[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 105 (Wednesday, May 31, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34637-34653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-13292]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. 00-005N]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission (Codex), in accordance with section 491 of the Trade 
Agreements Act of 1979, as amended, and the Uruguay Round Agreements 
Act, Pub. L. 103-465, 108 Stat. 4809. It also provides a list of other 
standard-setting activities of Codex, including commodity standards, 
guidelines, codes of practice, and revised texts. This notice, which 
covers the time periods from June 1, 1999, to May 31, 2000, and June 1, 
2000, to May 31, 2001, seeks comments on standards currently under 
consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: Submit any written comments to: FSIS Docket Clerk, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 
102, Cotton Annex, Washington, DC 20250-3700. Please state that your 
comments refer to Codex and, if your comments relate to specific Codex 
committees, please identify those committees in your comments and 
submit a copy of your comments to the delegate from that particular 
committee. All comments submitted will be available for public 
inspection in the Docket Clerk's Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 
p.m., Monday through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: F. Edward Scarbrough, Ph.D., United 
States Manager for Codex, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the 
Undersecretary for Food Safety, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700; (202) 205-
7760. For information pertaining to particular committees, the delegate 
of that committee may be contacted. (A complete list of U.S. delegates 
and alternate delegates can be found in Attachment 2 to this notice.) 
Documents pertaining to Codex are accessible via the World Wide Web at 
the following

[[Page 34638]]

address: http://www.fao.org/waicent/faoinfo/economic/esn/codex/. The 
U.S. Codex Office also maintains a website at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/Codex/index.htm.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 
1995, as the common international institutional framework for the 
conduct of trade relations among its members in matters related to the 
Uruguay Round Trade Agreements. The WTO is the successor organization 
to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). U.S. membership 
in the WTO was approved and the Uruguay Round Agreements Act was signed 
into law by the President on December 8, 1994. The Uruguay Round 
Agreements became effective, with respect to the United States, on 
January 1, 1995. Pursuant to section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 
1979, as amended, the President is required to designate an agency to 
be responsible for informing the public of the sanitary and 
phytosanitary (SPS) standard-setting activities of each international 
standard-setting organization, Codex, International Office of 
Epizootics, and the International Plant Protection Convention. The 
President, pursuant to Proclamation No. 6780 of March 23, 1995 (60 FR 
15845), designated the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the agency 
responsible for informing the public of sanitary and phytosanitary 
standard-setting activities of each international standard-setting 
organization. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the 
Administrator, Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the 
responsibility to inform the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex. The FSIS Administrator has, in turn, assigned the 
responsibility for informing the public of the SPS standard-setting 
activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex Office, FSIS.
    Codex was created in 1962 by two U.N. organizations, the Food and 
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 
Codex is the principal international organization for encouraging fair 
international trade in food and protecting the health and economic 
interests of consumers. Through adoption of food standards, codes of 
practice, and other guidelines developed by its committees and by 
promoting their adoption and implementation by governments, Codex seeks 
to ensure that the world's food supply is sound, wholesome, free from 
adulteration, and correctly labeled. In the United States, the United 
States Department of Agriculture (USDA); the Food and Drug 
Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), 
and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manage and carry out U.S. 
Codex activities.
    As the agency responsible for informing the public of the sanitary 
and phytosanitary standard-setting activities of Codex, FSIS publishes 
this notice in the Federal Register annually. Attachment 1 (Sanitary 
and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex) sets forth the following 
information:
    1. The sanitary or phytosanitary standards under consideration or 
planned for consideration; and
    2. For each sanitary or phytosanitary standard specified:
    a. A description of the consideration or planned consideration of 
the standard;
    b. Whether the United States is participating or plans to 
participate in the consideration of the standard;
    c. The agenda for United States participation, if any; and
    d. The agency responsible for representing the United States with 
respect to the standard.
    To obtain copies of those standards listed in Attachment 1 that are 
under consideration by Codex, please contact the Codex delegate or the 
U.S. Codex Office. This notice also solicits public comment on those 
standards that are under consideration or planned for consideration and 
on recommendations for new standards. The delegate, in conjunction with 
the responsible agency, will take the comments received into account in 
participating in the consideration of the standards and in proposing 
matters to be considered by Codex.
    The United States' delegate will facilitate public participation in 
the United States Government's activities relating to Codex 
Alimentarius. The United States' delegate will maintain a list of 
individuals, groups, and organizations that have expressed an interest 
in the activities of the Codex committees and will disseminate 
information regarding United States' delegation activities to 
interested parties. This information will include the current status of 
each agenda item; the United States Government's position or 
preliminary position on the agenda items; and the time and place of 
planning meetings and debriefing meetings following Codex committee 
sessions. U.S. Codex Alimentarius, Room 4861, South Agriculture 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700, if 
you would like to receive information about specific committees.
    The information provided in Attachment 1 describes the status of 
Codex standard-setting activities by the Codex Committees for the time 
periods from June 1, 1999 to May 31, 2000, and June 1, 2000 to May 31, 
2001. In addition, the following attachments are included:

Attachment 2  List of U.S. Codex Officials (includes U.S. delegates and 
alternate delegates)
Attachment 3  Timetable of Codex Sessions (June 1999 through May 2001)
Attachment 4  Definitions for the Purpose of Codex Alimentarius
Attachment 5
    Part 1--Uniform Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex Standards 
and Related Texts,
    Part 2--Uniform Accelerated Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex 
Standards and Related Texts
Attachment 6  Nature of Codex Standards

Additional Public Notification

    Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy 
development is important. Consequently, in an effort to better ensure 
that minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are aware of this 
notice, FSIS will announce it and provide copies of this Federal 
Register publication in the FSIS Constituent Update. FSIS provides a 
weekly FSIS Constituent Update, which is communicated via fax to over 
300 organizations and individuals. In addition, the update is available 
on line through the FSIS web page, located at http://www.fsis.usda.gov. 
The update is used to provide information regarding FSIS policies, 
procedures, regulations, Federal Register notices, FSIS public 
meetings, recalls, and any other types of information that could affect 
or would be of interest to our constituents/stakeholders. The 
constituent fax list consists of industry, trade, and farm groups, 
consumer interest groups, allied health professionals, scientific 
professionals, and other individuals that have requested to be 
included. Through these various channels, FSIS is able to provide 
information to a much broader, more diverse audience. For more 
information and to be added to the constituent fax list, fax your 
request to the Congressional and Public Affairs Office, at (202) 720-
5704.


[[Page 34639]]


    Done at Washington, DC on May 22, 2000.
F. Edward Scarbrough,
United States Manager for Codex.

Attachment 1: Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex,

Codex Alimentarius Commission and Executive Committee

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission will hold its Twenty-fourth 
Session July 2-July 7, 2001, in Geneva, Switzerland. At that time it 
will consider the standards, codes of practice, and related matters 
brought to its attention by the general subject committees, commodity 
committees, and member delegations.
    Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet 
in June 2000 and June 2001. It is composed of the chairperson, vice-
chairpersons and seven members elected from the Commission, one from 
each of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin 
America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, and South-West 
Pacific.
    The Executive Committee at its June 2000 Session will consider 
matters arising from reports of Codex Committees including review of 
standards at step 5, requests for new work, and other items brought to 
its attention.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

    The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods 
determines priorities for the consideration of residues of veterinary 
drugs in foods and recommends Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for 
veterinary drugs. A Codex Maximum Limit for Veterinary Drugs (MRLVD) is 
the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of a 
veterinary drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis) 
that is adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be permitted or 
recognized as acceptable in or on a food.
    An MRLVD is based on the type and amount of residue considered to 
be without any toxicological hazard for human health as expressed by 
the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)*, or on the basis of a temporary ADI 
that utilizes an additional safety factor. An MRLVD also takes into 
account other relevant public health risks as well as food 
technological aspects.
    When establishing an MRLVD, consideration is also given to residues 
that occur in food of plant origin and/or the environment. Furthermore, 
the MRLVD may be reduced to be consistent with good practices in the 
use of veterinary drugs and to the extent that practical analytical 
methods are available.
    *Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI): An estimate by the Joint FAO/WHO 
Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of the amount of a 
veterinary drug, expressed on a body weight basis, that can be ingested 
daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk (standard man = 
60 kg).
    The following matters, contained in ALINORM 01/31, will be 
considered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 24th Session.
    To be considered at Step 8:

Danofloxacin
Gentamicin
Imodocarb
Sarofloxacin

    To be considered at Step 5/8:

Dihydrosteptomycin/Streptomycin
Doramectin

    To be considered at Step 5:

Neomycin
Phoxim
Porcine Somatotropin
Thiamphenicol

    Priority List of Veterinary Drugs Requiring Evaluation or 
Reevaluation--Substances for which a firm commitment of data has been 
provided:

Cefuroxime sodium
Pirlimycin hydrochloride

    The Committee is continuing work on:
     Discussion paper on antimicrobial resistance;
     Draft maximum residue limits for veterinary drugs;
     Risk Analysis in the CCRVDF;
     Proposed Draft Guidelines on Residues at Injection Sites;
     Guidelines on Control of Veterinary Drug Residues in Milk 
and Milk Products; and
     Methods of Analysis and Sampling Issues.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Food Additives and Contaminants

    The Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (CCFAC) (a) 
establishes or endorses permitted maximum or guideline levels for 
individual food additives, contaminants, and naturally occurring 
toxicants in food and animal feed; (b) prepares priority lists of food 
additives and contaminants for toxicological evaluation by the Joint 
FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); (c) recommends 
specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption 
by the Commission; (d) considers methods of analysis for food additives 
and contaminants; and (e) considers and elaborates standards and codes 
for related subjects such as labeling of food additives when sold as 
such and food irradiation. The 32nd Session of CCFAC met on March 20-
24, 2000, in Beijing, the Peoples Republic of China. The following 
matters contained in ALINORM 01/12 are under consideration by the 
Commission and CCFAC.

