November 1980.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 24 months. The Committee has adjourned sine die after its last session held in February 1989.

As per Conference Resolution 13/97, consultations will be held on the future of this Body.

Rule IX-1 (b) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: United States of America.

To determine priorities for the consideration of residues of veterinary drugs in foods; to recommend maximum levels of such substances; to develop Codes of Practice as may be required; to determine criteria for analytical methods used for the control of veterinary drug residues in foods.

October/November 1996.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 12 months. Last session was held in December 1995.

Recommended Maximum Residue Limits for ten veterinary drugs in foods. Considered risk analysis, injection site residues and matters related to methods of analysis.

Rule IX-1 (b) (1) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Mexico.

a)    To elaborate worldwide standards and codes of practice as may be appropriate for fresh fruits and vegetables;

b)    To consult with the UN/ECE Working Party on Standardization of Perishable Produce in the elaboration of worldwide standards and codes of practice with particular regard to ensuring that there is no duplication of standards or codes of practice and that they follow the same broad format;

c)    To consult, as necessary, with other international organizations which are active in the area of standardization of fresh fruits and vegetables.

June 1988.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 18-24 months. Last session was held in September 1997.

Finalized draft Codex standards for ginger, limes, Mexican limes, pumelos, gu�vas and chayotes. Continued the elaboration of Codex standards for mangosteen, pineapples, grapefruits, longans, oranges, asparagus and bananas and a Code of Practice for Quality Inspection and Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

Rule IX-1(b) of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. Host Government: Australia

a)    To develop principles and guidelines for food import and export inspection and certification systems with a view to harmonizing methods and procedures which protect the health of consumers, ensure fair trading practices and facilitate international trade in foodstuffs.

b)    To develop principles and guidelines for the application of measures by the competent authorities of exporting and importing countries to provide assurance where necessary that foodstuffs comply with requirements, especially statutory health requirements.

c)    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 systems⁷ in facilitating trade in food products under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by Nations.

d)    To develop guidelines and criteria with respect to format, declarations and language of such official certificates as countries may require with a view towards international harmonization.

e)    To make recommendations for information exchange in relation to food import/export control.

f)    To consult as necessary with other international groups working on matters related to food inspection and certification systems.

g)    To consider other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation to food inspection and certfication systems.

September 1992.

Open to all Members of the Commission.

English, French, Spanish.

Approximately every 12 months. Last session was held in February 1997.

Finalized draft Guidelines for the Exchange of Information Between Countries on Rejections of Imported Food and Guidelines for the Design, Operation, Assessment and Accreditation of Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems.