[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33444-33460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13771]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. 03-006N]


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. This notice 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, 2002, to May 31, 
2003, and June 1, 2003, to May 31, 2004, seeks comments on standards 
currently under consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: Submit any written comments to: FSIS Docket Room, 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 FSIS Docket Room 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

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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 address: http://www.codexalimentarius.net. The U.S. Codex 
Office also maintains a Web site 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 
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. In addition, the U.S. Codex Office makes much of the same 
information available through its web page, http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/Codex. Please visit the web page or notify the appropriate U.S. 
delegate or the Office of U.S. Codex Alimentarius, Room 4861, South 
Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20250-3700, if you would like to access or 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, 2002 to May 31, 2003, and June 1, 2003 to May 31, 
2004. 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 2002 through 
June 2004)
    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 Listserv, a 
free e-mail subscription service. 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 Listserv 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 the Listserv and web page, FSIS is able to provide 
information to a much broader, more diverse audience.

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    For more information, contact the Congressional and Public Affairs 
Office, at (202) 720-9113. To be added to the free e-mail subscription 
service (Listserv), go to the ``Constituent Update'' page on the 
Internet at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/update/update.htm. Click on the 
``Subscribe to the Constituent Update Listserv'' link, then fill out 
and submit the form.

    Done at Washington, DC on: May 28, 2003.
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-sixth 
Session June 30-July 7, 2003, in Rome, Italy. 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, ad hoc Task Forces and member delegations. It will also 
consider options or strategies regarding the recent Joint FAO/WHO 
Evaluation of the Codex Alimentarius and Other FAO and WHO Work on Food 
Standards. At this Session, the Commission will elect a Chair, three 
Vice Chairs, and Regional Members of the Executive Committee as well as 
appoint Regional Coordinators.
    Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet 
at its Fifty-second Session on June 26-27, 2003. 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. It 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. It 
will also hear a report on, and make recommendations concerning, the 
Trust Fund for the Participation of Developing Countries and Countries 
in Transition in the Work of the Codex Alimentarius.
    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 veterinary drug is defined as any substance applied 
or administered to a food producing animal, such as meat or dairy 
animals, poultry, fish or bees, for therapeutic, prophylactic or 
diagnostic purposes or for modification of physiological functions or 
behavior.
    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 Acceptable Daily 
Intake (ADI) and indicates the amount of residue in food that is 
considered to be without appreciable toxicological hazard. 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 03/31 and ALINORM 03/
31A, will be considered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 
26th Session:
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Abemectin
    [sbull] Carazolol
    [sbull] Chlortetracycline/oxytetracycline/tetracycline
    [sbull] Clenbuterol
    [sbull] Cyfluthrin
    [sbull] Deltamethrin
    [sbull] Eprinomectrin
    [sbull] Phoxim
    [sbull] Porcine somatotropin
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
    [sbull] Cyhalothrin
    [sbull] Dihydrostreptomycin/Streptomycin
    [sbull] Ivermectin
    [sbull] Lincomycin
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 5 Accelerated 
Procedure:
    [sbull] Draft amendments to the Glossary of Terms and Definitions
    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Cefuroxime
    Other Work of the Committee:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice to Minimize and Contain 
Antimicrobial Resistance
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Guidelines for the Establishment of 
a Regulatory Program for Control of Veterinary Drug Residues in Foods.
    [sbull] Risk Analysis Principles and Methodologies, including Risk 
Assessment Policies in the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary 
Drugs in Foods
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Appendix on the Prevention and Control of 
Veterinary Drug Residues in Milk and Milk Products
    [sbull] Priority List of Veterinary Drugs Requiring Evaluation or 
Reevaluation
    [sbull] Methods of Analysis and Sampling Issues
    [sbull] Performance-based Criteria
    [sbull] Identification of Routine Methods of Analysis
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on 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 following matters are under 
consideration by the Commission at its 26th Session in July 2003. The 
relevant documents are ALINORM 03/12 and ALINORM 03/12A.

Risk Analysis

    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the 
Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants

Food Additives

    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Food Additives: Draft Food 
Additive Provisions in Table 1 and Table 2
    [sbull] General Standard for Food Additives: Draft Revisions to the 
Annex to Table 3
    [sbull] Draft Revised Codex General Standard for Irradiated Foods

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    [sbull] Codex Advisory Specifications for the Identity and Purity 
of Food Additives arising from the 57th and 59th meetings of the Joint 
FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
    [sbull] Draft Revisions to the INS for Food Additives
    To be considered at Step 5/8 of the Accelerated Procedure:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Recommended International Code of 
Practice for Radiation Processing of Food
    [sbull] Draft Revisions to the Codex International Numbering System 
for Food Additives
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Food Additives: Proposed Draft 
Food Additive Provisions in Table 1 and Table 2
    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Food Category System of the Codex 
General Standard for Food Additives
    Proposed New Work:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Preamble to the Codex General 
Standard for Food Additives
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Active 
Chlorine
    The Committee is continuing work on:
    [sbull] General Standard for Food Additives: Draft Food Additive 
Provisions (in Tables 1, 2 and 3)
    [sbull] International Numbering System
    [sbull] Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food 
Additives
    [sbull] Discussion paper on Processing Aids and Carriers
    [sbull] Discussion paper on the Harmonization of Terms Used by 
Codex and JECFA for Sub-Classes and Technological Functions