Risk Analysis

    The Discussion Paper entitled ``Application of Risk Analysis 
Principles to the Work of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and 
Contaminants (CCFAC) and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food 
Additives (JECFA)'' will be revised for circulation and consideration 
at the next session. The Codex Secretariat will report on this activity 
to the 15th Session of the Codex Committee on General Principles and 
the 47th Session of the Codex Executive Committee (June 2000).

Food Additives

     Annex A (Guidelines for the Estimation of Appropriate 
Levels of Use of Food Additives) to the Preamble of the General 
Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) for adoption at Step 8;
     Addition of provisions for the use of 15 additives to 
Table 1 and Table 2 of the Codex General Standard for Food Additives 
for adoption at Step 8 and Step 5/8;
     The Committee agreed to circulate for comment the 
inclusion of the following additives in Table 3 (Additives Permitted 
for Use in Food in General, Unless otherwise Specified, in Accordance 
with GMP) of the Draft GSFA at Step 3 of the accelerated procedure 
subject to confirmation by the 47th Session of the Codex Executive 
Committee: Processed Eucheuma seaweed, enzymatically hydrolyzed sodium 
carboxymethyl cellulose, gamma cyclodextrin, polyglycitol syrup, 
erythritol, curdlan, and sodium sulfate;
     The Committee has requested the Codex Secretariat to 
prepare a discussion paper on the relationship between Codex Commodity 
Standards and the further development of the GSFA; and
     The 32nd CCFAC agreed to reestablish its ad hoc working 
group on the GSFA for its 33rd Session under the chairmanship of the 
U.S.

International Numbering System

     The Committee agreed to forward the proposed addition of 
4-

[[Page 34640]]

hexylresorcinol (INS 586) for use as an antioxidant or color retention 
agent) and pectins (INS 440) to include its use as an emulsifier to the 
24th CAC for final adoption of the accelerated procedure. The Committee 
also agreed to forward the following proposed revisions (italicized 
text) to the INS system at Step 3 by the accelerated procedure subject 
to the approval of the Commission:
     acesulfame potassium (INS 950) sweetener and flavor 
enhancer;
     enzymatically hydrolyzed sodium carboxymethyl cellulose 
(INS 469) as thickener and stabilizer;
     monosodium succinate (INS 364i) as acidity regulator and 
flavor enhancer;
     disodium succinate (INS 364ii) as acidity regulator and 
flavor enhancer;
     curdlan (INS 424) as thickener and stabilizer;
     erythritol (INS 968) as sweetener, flavor enhancer, and 
humectant;
     sodium L-aspartate (INS 638) as flavor enhancer;
     DL-alanine (INS 639) as flavor enhancer;
     manasco rubin (INS 130) as color;
     gardenia yellow (INS 164) as color;
     gamma-cyclodextrin (INS 458) as stabilizer and binder; and
     polyglycitol syrup (INS 964) as sweetener.
     The Committee also agreed to request comments on the 
technological functions and functional classes/subclasses in the 
framework of the INS system, the GSFA, and the Codex General Standard 
for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods.

Draft Revisions to the Codex General Standard for Irradiated Foods

     The 32nd CCFAC agreed to ask WHO, IAEA and FAO to further 
revise the Codex General Standard for Irradiated Foods for circulation, 
comment and further consideration by the 33rd CCFAC; and
     The Committee also agreed to request the Codex Executive 
Committee to consider as new work the revision of the companion Codex 
Recommended International Code of Practice for the Operation of 
Irradiation Facilities Used for the Treatment of Foods (CAC/RCP 19-
1979).

Food Additive Specifications

     The 32nd CCFAC agreed to forward specifications for 34 
food additives and 58 flavoring agents, and specifications for 2 food 
additives after editorial changes including technical revisions to the 
24th CAC for adoption as Codex Advisory Specifications; and
     The 32nd CCFAC agreed to reestablish its ad hoc working 
group for food additive specifications for its 33rd Session under the 
chairmanship of the U.S.
    The Committee is continuing work on a discussion paper on 
processing aids.
    The 32nd CCFAC agreed to discontinue further work on its discussion 
paper on the use of colors in food.

Contaminants

    The Committee agreed to forward the following for final adoption:
     Draft Maximum Level of 50ug/kg in apple juice and apple 
juice ingredient in ready made soft drinks for adoption at Step 8; and
     Draft Maximum Levels for Lead (except for fish, 
crustaceans, bivalve mollusks and fruit juices) at Step 8.
    The Committee is continuing work on:
     Methodology and Principles for Exposure Assessment in the 
Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food;
     Draft Maximum Level for Aflatoxin M1 in Milk at Step 6;
     Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Ochratoxin A in Cereals 
and Cereal Products at Step 3;
     The Committee discussed two draft codes of practice for 
the prevention of mycotoxin contamination of cereals (ochratoxin A, 
zearalenone) and a position paper on fumonisins. Given the similarity 
of the various draft Codes of Practice, the Committee agreed that a 
General Code of Practice for the prevention of mycotoxin contamination 
in cereals with annexes containing guidance on practices to prevent 
cereal grain contamination by specific mycotoxins. Currently, the 
General Code of Practice is expected to contain annexes for ochratoxin 
A, zearalenone and fumonisins;
     Draft Code of Practice for Source Directed Measures to 
Reduce Contamination of Foodstuffs (paper to be revised for 
consideration at Step 3 by the 32nd CCFAC);
     Draft Maximum Levels for Lead for fish, crustaceans, 
bivalve mollusks and fruit juices to be circulated for comment and 
consideration at Step 6 by the 33rd CCFAC);
     Draft Maximum Levels for Cadmium for Cereals, Pulses and 
Legumes to be circulated for comment at Step 6. (Proposed draft maximum 
levels for Cadmium in other foods to be circulated at Step 3);
     Discussion Paper on Dioxins (Paper to be revised for 
circulation and comment by the 33rd CCFAC); and
     The 32nd CCFAC agreed to reestablish the ad hoc working 
group for contaminants for its 33rd Session under the chairmanship of 
Denmark.

Other Issues

     Position Paper on Chloropropanols: The Committee agreed 
that a discussion paper should be prepared to address the levels of 3-
monochloropropane-1,2-diol and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol in foods subject 
to approval by the 47th CCEXEC.
    The 33rd Session of the CCFAC is tentatively scheduled for March 
12-16, 2001 in The Hague, The Netherlands.
    Responsible AGENCY: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

    The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues recommends to the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission establishment of maximum limits for pesticide 
residues for specific food items or in groups of food. A Codex Maximum 
Residue Limit for Pesticide (MRLP) is the maximum concentration of a 
pesticide residue (expressed as mg/kg), recommended by the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission to be legally permitted in or on food 
commodities and animal feeds. Foods derived from commodities that 
comply with the respective MRLPs are intended to be toxicologically 
acceptable, that is, consideration of the various dietary residue 
intake estimates and determinations both at the national and 
international level in comparison with the ADI*, should indicate that 
foods complying with Codex MRLPs are safe for human consumption.
    Codex MRLPs are primarily intended to apply in international trade 
and are derived from reviews conducted by the Joint Meeting on 
Pesticide Residues (JMPR) following:
    (a) Review of residue data from supervised trials and supervised 
uses including those reflecting national good agricultural practices 
(GAP). Data from supervised trials conducted at the highest nationally 
recommended, authorized, or registered uses are included in the review. 
In order to accommodate variations in national pest control 
requirements, Codex MRLPs take into account the higher levels shown to 
arise in such supervised trials, which are considered to represent 
effective pest control practices; and
    (b) Toxicological assessment of the pesticide and its residue.
    The following items will have been considered by 32nd Session of 
the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues at the Hague, the 
Netherlands, May 1-8, 2000. The final results will be in ALINORM 01/24.
     Consideration of Intake of Pesticide Residues:
     Acute Dietary Exposure Assessment;

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     Report on Pesticide Residue Intake Studies; and
     Report on the Revision of Regional Diets and Information 
on Processing
     Consideration of Draft and Proposed Draft Residue Limits 
in Foods and Feeds at Steps 7 and 4:
     Harmonization of MRL setting for compounds used both as 
pesticides and as veterinary drugs;
     Which uses to support when chronic dietary intake 
estimate(s) exceed the ADI;
     Feasibility of establishing MRLs for genetically modified 
crops and for metabolite residues;
     Feasibility of establishing specific MRLs for cereal-based 
foods and infant formula; and
     Need for EMRL for camphechlor in fish.
     Recommendations for Methods of Analysis and Sampling;
     Establishment of Codex Priority Lists of Pesticides; and
     Problems Relative to Pesticide Residues in Food in 
Developing Countries.

    * Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of a chemical is the daily 
intake which, during an entire lifetime, appears to be without 
appreciable risk to the health of the consumer on the basis of all 
the known facts at the time of the evaluation of the chemical by the 
Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues. It is expressed in 
milligrams of the chemical per kilogram of body weight.

