The Eighteenth Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF18) will take place 23–27 June 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. We spoke to Sally Hoffer, from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, who will chair CCCF18 on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, to find out more about the agenda of the Committee, its highlights and her expectations for this session.

Sally, thank you once again for your time. This is going to be the fifth time for you to chair CCCF. What do you recall of your first experience as Chair of the meeting?

My first experience as Chairperson in 2021 was unique. It was the virtual meeting of CCCF in a time when the world was learning to navigate uncertainty and distance due to COVID-19. But there I was, seated at the high table, facing just a great screen that became my shared window to the world. I remember sitting in just an office chair, surrounded by the quiet hum of anticipation, and then — delegates began to speak. And the depth of expertise shared by the delegates throughout was truly inspiring. I was feeling really proud that we could reach that level, and it reminded me that leadership often starts with listening — and that even through screens, global collaboration can be deeply powerful. And though we weren’t in the same room, I have never felt more connected to a global purpose.

This year the Committee will be co-hosted in Thailand. How is the organization of the meeting proceeding and what is the added value of co-hosting for CCCF?

It is truly an honour for the Netherlands to co-host this year’s session of the CCCF alongside our esteemed colleagues from Thailand. This collaboration not only reflects our shared commitment to food safety and public health, but also creates an invaluable opportunity for strong participation from countries across Asia — a region rich in experience, innovation and insight. 

Preparations are still in full swing, and I’m delighted to say: we have a full house! The level of engagement has been remarkable, with many delegates joining us here in Bangkok — a testament to the importance of the work we’re doing together. In the lead-up to this session, we also organized two pre-session meetings focused on key technical issues. These are designed to deepen our shared understanding and lay the groundwork for fruitful discussion in the plenary. The exchange of knowledge and perspectives in our first session on Monday was inspiring — a reminder of what makes Codex such a powerful platform. And I do hope to see all delegates joining in on Sunday for our second pre-session.

What are the highlights of the agenda of CCCF18?

There are many highlights at CCCF18 — it’s shaping up to be a truly dynamic and forward-looking session. One of the key highlights is as always setting standards for contaminants and getting codes of practice out there in the world. This year we will be focusing on maximum levels for lead and aflatoxins, a sampling plan for aflatoxins in spices, and codes of practice for the prevention and reduction of cadmium contamination in food and the prevention and reduction of aflatoxins in peanuts.

These are complex issues with real-world impact, and the discussions will be demonstrating both scientific rigour and a spirit of global cooperation. We’re also seeing excellent participation and input in the work on priority setting and future work for example by means of the excellent discussion papers that have been put forward by the electronic working groups: a clear sign that the Codex community is actively shaping the direction of food safety efforts in years to come. 

And of course, a personal highlight for me has been the strong collaboration among countries and organizations — from Thailand and the Netherlands to Codex and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The energy in the room, both in plenary and in the informal exchanges, is something you can really feel. 

Add to that a full house of engaged delegates and the successful pre-session technical meetings, and it’s clear: CCCF18 is not just another meeting — it’s a moment of global alignment, science-driven dialogue, and practical outcomes for safer food everywhere.

As Chair of CCCF18, what are the most critical challenges related to contaminants in foods the world is currently facing, and how can the Committee address them?

As our food systems evolve, new contaminants continue to emerge — from environmental pollutants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and heavy metals, to naturally occurring toxins such as mycotoxins that are worsened by climate change. A major challenge is the lack of consistent data from all regions, especially in developing countries, making risk assessment more difficult. Therefore the promotion of data collection frameworks, encouragement for global sharing of occurrence data, and support for capacity building so all countries can contribute to — and benefit from — science-based standards. And I do encourage all delegates to keep bringing together global expertise, independent science, and national experience to set practical, protective standards and codes of practice. In a world where contaminants don’t respect borders, CCCF’s work is a cornerstone of international cooperation — protecting health, supporting fair trade, and building trust in the food we all share.

Any final recommendations for delegates attending CCCF18?

My recommendation is: engage fully, ask questions, and share your experience. Use both formal sessions and informal moments to connect. Your contributions matter — together, we shape global food safety and protect consumers around the world. Thank you for being here, for your dedication, and for making CCCF18 a success we build together. I love to see you all in Bangkok. Let’s make it work!

Read more

Meeting webpage including all working documents