The 48th session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) has commenced in Quebec City, Canada, with first-time Chairperson Dr Parthi Muthukumarasamy presiding.

Opening remarks were offered bilingually by Deputy Minister, Health Canada Greg Orencsak in a video message. With his “warm welcome to all delegates and observers from around the world”, the Deputy Minister, made clear that Canada “places a high importance on the work done by Codex.” He continued, “We believe that the work of Codex is imperative to achieving our national food safety, public health and consumer protection objectives. … Your work has had a direct impact on the life of consumers, by making it possible for them to make enlightened decisions.”

Steve Wearne, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) Chairperson, took the opportunity of his opening comments to “publicly welcome Parthi into the select group of people designated to chair these committees.” He detailed the work ahead for this week, including the discussions on new work, which “would set the agenda for this Committee for the next few years. I urge you to consider the priorities for new work,” he said. The CAC Chairperson went on to say, “I recognize this takes hard work – and progress is only achieved through the efforts of electronic working groups and Members.” He commended the commitment of the host, Canada.

In her opening remarks, Secretary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Sarah Cahill, congratulated Dr Muthukumarasamy for taking over as Chairperson of the Committee and thanked Canada for its “unwavering support” for the Committee. Commenting on the unique role CCFL plays in Codex, she said: “you contribute to the vital effort of empowering consumers by providing them with the information they need to make informed choices.” She also commended the commitment and dedication of the Committee to ensuring its work is timely and relevant. “Your comprehensive agenda this week showcases a number of commendable traits,” she commented. “You are clearly unafraid of hard work or new challenges. You are forward-looking, aiming to stay abreast of technological changes, and responsive in providing solutions when labelling challenges arise.”

The Committee will cover the development of a number of texts this week, many of which are expected to reach a conclusion. Two items will be discussed under the subject of food allergen labelling. The Committee is expected to finalize work on revisions to provisions relevant to allergen labelling in the General Standard for the Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods (CXS 1-1985) and will continue discussions on proposed guidelines on the use of precautionary allergen labelling.

Work on new guidelines on the provision of food information for pre-packaged foods to be offered via e-commerce is also nearing finalization, as are the guidelines on the use of technology to provide food information in food labelling. Other ongoing work includes amendments to provisions relevant to joint presentation and multipack formats in the General Standard for the Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods (CXS 1-1985).

The Committee will also discuss possible new work on labelling of alcoholic beverages, the application of food labelling provisions in emergencies, trans fatty acids (TFAs) and sustainability labelling claims.

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CCFL48 webpage