    Responsible Agency: EPA; USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling
    The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling:
    (a) Defines the criteria appropriate to Codex Methods of Analysis 
and Sampling;
    (b) Serves as a coordinating body for Codex with other 
international groups working in methods of analysis and sampling and 
quality assurance systems for laboratories;
    (c) Specifies, on the basis of final recommendations submitted to 
it by the other bodies referred to in (b) above, Reference Methods of 
Analysis and Sampling appropriate to Codex Standards which are 
generally applicable to a number of foods;
    (d) Considers, amends, if necessary, and endorses, as appropriate, 
methods of analysis and sampling proposed by Codex (Commodity) 
Committees, except that methods of analysis and sampling for residues 
of pesticides or veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of 
microbiological quality and safety in food, and the assessment of 
specifications for food additives do not fall within the terms of 
reference of this Committee;
    (e) Elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be required;
    (f) Considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted to 
it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and
    (g) Defines procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for 
the assessment of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality 
assurance systems for laboratories.
    The Committee will hold its 23rd Session in Budapest, Hungary, 
February 26-March 2, 2001. At that time the committee will consider the 
following:
     Principles for the Establishment of Codex Methods of 
Analysis and Sampling;
     Relations between Commodity Committees and General 
Committees;
     Proposed Draft General Guidelines on Sampling;
     Criteria for Evaluating Acceptable Methods of Analysis for 
Codex Purposes;
     Harmonization of Analytical Terminology ``Measurement 
Limits'';
     Harmonization of Reporting of Test Results Corrected for 
Recovery Factors;
     Measurement Uncertainty;
     In-House Method Validation; and
     Endorsement of Methods of Analysis and Sampling Provisions 
in Codex Standards.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/AMS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification 
Systems

    The Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and 
Certification Systems is charged with developing principles and 
guidelines for food import and export inspection and certification 
systems to protect consumers and to facilitate trade. Additionally, the 
Committee develops principles and guidelines for the application of 
measures by competent authorities to provide assurance that foods 
comply with essential requirements, especially statutory health 
requirements. This encompasses work on: Equivalence of food inspection 
systems including equivalence agreements, processes and procedures to 
ensure that sanitary measures are implemented, and the determination of 
the judgement of equivalence; guidelines on food import control 
systems; and guidelines on food product certification and information 
exchange. The development of guidelines for the appropriate utilization 
of quality assurance systems to ensure that foodstuffs conform to 
requirements and to facilitate trade also are included in the 
Committee's terms of reference.
    The Committee held its 8th Session at Adelaide, Australia, on 
February 21-25, 2000. The following matters will be considered by the 
Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 24th Session. The relevant 
document is ALINORM 01/30.
    To be considered at Step 5:
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for Generic Official Certificate 
Formats and the Production and Issuance of Certificates.
    The Committee is continuing work on:
     Proposed Draft Guidelines/Recommendations for Food Import 
Control Systems;
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Utilization and 
Promotion of Quality Assurance Systems; and
     Discussion Paper on the adequacy of existing Codex texts 
in food emergency control situations (including an existing CCFICS 
developed set of Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food 
Control Emergency Situations).
    New Work:
     Proposed Draft Guidelines on the Judgement of Equivalence 
of Sanitary Measures Associated with Food Inspection and Certification 
Systems; and
     Proposed draft Guidelines on the Judgement of Equivalence 
of Technical Regulations Associated with Food Import and Export 
Inspection and Certification Systems.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on General Principles

    The Codex Committee on General Principles deals with procedure and 
general matters as are referred to it by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission. The 15th Session of the Committee met in Paris on April 10-
14, 2000. The relevant ALINORM is 01/33.
    To be considered by the Commission:
     Adoption of an amendment to Rule VI.2 to the Rules of 
Procedure to clarify members' rights with respect to voting; and
     Practical measures intended to facilitate consensus.
    The Committee continues to work on:
     Working Principles for Risk Analysis;
     Food Safety Objectives;
     Review of the Statement of Principles on the Role of 
Science and the Extent to which Other Factors are taken into account: 
Role of science and other factors in relation to risk analysis;
     Composition of the Executive Committee and related 
matters;

[[Page 34642]]

     Revision of the Code of Ethics for International Trade in 
Foods; and
     Consumer Participation in Codex Work and related matters.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Labeling

    The Codex Committee on Food Labeling is responsible for drafting 
provisions on labeling issues assigned by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission. The Committee will have held its 28th Session in Ottawa on 
May 9-12, 2000. The following items will have been discussed. The 
documents will be in ALINORM 01/22.
    Considered at Step 7:
     Draft Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labeling 
and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods (Animal Production);
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Standard for the 
Labeling of Prepackaged Foods (Class Names) (milk protein/milk protein 
products);
     Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Labeling of Foods 
Obtained Through Biotechnology (Definitions); and
     Draft Amendment to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish 
Sticks (Fish Fingers), Fish Portions and Fish Fillets, Breaded and in 
Batter (Declaration of Fish Core).
    Considered at Step 4:
     Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Use of Health 
Claims;
     Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Labeling of Foods 
Obtained Through Biotechnology (Mandatory Labeling);
     Proposed Draft Recommendations to the Guidelines on 
Nutrition Labeling; and
     Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Use of the Term 
``Vegetarian''.
    Also considered:
     Discussion paper on Quantitative Ingredient Labeling.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene has three primary 
responsibilities. First, to draft basic provisions on food hygiene 
applicable to all food. These provisions normally take the form of 
Codes of Hygienic Practice for a specific commodity (e.g. bottled 
water) or group of commodities (e.g., milk and milk products). Second, 
to consider, amend if necessary, and endorse food hygiene provisions 
that are incorporated into specific Codex commodity standards by the 
Codex commodity committees. These provisions normally contain generic 
wording referencing the Recommended Code of Hygienic Practice: General 
Principles for Food Hygiene (ref: CAC/RCP 1-1969, Rev. 3-1997) and the 
Principles for the Establishment and Application of Microbiological 
Criteria for Foods (CAC/GL 21-1997) but may also include other 
provisions. Third, to provide general guidance to the Commission on 
matters relating to food hygiene. This often takes the form of 
providing general guidance documents such as the Draft Principles and 
Guidelines for the Conduct of Microbiological Risk Assessment and Draft 
Proposed Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct of Microbiological 
Risk Management. The following items, found in ALINORM 01/13, will be 
considered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 24th Session in 
June 2001:
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Bottled/Packaged 
Drinking Waters (other than natural Mineral Water); and
     Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for the Transport of Food 
in Bulk and Semi-Packed Food.
    Codex texts to be considered by the Committee at its 33rd Session 
to be held October 23-27, 2000 are the following:
    To be considered at Step 4:
     Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk 
Products;
     Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for the Primary 
Production, Harvesting and Packaging of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables;
     Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Pre-cut 
Vegetable Products Ready for Human Consumption;
     Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct 
of Microbiological Risk Management;
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Control of Listeria 
monocytogenes in Foods;
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Hygienic Reuse of 
Processing Water in Food Plants; and
     Discussion on Risk Assessment of Certain Pathogens in 
Specific Commodities.
    Other committee work:
     Discussion paper on the Application of HACCP in Small and/
or Less Developed Businesses;
     Discussion paper on Priorities for the Revision of the 
Codes of Hygienic Practice;
     Discussion paper on Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria in 
Food;
     Discussion paper on Guidelines for Validation of Food 
Hygienic Control Measures; and
     Discussion paper on Proposed Guidelines for Evaluating the 
Presence of Objectionable Matter
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

    The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables is responsible 
for elaborating worldwide standards and codes of practice for fresh 
fruits and vegetables. The Committee will hold its Ninth Session in 
Mexico City, Mexico, on October 9-13, 2000 and consider the following:
    To be considered at Step 7:
     Draft Standard for Grapefruit, Pummelos, Limes (sizing 
provisions);
     Draft Standard for Tisquisque (White and Lilac);
     Draft Standard for Yellow Pitahayas;
     Draft Standard for Papaya;
     Draft Standard for Asparagus;
     Draft Standard for Oranges; and
     Draft Standard for Cape Gooseberry;
    To be considered at Step 4:
     Proposed Draft Standard for Cassava;
     Proposed Draft Standard for Apples;
     Proposed Draft Standard for Tomatoes;
     Proposed Draft Standard for Table Grapes;
     Discussion paper on size tolerances, including sizing 
provisions of the Draft Standards for Grapefruits, Limes, Pummelos, and 
Oranges;
     Code of Practice for the Quality Inspection and 
Certification of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables;
     Inspection Site Requisites (Annex II of the Draft Code of 
Practice for the Quality Inspection and Certification of Fresh Fruits 
and Vegetables);
     Discussion paper on definitions of terms; and
     Brix levels in Codex Standard for Pineapples;
    Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

    The Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses 
is responsible for studying nutritional problems referred by the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission. The Committee also drafts provisions on 
nutritional aspects for all foods and develops guidelines, general 
principles, and standards for foods for special dietary uses. The 
Committee holds its 22nd Session in Berlin, Germany, on June 19-23, 
2000. At that Session, it will consider the following:
    To be considered at Step 7:
     Draft Table of Conditions for Nutrient Contents (Part B), 
(Guidelines for Nutrient Claims) Fibre and Serving Size; and

[[Page 34643]]