Contaminants

    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins: Maximum 
Level for Patulin in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in Other 
Beverages
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins: Maximum 
Level for Ochratoxin A in Wheat, Barley, Rye and Derived Products
    [sbull] Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of 
Patulin Contamination in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in 
Other Beverages
    [sbull] Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of 
Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals, Including Annexes on Ochratoxin A, 
Zearalenone, Fumonisins, and Trichothecenes
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins: 
Revocation of maximum level for lead in milkfat.
    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Principles for Exposure Assessment of 
Contaminants and Toxins in Foods
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Cadmium
    Proposed New Work:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Aflatoxins in Tree Nuts 
(Almonds, Hazelnuts and Pistachios)
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Tin Contamination in Foods
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Deoxynivalenol
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Guideline Levels for Radionuclides 
in Foods following Accidental Nuclear Contamination for Use in 
International Trade (CAC/GL 5-1989), including Guideline Levels for 
Long-Term Use
    [sbull] Discussion Paper on Acrylamide
    The Committee is continuing work on:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and 
Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Tree Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts 
and Pistachios)
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Source Directed 
Measures to Reduce Dioxin and Dioxin-like PCB Contamination of Foods
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins: Draft 
Maximum Levels for Lead in Fish
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins: 
Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Cadmium in Rice, Soybeans, Peanuts, 
and Mollusks (including cephalopods)
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins: 
Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Tin in Liquid Canned Foods Other Than 
Beverages and in Canned Beverages
    [sbull] Schedule 1 of the Proposed Draft Codex General Standard for 
Contaminants and Toxins in Foods
    [sbull] Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins: Maximum 
Level for Patulin in Apple Juice Ingredients in other beverages. The 
CCFAC is collecting data on the level of patulin in apple juice and 
apple juice ingredients for other beverages with the intent of 
reconsidering the maximum level once the Code of Practice had been 
implemented (i.e., after four years)
    [sbull] Position Paper on Dioxins and Dioxin-like PCBs
    [sbull] Position Paper on Chloropropanols
    [sbull] Position Paper on Aflatoxin in Tree Nuts
    [sbull] Mycotoxin Contamination in Sorghum
    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 be considered by the Commission at its 
26th Session in July 2003. The relevant documents are ALINORM 03/24 and 
ALINORM 03/24A.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Amendments to the Guidelines on Good Laboratory 
Practice in Pesticide Residue Analysis and the Introduction Section of 
the Recommended Methods of Analysis for Pesticide Residues
    [sbull] Draft and Draft Revised Maximum Residue Limits
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft and Proposed Draft Revised Maximum Residue 
Limits
    To be considered at Step 5:

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    [sbull] Proposed Draft and Proposed Draft Revised Maximum Residue 
Limits
    The committee is continuing work on:
    [sbull] Consideration of Draft and Proposed Draft Residue Limits in 
Foods and Feeds
    [sbull] Paper on Pilot Project for the Examination of National MRLs 
as Interim Codex MRLs for Safer Alternative Pesticides
    [sbull] Paper on Acute Dietary Risk Assessment
    [sbull] Revision of Regional Diets and Information on Processing
    [sbull] Revision of the List of Recommended Methods of Analysis for 
Pesticide Residues
    [sbull] Revision of the Codex Classification of Foods and Animal 
Feeds
    [sbull] Consideration of Elaboration of MRLs for Spices
    [sbull] Revision of Codex Priority Lists of Pesticides for review 
by JMPR
    [sbull] Paper on the establishment of MRLs for processed 
commodities.
    [sbull] Paper on the elimination of environmental fate data review 
from the work of JMPR
    *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/AMS.
    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 following guidelines and proposed amendments to the procedural 
manual will be considered by the 26th Commission in July 2003. The 
relevant document is ALINORM 03/23.
    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft General Guidelines on Sampling
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Guidelines on Measurement Uncertainly
    For consideration by the Commission:
    [sbull] IUPAC Guidelines for Single-Laboratory Validation of 
Methods of Analysis (for adoption by reference)
    [sbull] Proposed amendments to the Procedural Manual:
    [sbull] Amendment to the General Criteria for the Selection of 
Methods of Analysis Using the Criteria Approach
    [sbull] New section on Working Instructions for the Implementation 
of the Criteria Approach in Codex New Work:
    [sbull] Review current Analytical Terminology for Codex
    The Committee will continue work on:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Guidelines for Evaluating Acceptable Methods 
of Analysis
    [sbull] Validation of methods
    [sbull] Single Laboratory Validation
    [sbull] Use of Proficiency Testing Schemes
    [sbull] Endorsement of Methods of Analysis and Sampling Provisions 
in Codex Standards
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Guidelines for Settling of Disputes on 
Analytical (test) Results
    [sbull] Criteria for Methods of Analysis for Foods derived from 
Biotechnology
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection 
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; 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 following guidelines, found in ALINORM 03/30 and 03/30A, will 
be considered for adoption by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 
26th Session in July 2003:
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Guidelines for Food Import Control Systems
    [sbull] Draft Guidelines on the Judgement of Equivalence on 
Sanitary Measures Associated with Food Inspection and Certification 
Systems
    The committee is continuing work on:
    [sbull] Proposed Revised Draft Guidelines for the Exchange of 
Information in Food Control Emergency Situations
    [sbull] Discussion paper on the Judgement of Equivalence of 
Technical Regulations Associated with Food Inspection and Certification 
Systems
    [sbull] Discussion paper on ``traceability/product tracing'' in the 
context of 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 relevant documents are ALINORM 03/33 and ALINORM 03/
33A. The following items will be considered at the 26th Session of the 
Commission in July 2003:
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Working Principles for Risk Analysis for Application 
within the Framework of Codex
    The Committee continues to work on:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Working Principles for Risk Analysis as 
Guidance to National Governments
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Code of Ethics for International 
Trade in Foods

