The Codex Guidelines for the control of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (CXG 99-2023) will be highlighted as part of the World Dairy Summit, which is organized by the International Dairy Federation (IDF), when Professor Delphine Sergentet will give a presentation on the Guidelines and, of particular relevance to IDF, the Annex on Raw Milk and Raw Milk Cheeses.

These Codex Guidelines were adopted at CAC46, in November 2023, and build on general food hygiene provisions already established in the Codex system. They include control measures specific to STEC strains in raw beef, fresh leafy vegetables, raw milk and raw milk cheeses, and sprouts. The Annex on Raw Milk and Raw Milk Cheeses addresses issues specific to unpasteurized or unsterilized milk for drinking, as well is the cheeses made from such milk, which is associated with a higher risk of illness than milk that has been sterilized or has undergone other control measures.

Sergentet who is Professor of Food Quality and Safety at a French veterinary school, Vetagro Sup, co-chaired the Codex working group on the development of the Guidelines, and led the work related to raw milk and raw milk cheeses. Her presentation at the World Dairy Summit will feature within the Food Safety section of the Summit, which is sub headed “The One Health approach in food safety.” The World Dairy summit includes presentations, lectures and round table discussions and is taking place in Paris 15–18 October.

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Guidelines for the control of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) (CXG 99-2023)
The World Dairy Summit

Photo © FAO/Javid Gurbanov