     Proposed Draft Revised Standards for Gluten-Free Foods.
    To be considered at Step 4:
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Processed Cereal-Based 
Foods for Infants and Young Children;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Infant Formula;
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral 
Supplements and Discussion Paper to Facilitate Consideration of the 
Draft Guidelines; and
     Proposed Draft Revision of the Advisory List(s) of Mineral 
Salts and Vitamin Compounds for the Use in Foods for Infants and 
Children.
    Other work:
     Discussion Paper on Criteria for Scientific Evidence 
Relative to Health Claims;
     Discussion Paper on Provisions of Fortification on Iodine, 
Iron and Vitamin A in the Guidelines of Nutrition Claims;
     Discussion Paper on Review of Provisions for Vitamins and 
Minerals in Codex Standards: Vitamins and Minerals in Foods for Special 
Medical Purposes;
     Discussion Paper on Proposal to Design the Basis for 
Derivation of Energy Conversion Factors in the Codex Guidelines on 
Nutrition Labelling;
     Discussion Paper on the Consideration of the Use of the 
Recommendations of the FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Food Consumption 
and Exposure Assessment of Chemicals; and
     Consideration of the Need to Review the General Principles 
for the Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products

    The Fish and Fishery Products Committee is responsible for 
elaborating standards for fresh and frozen fish, crustaceans and 
mollusks. The 24th Session of the Committee will be held on June 5-9, 
2000, in Alesund, Norway. At that Session, the following items will be 
discussed:
    To be considered at Step 7:
     Draft Standard for Dried Anchovies; and
     Draft Standard for Crackers from Marine and Freshwater 
Fish, Crustacean and Molluscan Shellfish.
    To be considered at Step 4:
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Canned 
Sardines and Sardine-Type Products (Inclusion of an additional 
species);
     Proposed Draft Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring and 
Salted Sprats;
     Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery 
Products;
     Model Certificate for Fish and Fishery Products;
     Proposed Draft Standard for Smoked Fish; and
     Proposed Draft Standard for Molluscan Shellfish.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA, USDC/NOAA/NMFS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products

    The Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products is responsible for 
establishing international codes and standards for milk and milk 
products. The following will be considered at the 24th Session of the 
Codex Alimentarius Commission in June 2001. The reference document is 
ALINORM 01/11.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft Group Standard for Unripened Cheese Including Fresh 
Cheese;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Edible Casein Products 
at Step 5/8;
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Codex General Standard for 
Cheese (Description) at Step 5/8; and ( Proposed Draft Amendment to the 
Codex Group Standard for Cheeses in Brine (Sampling) at Step 5/8.
    To be considered at Step 5:
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cream, Whipped Creams, 
and Fermented Creams;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Fermented Milks; and
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Whey Powders.
    The Committee is continuing work on:
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Codex General Standard for 
Cheese (Composition);
     Proposed Draft Amendment to the Codex General Standard for 
Cheese (Appendix on cheese rind, surface, and coating);
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Processed Cheese 
(minimum cheese content);
     Proposed Draft Revised Individual Standards for Cheese 
(including a new Standard for Mozzarella);
     Proposed Draft Standard for Dairy Spreads; and
     Model Export Certificates for Milk Products.
    New Work:
     Standard for Products in Which Milk Components are 
Substituted by Non-Milk Components:
     Evaporated Skimmed Milk with Vegetable Fat
     Sweetened Condensed Skimmed Milk with Vegetable Fat
     Skimmed Milk Powder with Vegetable Fat
    Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils

    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils is responsible for elaborating 
standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, and marine origin. 
The Committee will hold its 17th Session in London, England, in March 
2001 and consider the following:
    To be considered at Step 7:
      Draft Standard for Olive Oils and Olive-Pomace Oils.
    To be considered at Step 4:
     Proposed Draft Standard for Fat Spreads and Blended 
Spreads.
    New Work:
     Amendments to the Draft Standard for Named Vegetable Oils:
     High Oleic Acid Sunflower Oil
     High Oleic Acid Safflower Oil
     Code of Practice for Storage and Transport of Fats & Oils 
in Bulk: List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes and of Banned Immediate 
Previous Cargoes.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate

    The Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate is responsible 
for elaborating worldwide standards for cocoa products and chocolate. 
The 21st Session of the Commission endorsed the recommendation of the 
forty-second session of the Executive Committee to initiate the 
revision of the Cocoa Products and Chocolate Standards. The Committee 
will hold its 18th Session in Switzerland in November 2000 and consider 
the following:
    To be considered at Step 7:
     Draft Revised Standard for Cocoa Butters;
     Draft Revised Standard for Cocoa (Cacao) Mass (Cocoa/
Chocolate Liquor) and Cocoa Cake, for Use in the Manufacture of Cocoa 
and Chocolate Products; and
     Draft Revised Standard for Cocoa Powders (Cocoas) and Dry 
Cocoa-Sugar Mixture.
    To be considered at Step 4:
     Proposed Draft Standard for Chocolate and Chocolate 
Products.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables is 
responsible for elaborating standards for Processed Fruits and 
Vegetables. After having been adjourned sine die, the Committee

[[Page 34644]]

reconvened in Washington, DC, in March 1998 to begin work revising the 
standards. The 20th Session of the Committee will be held in 
Washington, DC on September 11-15, 2000. The Committee will consider 
the following:
    To be considered at step 7:
     Draft Standard for Canned Bamboo Shoots;
     Draft Standard for Pickles;
     Draft Standard for Kimchee;
     Draft Revised Standard for Canned Applesauce;
     Draft Revised Standard for Canned Pears; and
     Draft Standard for Aqueous Coconut Products.
    To be considered at step 4:
     Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Stone Fruits;
     Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Citrus Fruits;
     Proposed Draft Standard for Canned Berry Fruits;
     Proposed Draft Standard for Jams, Jellies and Marmalades;
     Proposed Standard for Canned Vegetables;
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for Packing Media in Canned 
Fruits;
     Proposed Draft Guidelines for Packing Media in Canned 
Vegetables;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Mangoes;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Pineapple;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Fruit 
Cocktails;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Tropical Fruit 
Salad;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Chestnuts and 
Chestnut Puree;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Tomatoes;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Canned Mushrooms;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Mango Chutney;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Pickled Cucumbers 
(Cucumber Pickles);
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Table Olives;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Processed Tomato 
Concentrates;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Dried Apricots;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Dates;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Raisins;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Grated Desiccated 
Coconuts;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Unshelled Pistachio 
Nuts;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Dried Edible Fungi;
     Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Edible Fungi and 
Fungus Products;
     Proposed Draft Standard for Soy Sauce; and
     Proposed Draft Standard for Dried Figs.
    Other Work:
     Methods of Analysis for Processed Fruits and Vegetables.
    The committee has been tasked with considering the revision of the 
Standards for Quick Frozen Fruits and Vegetables including: Peas, 
Strawberries, Raspberries, Peaches, Bilberries, Spinach, Blueberries, 
Leek, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Green and Wax Beans, 
French Fried Potatoes, Whole Kernel Corn, Corn-on-the-Cob, Carrots.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee for Natural Mineral Waters

    The Codex Committee for Natural Mineral Waters (CCNMW) is 
responsible for elaborating standards for natural mineral waters. The 
Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 22nd meeting approved the 
development of a standard for bottled/packaged water other than natural 
mineral waters. The 7th Session of the Committee will meet October 30-
November 1, 2000. The Committee will consider the following:
    To be considered at Step 4:
     Proposed Draft General Standard for Bottled/Packaged 
Drinking Waters Other Than Natural Mineral Waters.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Sugars

    The Codex Committee on Sugars elaborated standards for all types of 
sugars and sugar products. The Committee was adjourned sine die, but 
was asked to revise the standards for sugar and honey. The Committee 
prepared the revised standard for sugar by correspondence. At its 23rd 
Session, the Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted the Draft Revised 
Standard for Sugar with the exception of the levels of arsenic and lead 
that will be reviewed by CCFAC. However, the Committee decided that it 
could not prepare a Draft Revised Standard for Honey by correspondence. 
The United Kingdom convened a Session of the Committee in London, 
England, on February 9-11, 2000 to discuss the Draft Revised Standard 
for Honey. The following standard will be considered by the 24th 
Session of the Commission in June 2001. The relevant document is 
ALINORM 01/25.
    To be considered at Step 8:
     Draft Revised Standard for Honey; and
     Proposed Amendments to the Revised Codex Standard for 
Sugars:
    (1) Definition of Raw Cane Sugar and Soft Sugars
    (2) Food Additives and Contaminants
    (3) Methods of Analysis for inclusion in the Standard
    New work:
     Amendment to the Codex Standard for Sugar;
     Development of a Standard for Unifloral Honey; and
     Completion of an addendum to the Standard for Honey 
covering industrial uses.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS, HHS/FDA
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Certain Codex Commodity Committees

    Several Codex Alimentarius Commodity Committees have adjourned sine 
die. The following Committees fall into this category:
     Cereals, Pulses and Legumes*
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA, USDA/GIPSA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Meat Hygiene*
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Soups and Broths
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Vegetable Proteins
    Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
    *There is no planned activity for these Committees in the next 
year.
    Brief reports on activities of the Codex Committees on Soups and 
Broths, and Vegetable Proteins follows:

Codex Committee on Soups and Broths

    The Codex Committee on Soups and Broths elaborated worldwide 
standards for soups, broths, bouillons and consommes. The committee 
adjourned sine die. The main tasks of the Committee were completed. 
However, at its June 1997 meeting, the Codex Alimentarius Commission 
requested that the Committee commence work revising the Standard for 
Bouillons and Consommes. A Proposed Draft Revised Standard for 
Bouillons and Consommes was prepared by the Secretariat and has been 
circulated to member countries for comment at Step 3.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins

    The Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins elaborated worldwide 
standards for vegetable protein products deriving from any member of 
the plant kingdom. The committee was adjourned sine die in 1989. The 
Codex