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    [sbull] Guidelines for Cooperation with International 
Intergovernmental Organizations
    [sbull] Membership in the Codex Alimentarius Commission of Regional 
Economic Integration Organizations
    [sbull] Consideration of a Definition for ``Traceability''/product 
tracing
    [sbull] The role of the Committee in implementation of 
recommendations from the Joint FAO/WHO Evaluation of Codex Alimentarius 
and Other FAO and WHO Work on Food Standards
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Labelling

    The Codex Committee on Food Labelling is responsible for drafting 
provisions on labelling issues assigned by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission. The reference documents are ALINORM 03/22 and ALINORM 03/
22A. The Committee held its Thirty-First Session in Ottawa, Canada, on 
April 28-May 2, 2003. It considered the following items:
    [sbull] Draft Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling 
and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods Proposed Revised Sections: 
Section 5--Criteria and Annex 2--Permitted Substances
    [sbull] Draft Amendment to the General Standard for the Labelling 
of Prepackaged Foods--(Draft Recommendations for the Labelling of Foods 
Obtained through Certain Techniques of Genetic Modification/Genetic 
Engineering) Section 4.2.2 (allergenicity) and Section 2. (Definitions)
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Standard for the 
Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (Class Names) (Milk Protein/Milk Protein 
Products)
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Amendment to the Guidelines on Nutrition 
Labelling
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Recommendations for the Use of Health 
Claims: Proposed Draft Guidelines for the use of Nutrition and Health 
Claims
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Amendment to the General Standard for the 
Labelling of Prepackaged Foods: Quantitative Declaration of Ingredients
    [sbull] Discussion paper on Misleading Claims
    [sbull] Discussion paper on Country of Origin Labelling
    [sbull] Discussion paper on ``Traceability''/Product Tracing
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene has four primary 
responsibilities. First, the Committee drafts 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, 
the Committee suggests and prioritizes areas where there is a need for 
microbiological risk assessment at the international level and 
considers microbiological risk management matters in relation to food 
hygiene and in relation to the risk assessment activities of FAO and 
WHO. This often takes the form of developing general guidance documents 
such as the Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct of 
Microbiological Risk Assessment and the proposed draft Principles and 
Guidelines for the Conduct of Microbiological Risk Management, but can 
also take the form of developing microbiological risk management 
guidance documents for the control of specific microbial pathogens in 
food. Third, the Committee considers, amends if necessary, and endorses 
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. Fourth, the Committee provides such 
other general guidance to the Commission on matters relating to food 
hygiene as is necessary. The following items will be considered by the 
Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 26th Session in July 2003. The 
relevant documents are ALINORM 03/13 and ALINORM 03/13A.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables
    [sbull] Draft Revised Guidelines for the Application of HACCP 
System
    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk 
Products
    The committee continues to work on:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct of 
Microbiological Risk Management
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Guidelines on the Application of the General 
Principles of Food Hygiene to the [management] of Listeria 
monocytogenes in Foods
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Guidelines for Validation of Food Hygienic 
Control Measures
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revision of the Code of Hygienic Practice 
for Egg Products
    [sbull] Discussion paper on Risk Management Strategies for 
Salmonella spp. in Poultry
    [sbull] Discussion paper on Risk Management Strategies for 
Campylobacter spp. in Poultry
    [sbull] Risk Profile for Enterohemorrhagic E. coli Including the 
Identification of Commodities of Concern, including Sprouts, Ground 
Beef and Pork
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Process by Which the Committee on Food 
Hygiene Could Undertake its Work in Microbiological Risk Assessment/
Risk Management
    [sbull] Discussion Paper on the Proposed Draft Revision of the 
Recommended International Code of Practice for Foods for Infants and 
Children
    [sbull] Discussion Paper on Development of Process, Procedures and 
Criteria to Establish Priorities for the Work of the Codex Committee on 
Food Hygiene
    [sbull] Discussion Paper on the Development of Options for a Cross-
Committee Interaction Process
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA; FSIS/USDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

