The 55th session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) has opened in Seoul, Republic of Korea, where the week-long meeting will be co-hosted by China and the Republic of Korea, 24–28 March.

The Committee’s Chairperson, Dr Fan Yongxian, noted, in welcoming guests and delegates, that there were more than 250 people from more than 55 countries and 28 observer organizations attending the meeting. He noted, too, that this session is “pretty special for Codex because it is the first time China and the Republic of Korea are co-hosting the Codex Committee for Food Additives.” This, he commented, marks a shared commitment to the international cooperation that Codex represents.

Dr Yu-Kyoung OH, Minister of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of the Republic of Korea, opened the meeting by saying: “The CCFA has served as a core platform for realizing international cooperation in global food safety, playing a crucial role in establishing international standards based on scientific evidence and achieving regulatory harmonization.” She went on to describe the Republic of Korea’s commitment to “strengthening cooperation within international organizations and overseas regulatory authorities to harmonize global regulations” saying she was “delighted to serve as a co-Chair alongside China this week, and at the same time I feel a strong sense of responsibility as a global food regulatory leader.”

The Deputy Director-General of China’s National Health Commission (NHC), Guoqiang GONG, underlined the importance of CCFA’s work in safeguarding human health and the international food trade. Food additives, he said, have “become a common concern of people all over the world and a challenge to be addressed urgently through strengthened cooperation.” He summarized the achievements of the Committee to date: “China has chaired 16 sessions since it became host government of CCFA in 2016 … [and] has reviewed and approved more than 4000 food additive provisions, improved the food classifications system and has become a communication platform for countries to exchange views on food additive management.” He also praised the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) for its adaptability to new processes and technologies, including the emergence of new food safety issues, which have presented both opportunities and challenges to the Codex system.

Dr Fan then welcomed as a “historic moment” the first time two Codex Vice-Chairpersons have attended a CCFA meeting. Representing the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons, Tian Jing, addressed the meeting, highlighting the fundamental role of the work of CCFA, noting that, in particular, “most countries” use the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), developed by CCFA, as a reference for their national legislation. She urged delegates “to actively engage in this week’s discussions as your insights and contributions will be invaluable in shaping the future of this work.”

In a pre-recorded message, the Codex Secretary, Sarah Cahill, thanked both the Government of China and the Government of the Republic of Korea for their commitment and support to Codex. She noted the heavy workload the Committee will be addressing this week, which will include discussion on at least 500 food additive provisions, discussions on new work on cell-based foods and “how CCFA can be more ready to meet the future needs of our Codex Members in these technical discussions.” She acknowledged that “we are working in a changing global environment, which brings with it new challenges” but urged that this can be seen as an opportunity to “increase efficiency, innovate, be creative and adapt - while strengthening the foundations that are key to Codex work: namely engagement, leadership, commitment to science and a willingness to get work done.”

Representing FAO, Markus Lipp, Senior Food Safety Officer, also pointed to the various uncertainties felt around the world that also affect the work of Codex. But, he said, “all changes, all challenges and all uncertainties provide us not only with the opportunities but also with a need to find innovative solutions.”

Kim Petersen, WHO Scientist, opened his speech by underling one of the key current concerns of WHO, which is ultra-processed foods. These foods, he pointed out, are “associated with a higher risk of cancer and various long-term health issues, including cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the consumption of these foods is correlated with obesity and an increased likelihood of developing diabetes.” He emphasized that “the use of food additives must be carefully evaluated, regulated, and monitored to protect public health and to ensure that they do more good - than harm”. He notified the Committee that WHO “is committed to evaluating current practices in the food supply chain and providing scientific insight regarding the risk factors associated with unhealthy eating and the global obesity crisis in the forthcoming years.”

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CCFA55 webpage