[[Page 34645]]

Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session requested that the 
committee undertake a revision of the Codex Standard for Wheat Gluten. 
A Proposed Draft Standard for Wheat Protein Products has been 
circulated to member countries and other interested parties for comment 
at Step 3. The Proposed Draft will be revised and should be forwarded 
to the Executive Committee for adoption at Step 5.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS.
    U.S.Participation: Yes.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived From Biotechnology

    The Commission, at its 23rd Session, established this task force to 
develop standards, guidelines, or recommendations, as appropriate, for 
foods derived from biotechnology or traits introduced into foods by 
biotechnology, on the basis of scientific evidence, risk analysis and 
having regard, where appropriate, to other legitimate factors relevant 
to the health of consumers and the promotion of fair trade practices. 
The Task Force met in Tokyo, Japan on March 20-24, 2000. The relevant 
document is ALINORM 01/34.
    Matters under discussion by the task force at its next meeting:
     Consideration of proposed draft general principles of an 
over-arching nature for the application of risk analysis to foods 
derived from biotechnology;
     Consideration of proposed draft guidelines for risk 
assessment with reference to food safety and nutrition of foods derived 
from biotechnology;
     Consideration of transparency and involvement of 
stakeholders in the proposed draft principles/guidelines;
     Consideration of analytical methods;
     A Discussion Paper on Traceability; and
     An Information Paper on Familiarity.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/APHIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding

    The Commission at its 23rd Session established the Task Force to 
develop guidelines or standards as appropriate on Good Animal Feeding 
practices. The task force will meet in Copenhagen, Denmark, on June 13-
15, 2000. It will discuss the following items:
     Draft Code of Practice for Good Animal Feeding; and
     Other items that are important for food safety, such as 
problems related to toxic substances, pathogens, microbial resistance, 
new technologies, storage, control measures, traceability, etc.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA/CVM; USDA/APHIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Fruit and Vegetable Juices

    The Commission at its 23rd Session established this Task Force to 
revise and consolidate the existing Codex standards and guidelines for 
fruit and vegetable juices and related products, giving preference to 
general standards. These standards were originally developed by the 
Joint UNECE/Codex Group of Experts on the Standardization of Fruit 
Juices, which had been abolished by its parent organizations. The Task 
Force will meet in Brasilia, Brazil, September 18-22, 2000.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/AMS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission is made up of an Executive 
Committee, as well as approximately 30 subsidiary bodies. Included in 
these subsidiary bodies are coordinating committees for groups of 
countries located in proximity to each other who share common concerns. 
There are currently six Regional Coordinating Committees:
     Coordinating Committee for Africa
     Coordinating Committee for Asia
     Coordinating Committee for Europe
     Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
     Coordinating Committee for the Near East
     Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-
West Pacific
    The United States participates as an active member of the 
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West Pacific, 
and is informed of the other coordinating committees through meeting 
documents, final reports, and representation at meetings. Each regional 
committee:
     Defines the problems and needs of the region concerning 
food standards and food control;
     Promotes within the committee contacts for the mutual 
exchange of information on proposed regulatory initiatives and problems 
arising from food control and stimulates the strengthening of food 
control infrastructures;
     Recommends to the Commission the development of world-wide 
standards for products of interest to the region, including products 
considered by the committee to have an international market potential 
in the future; and
     Exercises a general coordinating role for the region and 
such other functions as may be entrusted to it by the Commission.

Codex Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West 
Pacific

    The Coordinating Committee is responsible for defining problems and 
needs concerning food standards and food control of all Codex member 
countries of the region. The Sixth Session of the Committee will be 
held in December 2000, in Brisbane, Australia. Agenda topics will 
include the following:
     Review of acceptance and promotion of Codex standards by 
countries in the region;
     National reports on food control, food safety, and food 
standards in the region;
     National reports on the application of risk analysis;
     Promotion of Codex activities in the Region; and
     Report on activities of national Codex contact points and 
national Codex committees in the region
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Attachment 2

U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials

Codex Committee Chairpersons

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

Dr. I. Kaye Wachsmuth, Deputy Administrator, Office of Public Health 
and Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 341-E, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-
2644, Fax # (202) 690-2980, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

Mr. David L. Priester, Head, Standardization Section, AMS Fruit & 
Vegetable Programs, Fresh Products Branch, USDA Stop 0140, Room 2049-S, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0240, Phone #: (202) 
720-2185, Fax #: (202) 720-8871, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

Dr. Stephen F. Sundlof, Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food 
and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place (HFV-1), Rockville, MD 
20855, Phone #: (301) 594-1740,

[[Page 34646]]

Fax #: (301) 594-1830, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (adjourned sine die)

Mr. Steven N. Tanner, Director, Technical Services Division, Grain 
Inspection, Packers & Stockyards Administration, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 10383 N. Executive Hills Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64153-
1394, Phone #: (816) 891-0401, Fax #: (816) 891-0478, E-mail: 
[email protected]

Listing of U.S. Delegates and Alternate Delegates

Worldwide General Subject Codex Committees

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Robert C. Livingston, Center for Veterinary Medicine (HFV-1), 
Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, 
Phone #: (301) 594-5903, Fax #: (301) 594-1830, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate VACANT

Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants

(Host Government--The Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Alan Rulis, Director, Office of Premarket Approval (HFS-200), 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
418-3100, Fax #: (202) 418-3131, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Terry C. Troxell, Director, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and 
Beverages (HFS-300), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food 
and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW, (HFS-456), Washington, DC 
20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4064, Fax #: (202) 205-4422, E-mail: 
[email protected]

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

(Host Government--The Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Fred Ives, Health Effects Division (7509C), Office of Pesticide 
Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building, 
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20460, Phone #: (703) 305-
6378, Fax #: (703) 305-5147, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Richard Parry, Jr., Assistant Administrator, Cooperative 
Interactions, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 358-A, Jamie L. Whitten Federal Building, Washington, 
DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-3973, Fax #: (202) 720-5427, E-mail: 
[email protected]

Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling

(Host Government--Hungary)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. William Horwitz, Scientific Advisor (HFS-500), Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Room 3832, 
200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4346, Fax #: 
(202) 401-7740, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. William Franks, Deputy Administrator, Science and Technology, 
Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
3507, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone #: (202) 720-5231, Fax #: (202) 720-6496, 
E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection 
Systems

(Host Government--Australia)
Delegate
    Mr. L. Robert Lake, Director, Office of Regulations and Policy 
(HFS-4), U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW, 
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4160, Fax #: (202) 401-7739, 
E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. Mark Manis, Director, International Policy Development 
Division, Office of Policy, Program Development, and Evaluation, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
4434, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-6400, Fax #: (202) 720-
7990, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on General Principles

(Host Government--France)
Delegate

    Note: A member of the Steering Committee heads the delegation to 
meetings of the General Principles Committee.

Codex Committee on Food Labelling

(Host Government--Canada)
Delegate
    Dr. Christine Lewis, Director, Office of Nutritional Products, 
Labeling, and Dietary Substances Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, 
DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-4434, Fax #: (202) 205-4594, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Robert Post, Director, Labeling and Additive Policy Division, 
Office of Policy, Program Development and Evaluation, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cotton Annex, Room 
602, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 205-0279, Fax #: (202) 
205-3625, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

(Host Government--United States)
Delegate
    Dr. Robert Buchanan, Senior Science Advisor, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
205-5053, Fax #: (202) 205-4970, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. H. Michael Wehr (acting), Office of Constituent Operations, 
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Room 5826 (HFS-550), 200 C St. SW, 
Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 260-2786, Fax #: (202) 205-0165, 
E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

(Host Government--Germany)
Delegate
    Dr. Elizabeth Yetley, FDA Lead Scientist for Nutrition (HFS-450), 
Food and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, 
Phone #: (202) 205-4168, Fax #: (202) 205-5295, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    VACANT

[[Page 34647]]

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

(Host Government--Mexico)
Delegate
    Mr. David L. Priester, Head, Standardization Section, AMS Fruit & 
Vegetable Programs, Fresh Products Branch, USDA Stop 0140, Room 2049-S 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0240, Phone #: (202) 
720-2185, Fax #: (202) 720-8871, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. Larry B. Lace, Branch Chief, Fresh Products Branch, Fruits and 
Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 2049, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20090-6456, Phone #: (202) 720-5870, Fax #: 
(202) 720-0393, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products

(Host Government--Norway)
Delegate
    Mr. Philip C. Spiller, Director, Office of Seafood (HFS-400) VERB, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
418-3133, Fax #: (202) 418-3198, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. Samuel W. McKeen, Director, Office of Trade and Industry 
Services, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NMFS, 1335 
East-West Highway, Room 6490, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone #: (301) 
713-2351, Fax #: (301) 713-1081, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products

(Host Government--New Zealand)
Delegate
    Mr. Duane Spomer, Chief, Dairy Standardization Branch, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2750, 
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, 
DC 20250-0230, Phone #: (202) 720-9382, Fax #: (202) 720-2643, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. John C. Mowbray, Division of Programs and Enforcement Policy 
(HFS-306), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
205-1731, Fax #: (202) 205-4422, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils

(Host Government--United Kingdom)
Delegate
    Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities Staff 
(HFS-585), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-7739, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Dwayne Buxton, National Program Leader for Oilseeds and 
Bioscience, Agricultural Research Service, Room 212, Building 005, BARC 
West, Beltsville, MD 20705, Phone #: (301) 504-5321, Fax #: (301) 504-
5467, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