    The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables is responsible 
for elaborating world-wide standards and codes of practice for fresh 
fruits and vegetables. The following standards will be considered by 
the 26th Session of the Commission in July 2003. The relevant document 
is ALINORM 03/35.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Standard for Sweet Cassava
    [sbull] Draft Standard for Pitahayas
    [sbull] Section 3--Provisions concerning sizing and Section 6.2.4--
Commercial Identification in the grapefruit, lime and pummelo 
standards.
    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Table Grapes
    The Committee continues work on:
    [sbull] Draft Standard for Oranges retained at Step 7
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Tomatoes
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Apples
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Guide for the Quality Control of Fresh 
Fruits and Vegetables
    New work subject to approval by 26th CAC:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Rambutan
    Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

[[Page 33450]]

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 general provisions, 
as appropriate, on nutritional aspects of all foods and develops 
standards, guidelines, or related texts for foods for special dietary 
uses. A request for new work will be made to the 26th Session of the 
Commission in July 2003. The relevant documents are ALINORM 03/26 and 
ALINORM 03/26A.
    The committee continues work on:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Processed Cereal-Based 
Foods for Infants and Young Children
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Infant Formula
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Guidelines for Vitamin and Mineral 
Supplements
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revision of the Advisory Lists of Nutrient 
Compounds for Use in Foods for Special Dietary Uses intended for use by 
Infants and Young Children
    New Work:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Recommendations on the Scientific Basis of 
Health Claims
    When new scientific information becomes available, the committee 
plans to resume work on:
    [sbull] Guidelines for Use of Nutrition Claims--Draft Table of 
Conditions for Nutrient Contents Claims (Part B containing Provisions 
on Dietary Fibre)
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Standards for Gluten-Free Foods
    [sbull] Discussion Paper on Energy Conversion Factors
    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, frozen and otherwise processed fish, 
crustaceans and mollusks. The following will be considered by the 26th 
Session of the Commission when it meets in July 2003. The relevant 
document is ALINORM 03/18.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Standard for Dried Salted Anchovies
    [sbull] Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products 
(specific sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 16)
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
    [sbull] Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products 
(section 9, Surimi)
    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Model Certificate for Fish and Fishery 
Products (sanitary certificate)
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Quick Frozen 
Lobsters (inclusion of the species Pleurooncondes monodon and 
Cervimundia johni)
    New Work:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Sturgeon Caviar
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Amendment to the Standard for Salted Fish 
and Dried Salted Fish of the Gadidae family (Determination of water and 
salt by selecting certain sections of the fish)
    The Committee continues work on the following:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Salted Atlantic Herring and 
Salted Sprats at Step 6
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery 
Products (other sections 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 18) 
at Step 3
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Live and Processed Bivalve 
Mollusks
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Smoked Fish
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Quick Frozen Scallop Adductor 
Muscle Meat
    [sbull] Fish Content Definition and its Method of Determination in 
Fish Sticks
    [sbull] Revision of the Procedure for the Inclusion of Species
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Model Certificate for Fish and Fishery 
Products (other than sanitary)
    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 by the 26th Session of the 
Commission when it meets in July 2003. The relevant document is ALINORM 
03/11.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Cream and Prepared 
Creams
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Fermented Milk Products
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Whey Powders
    To be considered at Steps 5/8:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Amendment to the Codex General Standard for 
Cheese (Appendix on cheese rind, surface, and coating)
    The Committee continues work on:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Standard for Products in Which Milk 
Components are Substituted by Non-Milk Components
    [sbull] Evaporated Skimmed Milk with Vegetable Fat
    [sbull] Sweetened Condensed Skimmed Milk with Vegetable Fat
    [sbull] Skimmed Milk Powder with Vegetable Fat
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Amendment to Section 3.3 (Composition) of 
the Codex General Standard for Cheese
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Model Export Certificate for Milk and Milk 
Products
    [sbull] Methods of Analysis and Sampling for Milk Products
    [sbull] Draft Revised Standards for Individual Cheeses
    [sbull] Draft Revised Standard for Processed Cheese
    [sbull] Draft Revised Standard for Dairy Spreads
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Standard for Whey Cheese
    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 relevant document is ALINORM 03/17. The following will be 
considered by the Commission at its 26th Session in July 2003.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Revised Standard for Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils
    [sbull] Draft Amendment to the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils
    [sbull] Palm superolein
    [sbull] Mid-oleic sunflower oil
    [sbull] Inclusion of new desmethysterol data and tocopherol and 
tocotrienol data for palm olien, palm stearin
    New Work:
    [sbull] Amendment to the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils: Rice 
Bran Oil
    The Committee continues work on:
    [sbull] Draft Standard for Fat Spreads and Blended Spreads
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Amendments to the List of Acceptable 
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 world-wide standards for cocoa products and chocolate. 
The following standard will be considered by the 26th Session of the 
Commission in July 2003. The relevant document is ALINORM 03/14.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Revised Standard for Chocolate and Chocolate Products

[[Page 33451]]

