The 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has concluded after a productive and smooth week of work. Upon adoption of the report, Allan Azegele, CAC Chairperson, congratulated Members for their work. “Distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues, representatives of Observer organizations and members of the Codex Secretariat,” he said, “as we conclude this session of the 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission, I would want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of you for your active participation, your thoughtful engagement, and your steadfast commitment to the statutory purpose of Codex.” He went on to say that the Commission had demonstrated the strength of international cooperation grounded in science, transparency and mutual respect. He continued: “The 48th session of the Commission has advanced critical work, strengthening existing standards, laying the groundwork for new ones, addressing urgent issues affecting our work and strengthened our strategic direction for the next six years.”

The Commission agreed to adopt the texts that had been forwarded for consideration and that had fulfilled requirements regarding endorsement of provisions for food labelling and food additives, where appropriate, and also agreed on new work proposals put to it. Prominent among new texts adopted were the Standard for fresh dates, elaborated by the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) and the Guidelines for monitoring the stability and purity of reference materials and related stock solutions of pesticides during prolonged storage, elaborated by the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR). The maximum levels forwarded by the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF) for lead in spices, dried bark, and lead in culinary herbs were also adopted, together with the revised Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts (CXC 55-2004). The Regional standard for Castilla lulo (Naranjilla) (Latin America and the Caribbean) was also adopted, as were amendments to the Codex procedural manual.

New work proposals from regional committees were approved, and include a regional standard for braised or boiled, salted and unsalted, dried fish (Africa), the conversion of the Regional standard for laver products (Asia) (CXS 323R-2017) into a worldwide standard, and new standards for galip nut and breadfruit flour (North America and the South West Pacific).

CAC48 approved the proposal from the United Arab Emirates to develop a standard for pasteurized camel milk. This has led to the Commission reactivating the Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products, which will work by correspondence, with the flexibility to convene an electronic working group as appropriate. Following discussion on the proposal  to develop principles for the risk analysis of new food sources and production systems (NFPS), the proponents will revise their proposal to take into consideration comments from Members.

The Commission additionally discussed and agreed upon the monitoring framework for the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031. It was also agreed that the Republic of Korea will take over as host of the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV).

“I am delighted that the proceedings went to plan and that our hard work to prepare for this Session has paid off!” said Codex Secretary, Sarah Cahill, after the report was adopted. “Congratulations to all involved, to the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons, and to Members and Secretariat staff alike.” Referencing the theme of this year’s Commission, “Together”, Cahill added: “The Codex Alimentarius Commission constantly reminds us of just what can be achieved, when we work together!”

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Photo © FAO/Roberto Sciotti