(Host Government--United States)
Delegate
    Mr. James Rodeheaver, Chief, Processed Products Branch, Fruits and 
Vegetables Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 0709, South Agriculture Building, 
Washington, DC 20090-6456, Phone: (202) 720-4693, Fax: (202) 690-1527, 
E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities Staff 
(HFS-585), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-7739, [email protected]

Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate

(Host Government--Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities Staff 
(HFS-585), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-7739, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Michelle Smith, Food Technologist, Office of Food Labeling, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-158), 200 C Street, 
SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 205-5099, Fax #: (202) 205-
4594, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters

(Host Government--Switzerland)
    Delegate
    Dr. Terry C. Troxell, Director, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and 
Beverages (HFS-300), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food 
and Drug Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone 
#: (202) 205-5321, Fax #: (202) 205-4422, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Ms. Shellee Anderson, Division of Programs and Enforcement Policy, 
(HFS-306), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
205-4681, Fax #: (202) 205-4422, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Sugars

(Host Government--United Kingdom)
Delegate
    Dr. Thomas L. Tew, Research Geneticist, Sugarcane Research Unit, 
Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 5883 USDA Road, Houma, LA 70360, 
Phone #: (504) 872-5042, Fax #: (504) 868-8369, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Dennis M. Keefe, Office of Premarket Approval (HFS-200), Center 
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 
200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 418-3113, Fax #: 
(202) 418-3131, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes \1\

(Host Government--United States)
Delegate
    Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities Staff 
(HFS-585), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone #: (202) 
205-5042, Fax #: (202) 401-7739, E-mail:

[[Page 34648]]

[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. David Shipman, Deputy Administrator, Grain Inspection Packers 
and Stockyards Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
1092, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-3601, Phone #: (202) 720-9170, Fax #: (202) 720-
1015, [email protected]

Codex Committee on Soups and Broths \1\

(Host Government--Switzerland)
Delegate
    Mr. Charles Edwards, Director, Labeling, Products and Technology 
Standards Division, Office of Policy, Program Development and 
Evaluation, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 405, Cotton Annex, 300 12th Street, SW, Washington, 
DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 205-0675, Fax #: (202) 205-0080, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Robert Post, Director, Labeling Additives and Policy Division, 
Office of Policy, Program Development and Evaluation, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 602, Cotton 
Annex, 300 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 
205-0279, Fax #: (202) 205-3625, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins \1\

(Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Wilda H. Martinez, Associate Deputy Administrator, Aqua 
Products and Human Nutrition Sciences, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Agricultural Research Service, Room 107, B-005, Beltsville, MD 20705, 
Phone #: (301) 504-6275, Fax #: (301) 504-6699, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Vacant

Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene \1\

(Host Government--New Zealand)
Delegate
    Dr. John Prucha, Assistant Deputy Administrator, International and 
Domestic Policy, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 4866, South Agriculture Building, Washington, DC 
20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 720-3473, Fax #: (202) 690-3856, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Vacant
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Fruit and Vegetable Juices 

(Host government--Brazil)
Delegate
    Mr. Martin Stutsman, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and Beverages 
(HFS-306), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C St. SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone: (202) 260-
1949, Fax: (202) 205-4422, E-mail: [email protected] 
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. David Priester, Head, Standardization Section, AMS Fruit & 
Vegetable Programs, Fresh Products Branch, USDA Stop 0140, Room 2049-S, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0240 Phone #: (202) 
720-2185, Fax #: (202) 720-8871, E-mail: [email protected] 

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived From Biotechnology 


(Host government--Japan)
Delegate
    L. Robert Lake, Director, Office of Regulations and Policy (HFS-4), 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-4), Food and Drug 
Administration, 200 C St. SW, Washington, DC 20204, Phone: (202) 205-
4160, Fax: (202) 401-7739, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Sally L. McCammon, Science Advisor to the Administrator, Animal 
Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 4700 
River Road (Unit 98), Riverdale, MD 20737, Phone (301) 734-5761, Fax: 
(301) 734-5992, E-mail: [email protected] 

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Group on Animal Feeding 

(Host government--Denmark)
Delegate
    Dr. Stephen F. Sundlof, Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, 
Food and Drug Administration, 7500 Standish Place (HFV-1), Rockville, 
MD 20855, Phone: (301) 594-1740, Fax: (301) 594-1830, E-mail: 
[email protected] 
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Alejandro B. Thiermann, Regional Director for Europe, Africa 
and the Middle East, FAS/USEU, US Department of Agriculture, PSC 82, 
Box 002, APO AE 09710, Phone: (322) 508-2762, Fax: (322) 511-0918, E-
mail: [email protected]

Subsidiary Bodies of the Codex Alimentarius 

    There are six regional coordinating committees:

    Coordinating Committee for Africa
    Coordinating Committee for Asia
    Coordinating Committee for Europe
    Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
    Coordinating Committee for the Near East
    Coordinating Committee for North America and the South-West Pacific

Contact
    Mr. Patrick Clerkin, Associate Manager, U.S. Codex Office, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 
4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 
Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone #: (202) 205-7760, Fax #: (202) 720-
3157, E-mail: [email protected]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\Adjourned sine die. The main tasks of these Committees are 
completed. However, the committees may be called to meet again if 
required.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment 3

                                           Timetable of Codex Sessions
                                          [June 1999 through June 2001]
1999:
    CX 702-46................  Executive Committee of the Codex           24-25 June...........  Rome.
                                Alimentarius Commission (46th Session).
    CX 701-23................  Codex Alimentarius Commission (23rd        28 June-3 July.......  Rome.
                                Session).

[[Page 34649]]

 
    CX 727-12................  Codex Regional Coordinating Committee for  23-26 November.......  Chaing Mai.
                                Asia (12th Session).
    CX 712-32................  Codex Committee of Food Hygiene (32nd      29 November-4          Washington, DC.
                                Session).                                  December.
2000:
    CX 710-07................  Codex Committee on Sugars (7th Session)..  9-11 February........  London.
    CX 733-08................  Codex Committee on Food Import and Export  21-25 February.......  Adelaide.
                                Certification and Inspection (8th
                                Session).
    CX 703-04................  Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products  28 February-3 March..  Wellington.
                                (4th Session).
    CX 802-01................  ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on     14-17 March..........  Tokyo.
                                Biotechnology.
    CX 711-32................  Codex Committee on Food Additives and      20-24 March..........  Beijing.
                                Contaminants (32nd Session).
    CX 730-12................  Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary  28-31 March..........  Washington, DC.
                                Drugs in Foods (12th Session).
    CX 716-15................  Codex Committee on General Principles      10-14 April..........  Paris.
                                (15th Session).
    CX 718-32................  Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues      1-8 May..............  The Hague.
                                (32nd Session).
    CX 714-28................  Codex Committee on Food Labelling (28th    8-12 May.............  Ottawa.
                                Session).
    CX 722-24................  Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery        5-9 June.............  Alesund.
                                Products (24th Session).
    CX 803-01................  ad hoc Intergovernmental Codex Task Force  13-15 June...........  Copenhagen.
                                on Animal Feeding.
    CX 720-22................  Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods     19-23 June...........  Berlin.
                                for Special Dietary Uses (22nd Session).
    CX 702-47................  Executive Committee of the Codex           28-30 June...........  Geneva.
                                Alimentarius Commission (47th Session).
    CX 713-20................  Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and    11-15 September......  Washington, DC.
                                Vegetables (20th Session).
    CX 801-01................  ad hoc Intergovernmental Codex Task Force  18-22 September......  Brasilia.
                                on Fruit Juices (1st Session).
    CX 706-22................  Codex Regional Coordinating Committee for  3-6 October..........  Madrid.
                                Europe.
    CX 731-09................  Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and        9-13 October.........  Mexico City.
                                Vegetables (9th Session).
    CX 712-33................  Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (33rd      23-27 October........  TBA.
                                Session).
    CX 719-07................  Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters  30 October-1 November  TBA.
                                (7th Session).
    CX 708-18................  Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and      2-4 November.........  TBA.
                                Chocolate (18th Session).
    CX 707-14................  Codex Regional Coordinating Committee for  27-30 November.......  Entebbe.
                                Africa (14th Session).
    CX 732-06................  Codex Regional Coordinating Committee for  5-8 December.........  Perth.
                                North America and the South-West Pacific
                                (6th Session).
2001:
    CX 734-01................  Codex Regional Coordinating Committee for  29 January-1 February  Cairo.
                                the Near East.
    CX 725-12................  Codex Regional Committee for Latin         13-16 February.......  Santo Domingo.
                                America and the Caribbean (12th Session).
    CX 711-33................  Codex Committee on Food Additives and      12-16 March..........  The Hague.
                                Contaminants (33rd Session).
    CX 715-23................  Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis     26 February-2 March..  Budapest.
                                and Sampling (23rd Session).
    CX 803-02................  ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on     19-21 March..........  Copenhagen.
                                Animal Feeding.
    CX 709-17................  Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (17th     26-30 March..........  London.
                                Session).
    CX 718-33................  Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues      2-6 April............  The Hague.
                                (33rd Session).
    CX 716-16................  Codex Committee on General Principles      23-27 April..........  Paris.
                                (16th Session).
    CX 714-29................  Codex Committee on Food Labelling (29th    30 April-4 May.......  Ottawa.
                                Session).
    CX 702-48................  Executive Committee of the Codex           28-29 June...........  Geneva.
                                Alimentarius Commission (48th Session).
    CX 701-24................  Codex Alimentarius Committee (24th         2-7 July.............  Geneva.
                                Session).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attachment 4