    The Committee agreed to adjourn sine die as it had completed its 
program of work.
    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 
reconvened in Washington, DC, in March 1998 to begin work revising the 
standards. The following standards will be considered by the 26th 
Session of the Commission in July 2003. The relevant document is 
ALINORM 03/27.
    To be considered at step 8:
    [sbull] Draft Standard for Bamboo Shoots
    [sbull] Draft Revised Standard for Canned Stone Fruits
    [sbull] Draft Codex Guidelines for Packing Media for Canned Fruit
    [sbull] Draft Codex Standard for Aqueous Coconut Products--Coconut 
Milk and Coconut Cream
    The committee is continuing work on:
    [sbull] Draft Codex Standard for Pickled Products
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Standards for:
    [sbull] Processed Tomato Concentrates
    [sbull] Canned Tomatoes
    [sbull] Canned Vegetables including Guidelines for Packing Media 
for Canned Vegetables
    [sbull] Jams, Jellies and Marmalades
    [sbull] Soy Sauce
    [sbull] Canned Citrus Fruits
    Other work:
    [sbull] Methods of Analysis for Processed Fruits and Vegetables
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Processing and 
Handling of Quick Frozen Foods
    [sbull] Priority List for the Standardization of Processed Fruits 
and Vegetables
    Responsible Agency: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Meat and Poultry Hygiene

    The 24th Session of the Commission decided to reactivate the Codex 
Committee on Meat Hygiene and agreed to rename it the Codex Committee 
on Meat and Poultry Hygiene, with New Zealand as Host Government. The 
Terms of Reference were amended to reflect the inclusion of poultry in 
its mandate. The following, contained in ALINORM 03/16 and ALINORM 03/
16A, will be considered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 
26th Session in July 2003.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft General Principles of Meat Hygiene
    Other:
    [sbull] Request to change the name back to the Codex Committee on 
Meat Hygiene
    To be considered at Step 5:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Meat
    [sbull] Requested the Commission to change the name back to the 
Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene
    The Committee continues to work on:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Annex on Risk-Based Post-Mortem Examination 
Procedures for Meat
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Annex on Microbiological Verification of 
Process Control of Meat Hygiene
    [sbull] Discussion paper on Hygiene Provisions for Processed Meat
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Certain Codex Commodity Committees \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    Several Codex Alimentarius Commodity Committees have adjourned sine 
die. The following Committees fall into this category:

[sbull] Cereals, Pulses and Legumes

    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA, USDA/GIPSA
    U.S. Participation: Yes

[sbull] Natural Mineral Water

    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA
    U.S. Participation: Yes

[sbull] Sugars
    Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS; HHS/FDA
    U.S. Participation: Yes

    [sbull] Vegetable Proteins
    Responsible Agency: USDA/ARS, HHS/FDA
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology

    The Commission 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, 
established by the 23rd (1999) Session of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission for a four year period of time, has completed its work. The 
following, contained in ALINORM 03/34 and ALINORM 03/34A, will be 
considered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 26th Session in 
July 2003.
    To be considered at Step 8:
    [sbull] Draft General Principles for the Risk Analysis of Foods 
Derived from Modern Biotechnology
    [sbull] Draft Guidelines for the Conduct of Safety Assessment of 
Foods Derived from Recombinant-DNA Plants
    [sbull] Draft Guidelines for the Conduct of Food Safety Assessment 
of Recombinant-DNA Microorganisms
    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 Ad Hoc 
Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding to develop guidelines or 
standards, as appropriate, on good animal feeding practices. An Interim 
Report of the work of the Task Force, as required under its Terms of 
Reference, was presented to the 24th Commission by Denmark, the host 
government. The Task Force held its 4th Session on March 25-28, 2003. 
The following will be considered by the Commission at its 26th Session 
in July 2003:
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
    [sbull] Revised Draft Code of Practice for Good Animal Feeding
    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 held its third session in Brasilia, Brazil, on May 6-9, 2003. The 
reference documents are ALINORM 03/39 and 03/39A.
    The committee is discussing:
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Codex General Standard for Fruit Juices and 
Nectars
    [sbull] Proposed Draft Revised Codex General Standard for Vegetable 
Juices
    [sbull] Methods of Analysis and Sampling for Fruit and Vegetable 
Juices and Nectars
    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,

[[Page 33452]]

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:
    [sbull] Coordinating Committee for Africa
    [sbull] Coordinating Committee for Asia
    [sbull] Coordinating Committee for Europe
    [sbull] Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean
    [sbull] Coordinating Committee for the Near East
    [sbull] 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:
    [sbull] Defines the problems and needs of the region concerning 
food standards and food control;
    [sbull] 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;
    [sbull] 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
    [sbull] 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 Seventh Session of the Committee was 
hosted by Canada October 29-November 1, 2002. Items on the agenda 
included:
    [sbull] Trust Fund for the Participation of Developing Countries in 
Codex Standard Setting Procedures
    [sbull] Joint FAO/WHO Evaluation of the Codex Alimentarius and 
other FAO and WHO Work on Food Standards
    [sbull] Consideration of the Draft Medium-Term Plan 2003-2007
    [sbull] Consideration of Traceability/Product Tracing
    [sbull] Strategic Plan for the Coordinating Committee for North 
America and the Southwest Pacific
    [sbull] Nomination of Samoa as the next Coordinator for 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. Karen Hulebak, Senior Advisor for Scientific Affairs, Office of the 
Administrator, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 3130, South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone : 202-720-8609, Fax 
: 202-720-9893, E-mail: [email protected]

