The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) meets this week, in Rome, for the 46th time  – 60 years after its very first meeting in 1963. Codex Members and Observers will be celebrating this anniversary, revisiting past milestones along the journey to this year’s meeting, considering at the same time what the next 60 years might hold for Codex.  

CAC also has much work to discuss during this week. Proposed texts under adoption include the guidelines for the control of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), the guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing, Principles and Guidelines on the Use of Remote Audit and Inspection in Regulatory Frameworks, and Revisions to the Standard for Follow-up Formula (CXS 156-1986). The adoption of the revisions to the Standard for Follow-up Formula will conclude over 10 years of work  

There is a great deal of interest in the MRLs for zilpaterol hydrochloride (zilpaterol),a veterinary drug used to enhance growth performance in cattle.Chairperson Steve Wearne noted that he and the Vice-Chairpersons have perceived among the Members “a recognition that time is now growing short, and a sense of impatience that this issue should be resolved at CAC46.” 

In addition to the adoption of new texts and revisions and amendments, CAC will discuss the application of the Statements of Principle concerning the role of science in the Codex decision-making process and the extent to which other factors are taken into account (SoP) – another subject that sees a wide range of view points from the Codex membership. And on a more forward looking note CAC will be discussing how it can potentially address the need for standards and related texts on new food sources and production systems as well as new work proposals on Guidelines for the prevention or reduction of ciguatera poisoning, and for food hygiene control measures in traditional markets for food, among others  

“We look forward to welcoming over 600 delegates here in Rome and many more on Zoom” - said Corinna Hawkes, Codex Secretary ad interim - “All delegates, whether physical or virtual, will be able to contribute to debate". 

Learn more 

CAC46 meeting page 

Codex@60 

Webcast links 

27 November 

Morning Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6385/icode/ 

Afternoon Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6386/icode/ 

28 November  

Morning Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6387/icode/ 

Afternoon Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6388/icode/ 

29 November 

Morning Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6389/icode/  

Afternoon Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6390/icode/ 

30 November  

Morning Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6391/icode/ 

 Afternoon Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6392/icode/ 

01 December  

Morning Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6393/icode/  

Afternoon Session: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6394/icode/  

02 December 

Report adoption: http://www.fao.org/webcast/home/en/item/6395/icode/ 

Photo © FAO/Codex Giuseppe Di Chiera