Definitions for the Purpose of Codex Alimentarius
    Words and phrases have specific meanings when used by the Codex 
Alimentarius. For the purposes of Codex, the following definitions 
apply:
    1. Food means any substance, whether processed, semi-processed or 
raw, which is intended for human consumption, and includes drink, 
chewing gum, and any substance which has been used in the manufacture, 
preparation or treatment of ``food'' but does not include cosmetics or 
tobacco or substances used only as drugs.
    2. Food hygiene comprises conditions and measures necessary for the 
production, processing, storage and distribution of food designed to 
ensure a safe, sound, wholesome product fit for human consumption.
    3. Food additive means any substance not normally consumed as a 
food by itself and not normally used as a typical ingredient of the 
food, whether or not it has nutritive value, the intentional addition 
of which to food for a technological (including organoleptic) purpose 
in the manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, packing, 
packaging, transport, or holding of such food results, or may be 
reasonably expected to result, (directly or indirectly) in it or its 
by-products becoming a component of or otherwise affecting the 
characteristics of such foods. The food additive term does not include 
``contaminants'' or substances added to food for maintaining or 
improving nutritional qualities.
    4. Contaminant means any substance not intentionally added to food, 
which is present in such food as a result of the production (including 
operations carried out in crop husbandry, animal husbandry, and 
veterinary medicine), manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, 
packing, packaging, transport or holding of such food or as a result of

[[Page 34650]]

environmental contamination. The term does not include insect 
fragments, rodent hairs and other extraneous matters.
    5. Pesticide means any substance intended for preventing, 
destroying, attracting, repelling, or controlling any pest including 
unwanted species of plants or animals during the production, storage, 
transport, distribution and processing of food, agricultural 
commodities, or animal feeds or which may be administered to animals 
for the control of ectoparasites. The term includes substances intended 
for use as a plant-growth regulator, defoliant, desiccant, fruit 
thinning agent, or sprouting inhibitor and substances applied to crops 
either before of after harvest to protect the commodity from 
deterioration during storage and transport. The term pesticides 
excludes fertilizers, plant and animal nutrients, food additives, and 
animal drugs.
    6. Pesticide residue means any specified substance in food, 
agricultural commodities, or animal feed resulting from the use of a 
pesticide. The term includes any derivatives of a pesticide, such as 
conversion products, metabolites, reaction products, and impurities 
considered to be of toxological significance.
    7. Good Agricultural Practice in the Use of Pesticides (GAP) 
includes the nationally authorized safe uses of pesticides under actual 
conditions necessary for effective and reliable pest control. It 
encompasses a range of levels of pesticide applications up to the 
highest authorized use, applied in a manner that leaves a residue which 
is the smallest amount practicable.
    Authorized safe uses are determined at the national level and 
include nationally registered or recommended uses, which take into 
account public and occupational health and environmental safety 
considerations.
    Actual conditions include any stage in the production, storage, 
transport, distribution and processing of food commodities and animal 
feed.
    8. Codex Maximum Limit for Pesticide Residues (MRLP) is the maximum 
concentration of a pesticide residue (expressed as mg/kg), recommended 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be legally permitted in or on 
food commodities and animal feeds. MRLPs are based on their toxological 
affects and on GAP data and foods derived from commodities that comply 
with the respective MRLPs are intended to be toxologically acceptable.
    Codex MRLPs, which are primarily intended to apply in international 
trade, are derived from reviews conducted by the JMPR following:
    (a) Toxological assessment of the pesticide and its residue, and
    (b) Review of residue data from supervised trials and supervised 
uses including those reflecting national good agricultural practices. 
Data from supervised trials conducted at the highest nationally 
recommended, authorized, or registered uses are included in the review. 
In order to accommodate variations in national pest control 
requirements, Codex MRLPs take into account the higher levels shown to 
arise in such supervised trials, which are considered to represent 
effective pest control practices.
    Consideration of the various dietary residue intake estimates and 
determinations both at the national and international level in 
comparison with the ADI, should indicate that foods complying with 
Codex MRLPs are safe for human consumption.
    9. Veterinary Drug  means any substance applied or administered to 
any food-producing animal, such as meat or milk-producing animals, 
poultry, fish or bees, whether used for therapeutic, prophylactic or 
diagnostic purposes or for modification of physiological functions or 
behavior.
    10. Residues of Veterinary Drugs include the parent compounds and/
or their metabolites in any edible portion of the animal product, and 
include residues of associated impurities of the veterinary drug 
concerned.
    11. Codex Maximum Limit for Residues of Veterinary Drugs (MRLVD) is 
the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of a 
veterinary drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis) 
that is recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be legally 
permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on food.
    An MRLVD is based on the type and amount of residue considered to 
be without any toxological hazard for human health as expressed by the 
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), or on the basis of a temporary ADI that 
utilizes an additional safety factor. An MRLVD also takes into account 
other relevant public health risks as well as food technological 
aspects.
    When establishing an MRLVD, consideration is also given to residues 
that occur in food of plant origin and/or the environment. Furthermore, 
the MRLVD may be reduced to be consistent with good practices in the 
use of veterinary drugs and to the extent that practical and analytical 
methods are available.
    12. Good Practice in the Use of Veterinary Drugs (GPVD) is the 
official recommended or authorized usage including withdrawal periods 
approved by national authorities, of veterinary drugs under practicable 
conditions.
    13. Processing Aid means any substance or material, not including 
apparatus or utensils, not consumed as a food ingredient by itself, 
intentionally used in the processing of raw materials, foods or its 
ingredients, to fulfill a certain technological purpose during 
treatment or processing and which may result in the non-intentional but 
unavoidable presence of residues or derivatives in the final product.

Definitions of Risk Analysis Terms Related to Food Safety

    Hazard: A biological, chemical or physical agent in, or condition 
of, food with the potential to cause an adverse health effect.
    Risk: A function of the probability of an adverse health effect and 
the severity of that effect, consequential to a hazard(s) in food.
    Risk analysis: A process consisting of three components: risk 
assessment, risk management and risk communication.
    Risk assessment: A scientifically based process consisting of the 
following steps: (i) Hazard identification, (ii) hazard 
characterization, (iii) exposure assessment, and (iv) risk 
characterization.
    Hazard identification: The identification of biological, chemical, 
and physical agents capable of causing adverse health effects and which 
may be present in a particular food or group of foods.
    Hazard characterization: The qualitative and/or quantitative 
evaluation of the nature of the adverse health effects associated with 
biological, chemical and physical agents that may be present in food. 
For chemical agents, a dose-response assessment should be performed. 
For biological or physical agents, a dose-response assessment should be 
performed if the data are obtainable.
    Dose-response assessment: The determination of the relationship 
between the magnitude of exposure (dose) to a chemical, biological or 
physical agent and the severity and/or frequency of associated adverse 
health effects (response).
    Exposure assessment: The qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation 
of the likely intake of biological, chemical, and physical agents via 
food as well as exposures from other sources if relevant.
    Risk characterization: The qualitative and/or quantitative 
estimation, including attendant uncertainties, of the probability of 
occurrence and severity of known or potential adverse health

[[Page 34651]]

effects in a given population based on hazard identification, hazard 
characterization and exposure assessment.
    Risk management: The process, distinct from risk assessment, of 
weighing policy alternatives, in consultation with all interested 
parties, considering risk assessment and other factors relevant for the 
health protection of consumers and for the promotion of fair trade 
practices, and, if needed, selecting appropriate prevention and control 
options.
    Risk communication: The interactive exchange of information and 
opinions throughout the risk analysis process concerning risk, related 
risk factors and risk perceptions, among risk assessors, risk managers, 
consumers, industry, the academic community and other interested 
parties, including the explanation of risk assessment findings and the 
basis of risk management decisions.

Attachment 5

Part 1--Uniform Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex Standards and 
Related Texts

Steps 1, 2 and 3

    (1) The Commission decides, taking into account the ``Criteria for 
the Establishment of Work Priorities and for the Establishment of 
Subsidiary Bodies,'' to elaborate a Worldwide Codex Standard and also 
decides which subsidiary body or other body should undertake the work. 
A decision to elaborate a Worldwide Codex Standard may also be taken by 
subsidiary bodies of the Commission in accordance with the above-
mentioned criteria, subject to subsequent approval by the Commission or 
its Executive Committee at the earliest possible opportunity. In the 
case of Codex Regional Standards, the Commission shall base its 
decision on the proposal of the majority of members belonging to a 
given region or group of countries submitted at a session of the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission.
    (2) The Secretariat arranges for the preparation of a proposed 
draft standard. In the case of Maximum Limits for Residues of 
Pesticides or Veterinary Drugs, the Secretariat distributes the 
recommendations for maximum limits, when available from the Joint 
Meetings of the FAO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues in Food and 
the Environment and the WHO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues 
(JMPR), or the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 
(JECFA). In the cases of milk and milk products or individual standards 
for cheeses, the Secretariat distributes the recommendations of the 
International Dairy Federation (IDF).
    (3) The proposed draft standard is sent to members of the 
Commission and interested international organizations for comment on 
all aspects including possible implications of the proposed draft 
standard for their economic interests.

Step 4

    The comments received are sent by the Secretariat to the subsidiary 
body or other body concerned which has the power to consider such 
comments and to amend the proposed draft standard.