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables,

Mr. David L. Priester, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit & 
Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 2049, South Building, Stop 0140, 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) 827-2950, Fax : (301) 827-8401, 
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 Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64153-
1394, Phone : (816) 891-0401, Fax : (816) 891-0478, 
E-mail: [email protected]

Listing of U.S. Delegates and Alternates Worldwide General Subject 
Codex Committees

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (Host 
Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Pamela L. Chamberlain, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and 
Drug Administration, 7519 Standish Place HFV-130, Rockville, MD 20855, 
Phone : (301) 827-8566, FAX : (301) 827-4299, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
Dr. Alice Thaler, Staff Director, Animal and Egg Production Food Safety 
Staff, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone : (202) 690-2683, Fax 
: (202) 720-8213, E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants (Host Government--
The Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Terry C. Troxell, Director, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and 
Beverages, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-300), Food 
and Drug Administration, Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-1700, Fax : (301) 436-2632, E-mail: 
[email protected]

Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Dennis M. Keefe, Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-255), Food and Drug 
Administration, Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (202) 418-3113, 
Fax : (202) 418-3131, E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (Host Government--the 
Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
    Edward Zager, Associate Director, Health Effects Division, Office 
of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios 
Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, Phone 
: (703) 305-5035, Fax : (703) 305-5147, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Robert Epstein, Associate Deputy Administrator, Science and 
Technology, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, P.O. Box 96456, Room 3522S, Mail Stop 0222, 1400 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20090, Phone : (202) 
720-2158, Fax : (202) 720-1484, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government--
Hungary)
U.S. Delegate

[[Page 33453]]

    Dr. Gregory Diachenko, Director, Division of Chemistry, Office of 
Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition 
(CFSAN), Food and Drug Administration (HFS-245), Harvey W. Wiley 
Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone : (301) 436-1898, Fax : (301) 436-2364, 
E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Thomas B. Whitaker, Senior Scientist, Agricultural Research 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 124 Weaver Laboratory, North 
Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625, Phone : 
(919) 515-6731, Fax : (919) 515-7760, E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification and Inspection 
Systems (Host Government--Australia)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Catherine Carnevale, Director, Office of Constituent 
Operations, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration (HFS-550), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-2380, Fax : (301) 436-2618, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Ms. Karen Stuck, Chief, International Policy Staff, Food Safety and 
Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2137, South 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, 
Phone : 202-720-3470, Fax : 202-720-7990, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Codex Committee on General Principles (Host Government--France)
U.S. Delegate

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

Codex Committee on Food Labeling (Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Christine Taylor, Director, Office of Nutritional Products, 
Labeling and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Harvey E. Wiley Federal 
Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway (HFS-800), College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone : (301) 436-2373, Fax : (301) 436-2636, 
E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Robert Post, Director, Labeling & Consumer Protection Staff, 
Office of Policy and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 300 12th Street, SW., Room 
602, Cotton Annex, 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)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Robert L. Buchanan, Director, Office of Science, Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-
006), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, 
College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 436-2369, Fax 
: (301) 436-2642, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegates
    Mr. John Mowbray, Food Technologist, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-306), Harvey W. 
Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, Room 1B064, College 
Park, MD 20740, Phone : (301) 436-1490, Fax : (301) 
436-2632 E-mail: [email protected]

    Dr. Barbara Masters, Acting Associate Deputy Administrator, Field 
Operations, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone : (202) 720-
3697, Fax : (202) 720-5439, E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Nutrition and Food for Special Dietary Uses (Host 
Government--Germany)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Elizabeth Yetley, FDA Lead Scientist for Nutrition, Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-
006), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, 
College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 436-1671, Fax 
: (301) 436-2641, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Christine Taylor, Director, Office of Nutritional Products, 
Labeling and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Harvey W. Wiley Federal 
Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway (HFS-800), College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone : (301) 436-2373, Fax : (301) 436-2636, 
E-mail: [email protected]

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Host Government--
Mexico)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. David Priester, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit & 
Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 2069, South Building 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250 Phone : (202) 720-2184, Fax : 
(202) 720-0016, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetables Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2086, South 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone 
: (202) 690-4944, Fax : (202) 720-4722, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (Host Government--Norway)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Philip C. Spiller, Director, Office of Seafood, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-400), 
Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College 
Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 436-2300, Fax : 
(301) 436-2599, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Vacant
Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Host Government--United 
States)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities Staff, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration (HFS-585), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-1714, Fax : (301) 436-2618, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. David Shipman, Deputy

[[Page 33454]]

