The eleventh session of the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL11) has concluded its work by correspondence, with agreement on the way forward for the development of a group standard for whole millet grains.

The Committee agreed to form a new electronic working group (EWG), which will be chaired by India, and co-chaired by Mali, Nigeria and Senegal. The EWG will work to agree on an appropriate structure for the new group standard, noting that established Codex group standards for some spices and for fruit juices may serve as a reference model for this work. The Committee noted that the aim of this work is to provide a text that will be practical for international markets and that will reflect and accommodate the diversity of millets produced around the world. Looking to the future, the Committee also acknowledged and noted that this work may also serve as a guide for future CCCPL group standards. The EWG will also seek to determine minimum quality and safety requirements for whole millet grains, while ensuring this work aligns with Codex principles and global trade practices.

The CCCPL Chairperson, Ken Lowery of the United States of America, summarized the successes of the month-long discussions: “CCCPL11 was highly successful in addressing the questions before it. This success was in no small part achieved by the spirit of cooperation shown by the delegates to prepare for the drafting of a group standard for whole millet grains that will be inclusive of the different agricultural practices around the world, is trade facilitating, and enables consumers to access safe food globally.”

“This was a correspondence meeting, and we were trying to find the best way to support the Committee’s work,” said Riri Kihara, Junior Professional Officer in the Codex Alimentarius Secretariat. “Thanks to the Chairperson’s strong leadership and the active involvement from all delegations, we were able to conclude all the agenda items.”

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CCCPL11 webpage

Photo © FAO/Ado Youssouf