Step 5 \1\

    The proposed draft standard is submitted through the Secretariat to 
the Commission or to the Executive Committee with a view to its 
adoption as a draft standard. When making any decision at this step, 
the Commission or the Executive Committee will give due consideration 
to any comments that may be submitted by any of its members regarding 
the implications which the proposed draft standard or any provisions of 
the standard may have for their economic interests. In the case of 
Regional Standards, all members of the Commission may present their 
comments, take part in the debate and propose amendments, but only the 
majority of the Members of the region or group of countries concerned 
attending the session can decide to amend or adopt the draft. When 
making any decisions at this step, the members of the region or group 
of countries concerned will give due consideration to any comments that 
may be submitted by any of the members of the Commission regarding the 
implications which the proposed draft standard or any provisions of the 
proposed draft standard may have for their economic interests.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Without prejudice to any decision that may be taken by the 
Commission at Step 5, the proposed draft standard may be sent by the 
Secretariat for government comment prior to its consideration at 
Step 5, when, in the opinion of the subsidiary body or other body 
concerned, the time between the relevant session of the Commission 
and the subsequent session of the subsidiary or other body concerned 
requires such actions in order to advance the work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step 6

    The draft standard is sent by the Secretariat to all members and 
interested international organizations for comment on all aspects, 
including possible implications of the draft standard for their 
economic interests.

Step 7

    The comments received are sent by the Secretariat to the subsidiary 
body or other body concerned, which has the power to consider such 
comments and amend the draft standard.

Step 8

    The draft standard is submitted through the Secretariat to the 
Commission together with any written proposals received from members 
and interested international organizations for amendments at Step 8 
with a view to its adoption as a Codex Standard. In the case of 
Regional standards, all members and interested international 
organizations may present their comments, take part in the debate and 
propose amendments but only the majority of members of the region or 
group of countries concerned attending the session can decide to amend 
and adopt the draft.
Part 2  Uniform Accelerated Procedure for the Elaboration of Codex 
Standards and Related Texts

Steps 1, 2 and 3

    (1) The Commission or the Executive Committee between Commission 
sessions, on the basis of a two-thirds majority of votes cast, taking 
into account the ``Criteria for the Establishment of Work Priorities 
and for the Establishment of Subsidiary Bodies'', shall identify those 
standards which shall be the subject of an accelerated elaboration 
process. The identification of such standards may also be made by 
subsidiary bodies of the Commission, on the basis of a two-thirds 
majority of votes cast, subject to confirmation at the earliest 
opportunity by the Commission or its Executive Committee by a two-
thirds majority of votes cast.
    (2) The Secretariat arranges for the preparation of a proposed 
draft standard. In the case of Maximum Limits for Residues of 
Pesticides or Veterinary Drugs, the Secretariat distributes the 
recommendations for maximum limits, when available from the Joint 
Meetings of the FAO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues in Food and 
the Environment and the WHO Panel of Experts on Pesticide Residues 
(JMPR), or the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives 
(JECFA). In the cases of milk and milk products or individual standards 
for cheeses, the Secretariat distributes the recommendations of the 
International Dairy Federation (IDF).
    (3) The proposed draft standard is sent to Members of the 
Commission and interested international organizations

[[Page 34652]]

for comment on all aspects including possible implications of the 
proposed draft standard for their economic interests. When standards 
are subject to an accelerated procedure, this fact shall be notified to 
the Members of the Commission and the interested international 
organizations.

Step 4

    The comments received are sent by the Secretariat to the subsidiary 
body or other body concerned which has the power to consider such 
comments and to amend the proposed draft standard.

Step 5

    In the case of standards identified as being subject to an 
accelerated elaboration procedure, the draft standard is submitted 
through the Secretariat to the Commission together with any written 
proposals received from Members and interested international 
organizations for amendments with a view to its adoption as a Codex 
standard. In taking any decision at this step, the Commission will give 
due consideration to any comments that may be submitted by any of its 
Members regarding the implications which the proposed draft standard or 
any provisions thereof may have for their economic interests.

Attachment 6

Nature of Codex Standards

    Codex standards contain requirements for food aimed at ensuring for 
the consumer a sound, wholesome food product free from adulteration, 
and correctly labelled. A Codex standard for any food or foods should 
be drawn up in accordance with the Format for Codex Commodity Standards 
and contain, as appropriate, the criteria listed therein.

Format for Codex Commodity Standards Including Standards Elaborated 
Under the Code of Principles Concerning Milk and Milk Products

Introduction

    The format is also intended for use as a guide by the subsidiary 
bodies of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in presenting their 
standards, with the object of achieving, as far as possible, a uniform 
presentation of commodity standards. The format also indicates the 
statements which should be included in standards as appropriate under 
the relevant headings of the standard. The sections of the format 
required to be completed for a standard are only those provisions that 
are appropriate to an international standard for the food in question.

Name of the Standard
Scope
Description
Essential Composition and Quality Factors
Food Additives
Contaminants
Hygiene
Weights and Measures
Labelling
Methods of Analysis and Sampling

Format for Codex Standards

Name of the Standard

    The name of the standard should be clear and as concise as 
possible. It should usually be the common name by which the food 
covered by the standard is known or, if more than one food is dealt 
with in the standard, by a generic name covering them all. If a fully 
informative title is inordinately long, a subtitle could be added.

Scope

    This section should contain a clear, concise statement as to the 
food or foods to which the standard is applicable unless the name of 
the standard clearly and concisely identifies the food or foods. A 
generic standard covering more than one specific product should clearly 
identify the specific products to which the standard applies.

Description

    This section should contain a definition of the product or products 
with an indication, where appropriate, of the raw materials from which 
the product or products are derived and any necessary references to 
processes of manufacture. The description may also include references 
to types and styles of product and to type of pack. The description may 
also include additional definitions when these additional definition 
are required to clarify the meaning of the standard.

Essential Composition and Quality Factors

    This section should contain all quantitative and other requirements 
as to composition including, where necessary, identity characteristics, 
provisions on packing media and requirements as to compulsory and 
optional ingredients. It should also include quality factors that are 
essential for the designation, definition, or composition of the 
product concerned. Such factors could include the quality of the raw 
material, with the object of protecting the health of the consumer, 
provisions on taste, odor, color, and texture which may be apprehended 
by the senses, and basic quality criteria for the finished products, 
with the object of preventing fraud. This section may refer to 
tolerances for defects, such as blemishes or imperfect material, but 
this information should be contained in appendix to the standard or in 
another advisory text.

Food Additives

    This section should contain the names of the additives permitted 
and, where appropriate, the maximum amount permitted in the food. It 
should be prepared in accordance with guidance given on page 93 of the 
Codex Procedural Manual and may take the following form:
    ``The following provisions in respect of food additives and their 
specifications as contained in section * * * of the Codex Alimentarius 
are subject to endorsement [have been endorsed] by the Codex Committee 
on Food Additives and Contaminants.''
    A tabulation should then follow, viz.:
    ``Name of additive, maximum level (in percentage or mg/kg).''

Contaminants

    (a) Pesticide Residues: This section should include, by reference, 
any levels for pesticide residues that have been established by the 
Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues for the product concerned.
    (b) Other Contaminants: In addition, this section should contain 
the names of other contaminants and where appropriate the maximum level 
permitted in the food, and the text to appear in the standard may take 
the following form:
    ``The following provisions in respect of contaminants, other than 
pesticide residues, are subject to endorsement [have been endorsed] by 
the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants.''
    A tabulation should then follow, viz.: ``Name of contaminant, 
maximum level (in percentage or mg/kg).''

Hygiene

    Any specific mandatory hygiene provisions considered necessary 
should be included in this section. They should be prepared in 
accordance with the guidance given on page 95 of the Codex Procedural 
Manual. Reference should also be made to applicable codes of hygienic 
practice. Any parts of such codes, including in particular any end-
product specifications, should be set out in the standard, if it is 
considered necessary that they should be made mandatory. The following 
statement should also appear:
    ``The following provisions in respect of the food hygiene of the 
product are subject to endorsement [have been

[[Page 34653]]

endorsed] by the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene.''

Weights and Measures

    This section should include all provisions, other than labelling 
provisions, relating to weights and measures, e.g. where appropriate, 
fill of container, weight, measure or count of units determined by an 
appropriate method of sampling and analysis. Weights and measures 
should be expressed in S.I. units. In the case of standards which 
include provisions for the sale of products in standardized amounts, 
e.g. multiples of 100 grams, S.I. units should be used, but this would 
not preclude additional statements in the standards of these 
standardized amounts in approximately similar amounts in other systems 
of weights and measures.

Labelling

    This section should include all the labelling provisions contained 
in the standard and should be prepared in accordance with the guidance 
given on page 92 of the Codex Procedural Manual. Provisions should be 
included by reference to the General Standard for the Labelling of 
Prepackaged Foods. The section may also contain provisions which are 
exemptions from, additions to, or which are necessary for the 
interpretation of the General Standard in respect of the product 
concerned provided that these can be justified fully. The following 
statement should also appear:
    ``The following provisions in respect of the labelling of this 
product are subject to endorsement [have been endorsed] by the Codex 
Committee on Food Labelling.''

Methods of Anaylsis and Sampling

    This section should include, either specifically or by reference, 
all methods of analysis and sampling considered necessary and should be 
prepared in accordance with the guidance given on page 95 of the Codex 
Procedural Manual. If two or more methods have been proved to be 
equivalent by the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling, 
these could be regarded as alternative and included in this section 
either specifically or by reference. The following statement should 
also appear:
    ``The methods of analysis and sampling described hereunder are to 
be endorsed [have been endorsed] by the Codex Committee on Methods of 
Analysis and Sampling.''

[FR Doc. 00-13292 Filed 5-30-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P