Administrator, Federal Grain Inspection Division, Grain Inspection, 
Packers and Stockyards Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Room 1661, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC 20250, Phone : (202) 720-9170, Fax : (202) 205-
9237, E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (Host Government--New 
Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Duane Spomer, Chief, Dairy Standardization Branch, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, Room 2750, 
South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone : (202) 720-9382, Fax : (202) 720-2643, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    John F. Sheehan, Director, Division of Dairy and Egg Safety, Office 
of Plant and Dairy Foods and Beverages, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-306), Harvey W. 
Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 
20740, Phone : (301) 436-1488, Fax : (301) 436-2632, 
E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (Host Government--United Kingdom)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities Staff, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration (HFS-585), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-1714, Fax : (301) 436-2618, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Ms. Kathleen Warner, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1815 N. 
University Street, Peoria, IL 61604, Phone : (309) 681-6584, 
Fax : (309) 681-6668, E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate (Host Government--
Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities Staff, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration (HFS-585), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-1714, Fax : (301) 436-2618, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Michelle Smith, Food Technologist, Office of Plant and Dairy 
Foods and Beverages, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food 
and Drug Administration (HFS-306), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone 
: (301) 436-2024, Fax : (301) 436-2651, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Codex Committee on Sugars (Host Government--United Kingdom)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Thomas L. Tew, Research Geneticist, Sugarcane Research Unit, 
Agricultural Research, USDA--FSIS, 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 Food Additive Safety, Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-
255), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, 
College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (202) 418-3113, Fax 
: (202) 418-3131, E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (Host Government--
United States)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Dorian Lafond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 2086, South Building, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone : (202) 690-4944, Fax : 
(202) 720-0016, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. Charles W. Cooper, Director, International Activities Staff, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration (HFS-585), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-1714, Fax : (301) 436-2618, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins (Host Government--Canada)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Wilda H. Martinez, Area Director, ARS North Atlantic Area, 
Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 600 E. 
Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038, Phone : (215) 233-6593, Fax 
: (215) 233-6719, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Jeanne Rader, Director, Division of Research and Applied 
Technology, Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling and Dietary 
Supplements, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and 
Drug Administration, Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-1786, Fax : (301) 436-2640, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene (Host Government--New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Perfecto Santiago, Assistant Deputy Administrator, Office of 
Policy and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 300 12th Street, SW., Room 402, Cotton 
Annex, Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone : (202) 205-0699, Fax 
: (202) 401-1760, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. William James, Director, Food Animal Sciences Division, Office 
of Public Health and Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. 
Department of Agriculture, Mail Drop 343, 900 D Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20024, Phone : (202) 690-6572, Fax : 
(202) 690-6565, E-mail: [email protected]
Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters (Host Government--
Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Terry C. Troxell, Director, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and 
Beverages, Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration (HFS-300), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-1700, Fax : (301) 436-2632, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Ms. Shellee Anderson, Division of Nutritional Products, Labeling, 
and

[[Page 33455]]

Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food 
and Drug Administration (HFS-820), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 
5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone 
: (301) 436-1491, Fax : (301) 436-2637, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task 
Force on Fruit and Vegetable Juices (Host government--Brazil)
U.S. Delegate
    Mr. Martin Stutsman, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods and Beverages, 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration (HFS-306), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 
436-1642, Fax : (301) 436-2651, E-mail: 
[email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Mr. David Priester, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit & 
Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 2069, South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-2184, Fax: (202) 720-0016, E-
mail: [email protected]
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived From Biotechnology 
(Host government--Japan)
U.S. Delegate
    L. Robert Lake, Director, Office of Regulations and Policy, Center 
for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration 
(HFS-004), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, 
College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone : (301) 436-2379, Fax 
: (301) 436-2668, 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)
U.S. Delegate
    Dr. Stephen F. Sundlof, Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine, 
Food and Drug Administration, 7519 Standish Place (HFV-1), Metro Park 
N. 4, Rockville, MD 20855, Phone : (301) 827-2950, Fax 
: (301) 827-4401, E-mail: [email protected]
Alternate Delegate
    Dr. Lawrence E. Miller, Program Manager, Veterinary Regulatory 
Support, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service, Unit 129, Room 4D79, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 
20737, Phone : (301) 734-7633, Fax : (301) 734-8538, 
E-mail: [email protected]
    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

    Dr. F. Edward Scarbrough, Manager, U.S. Codex Office, Food Safety 
and Inspection Service, Room 4861, South Building, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, Phone : (202) 205-
7760, Fax : (202) 720-3157, E-mail: 
[email protected]

                                   Attachment 3.--Timetable of Codex Sessions
                                          [June 2002 through June 2004]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002:
    CX 702-50...............  Executive Committee of     26-28 June..........  Rome.
                               the Codex Alimentarius
                               Commission (50th
                               Session).
    CX 706-23...............  FAO/WHO (Codex) Regional   10-13 September.....  Bratislava.
                               Coordinating Committee
                               for Europe (23th
                               Session).
    CX 727-13...............  FAO/WHO (Codex) Regional   17-20 September.....  Kuala Lumpur.
                               Coordinating Committee
                               for Asia (13th Session).
    CX 713-21...............  Codex Committee on         23-27 September.....  San Antonio, TX.
                               Processed Fruits and
                               Vegetables (21st
                               Session).
    CX 732-7................  FAO/WHO (Codex) Regional   29 October-1          Vancouver, BC.
                               Coordinating Committee     November.
                               for North America and
                               the South-West Pacific
                               (7th Session).
    CX 720-24...............  Codex Committee on         4-8 November........  Berlin.
                               Nutrition and Foods for
                               Special Dietary Uses
                               (24th Session).
    CX 715-24...............  Codex Committee on         18-22 November......  Budapest.
                               Methods of Analysis and
                               Sampling (24th Session).
    CX-707-15...............  FAO/WHO (Codex) Regional   25-29 November......  Kampala.
                               Coordinating Committee
                               for Africa (15th
                               Session).
    CX 725-13...............  FAO/WHO (Codex) Regional   3-6 December........  Santo Domingo.
                               Committee for Latin
                               America and the
                               Caribbean (13th Session).
2003:
    CX-734-2................  FAO/WHO (Codex) Regional   20-23 January.......  Cairo.
                               Coordinating Committee
                               for the Near East (2nd
                               Session).
    CX 712-35...............  Codex Committee on Food    27 January-1          Orlando, FL.
                               Hygiene (35th Session).    February.
    CX 709-18...............  Codex Committee on Fats    3-7 February........  London.
                               and Oils (18th Session).
    CX-702-51...............  Executive Committee of     10-11 February......  Geneva.
                               the Codex Alimentarius
                               Commission (51st
                               [Extraordinary] Session).
    CX-701-25...............  Codex Alimentarius         12-15 February......  Geneva.
                               Commission (25th
                               [Extraordinary] Session).
    CX 723-9................  Codex Committee on Meat    17-21 February......  Wellington.
                               Hygiene (9th Session).
    CX 730-14...............  Codex Committee on         4-7 March...........  Arlington, VA.
                               Residues of Veterinary
                               Drugs in Foods (14th
                               Session).

[[Page 33456]]

 
    CX 802-4................  Ad hoc Intergovernmental   10-14 March.........  Yokohama.
                               Task Force on
                               Biotechnology (4th
                               Session).
    CX 711-35...............  Codex Committee on Food    17-21 March.........  Arusha.
                               Additives and
                               Contaminants (35th
                               Session).
    CX 803-4................  Ad hoc Intergovernmental   24-26 March.........  Copenhagen.
                               Task Force on Animal
                               Feeding (4th Session).
    CX 718-35...............  Codex Committee on         31 March-4 April....  Rotterdam.
                               Pesticide Residues (35th
                               Session).
    CX 716-18...............  Codex Committee on         7-11 April..........  Paris.
                               General Principles (18th
                               Session).
    CX 714-31...............  Codex Committee on Food    28 April-2 May......  Ottawa.
                               Labelling (31st Session).
    CX 801-3................  Ad hoc Intergovernmental   6-9 May.............  Brasilia.
                               Task Force on Fruit and
                               Vegetable Juices (3rd
                               Session).
    CX 702-52...............  Executive Committee of     26-27 June..........  Rome.
                               the Codex Alimentarius
                               Commission (52st
                               Session).
    CX 701-26...............  Codex Alimentarius         30 June-5 July......  Rome.
                               Commission (26th
                               Session).
    CX 731-11...............  Codex Committee on Fresh   8-12 September......  Mexico City.
                               Fruits and Vegetables.
    CX 722-26...............  Codex Committee on Fish    13-17 October.......  Aalesund, Norway.
                               and Fishery products.
    CX-720-25...............  Codex Committee on         3-7 November........  Berlin.
                               Nutrition and Foods for
                               Special Dietary Uses.
    CX-733-123..............  Codex Committee on Food    1-5 December........  TBA.
                               Import and Export
                               Inspection and
                               Certification.
2004:
    CX 702-53...............  Executive Committee of     4-6 February........  Geneva.
                               the Codex Alimentarius
                               Commission (53rd
                               Session).
    CX-723-10...............  Codex Committee on Meat    16-20 February......  Auckland.
                               and Poultry Hygiene
                               (10th Session).
    CX 715-25...............  Codex Committee on         7-14 March..........  Budapest.
                               Methods of Analysis and
                               Sampling (25th Session).
    CX 711-36...............  Codex Committee on Food    22-26 March.........  Rotterdam.
                               Additives and
                               Contaminants (36th
                               Session).
    CX 712-36...............  Codex Committee on Food    29 March-3 April....  Washington, DC.
                               Hygiene (36th Session).
    CX 718-36...............  Codex Committee on         19-24 April.........  New Delhi.
                               Pesticide Residues (36th
                               Session).
    CX-703-06...............  Codex Committee on Milk    26-30 April.........  Auckland.
                               and Milk Products (6th
                               Session).
    CX 716-19...............  Codex Committee on         3-7 May.............  Paris.
                               General Principles (19th
                               Session).
    CX 714-32...............  Codex Committee on Food    10-14 May...........  Ottawa.
                               Labelling (32nd Session).
    CX-702-54...............  Executive Committee (54th  24-26 June..........  Geneva.
                               Session).
    CX-701-27...............  Codex Alimentarius         28 June-2 July......  Geneva.
                               Commission (27th
                               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 
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

[[Page 33457]]

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 
effects 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 [mu]g/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 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

[[Page 33458]]

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
    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.
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 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.

[[Page 33459]]

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 definitions 
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 84 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 in 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 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 in 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.''

[[Page 33460]]

Methods of Analysis 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 in 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 alternatives 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. 03-13771 Filed 6-3-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P