[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 107 (Friday, June 4, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31749-31759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-13403]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Food Safety and Inspection Service

[Docket No. FSIS-2009-0033]


International Standard-Setting Activities

AGENCY: Office of Food Safety, 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, Public Law 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, 2009, to May 31, 
2010, and June 1, 2010, to May 31, 2011, seeks comments on standards 
under consideration and recommendations for new standards.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by either of the following 
methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: This Web site provides the 
ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this 
Web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions at that site for 
submitting comments.
     Mail, including diskettes or CD-ROMs, and hand- or 
courier-delivered items: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 2-2127, George 
Washington Carver Center, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Beltsville, MD 20705.
    Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must 
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2009-0033. Comments 
received in response to this docket will be made available for public 
inspection and posted without change, including any personal 
information, to http://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to comments received, go to the FSIS Docket Room 
at the address listed above between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday.
    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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Stuck, United States Manager for 
Codex, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Food Safety, Room 
4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-3700; Phone: (202) 205-7760; Fax: (202) 720-3157; 
E-mail: [email protected].
    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/current.asp. 
The U.S. Codex Office also maintains a Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Codex_Alimentarius/index.asp.

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.'' The main organizations are Codex, the 
World Organisation for Animal Health, 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 SPS 
standard-setting activities of each international standard-setting 
organization. The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the Office 
of Food Safety the responsibility to inform the public of the SPS 
standard-setting activities of Codex. The Office of Food Safety has, in 
turn, assigned the responsibility for informing the public

[[Page 31750]]

of the SPS standard-setting activities of Codex to the U.S. Codex 
Office.
    Codex was created in 1963 by two U.N. organizations, the Food and 
Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 
Codex is the principal international organization for establishing 
standards for food. 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 protect the health of consumers, ensure fair trade practices in the 
food trade, and promote coordination of food standards work undertaken 
by international governmental and non-governmental organizations. In 
the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); 
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS); the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association 
(NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC); and the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) manage and carry out U.S. Codex activities.
    As the agency responsible for informing the public of the SPS 
standard-setting activities of Codex, the Office of Food Safety 
publishes this notice in the Federal Register annually. Attachment 1 
(Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex) sets forth the 
following information:
    1. The SPS standards under consideration or planned for 
consideration; and
    2. For each SPS 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, please 
contact the Codex delegate or the U.S. Codex office:

This notice also solicits public comment on those standards that are 
currently 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 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/Regulations_&_Policies/Codex_Alimentarius/index.asp. Please visit the Web page or 
notify the appropriate U.S. delegate or the U.S. Codex Office, Room 
4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-3700 ([email protected]), 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, 2009, to May 31, 2010, and June 1, 2010, to May 
31, 2011. Attachment 2 provides the list of U.S. Codex Officials 
(including U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of 
forthcoming Codex sessions may be found at: http://www.codexalimentarius.net/web/current.jsp?lang=en.

Additional Public Notification

    Public awareness of all segments of rulemaking and policy 
development is important. Consequently, in an effort to ensure that 
minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are aware of this 
notice, FSIS will announce it online through the FSIS Web page located 
at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/2010_Notices_Index/. FSIS 
will also make copies of this Federal Register publication available 
through the FSIS Constituent Update, which is used to provide 
information regarding FSIS policies, procedures, regulations, Federal 
Register notices, FSIS public meetings, and other types of information 
that could affect or would be of interest to constituents and 
stakeholders. The Update is communicated via Listserv, a free 
electronic mail subscription service for industry, trade groups, 
consumer interest groups, health professionals, and other individuals 
who have asked to be included.
    The Update is also available on the FSIS Web page. Through the 
Listserv and Web page, FSIS is able to provide information to a much 
broader and more diverse audience.

    Dated: Done at Washington, DC on May 28, 2010.
Karen Stuck,
United States Manager for Codex.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Activities of Codex Codex Alimentarius 
Commission and Executive Committee

    The Codex Alimentarius Commission will hold its Thirty Third 
Session July 5-9, 2010, in Geneva, Switzerland. At that time, it will 
consider standards, codes of practice, and related matters forwarded to 
the Commission by the general subject committees, commodity committees, 
and ad hoc Task Forces for adoption as Codex standards and guidance. 
The Commission will also consider the implementation status of the 
Codex Strategic Plan, the evaluation of the capacity of the 
Secretariat, the impact of private standards, the management of the 
Trust Fund for the Participation of Developing Countries and Countries 
in Transition in the Work of the Codex Alimentarius, as well as 
financial and budgetary issues. At this Session, the Commission will 
elect a chairperson and three vice chairpersons.
    Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will meet 
at its Sixty-fourth Session on June 29-July 2, 2010. It is composed of 
the chairperson; vice-chairpersons; seven members elected from the 
Commission from each of the following geographic regions: Africa, Asia, 
Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, and 
South-West Pacific; and regional coordinators from the six regional 
committees. The United States is the elected representative from North 
America. The Executive Committee will conduct a critical review of the 
elaboration of Codex standards; review a study on the speed of the 
Codex standard-setting process, consider the Codex Strategic Plan and 
the capacity of the Secretariat; consider a business plan for Codex; 
review matters arising from reports of Codex Committees and proposals 
for new work, and review the FAO/WHO Trust Fund for Enhanced 
Participation in Codex.
    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 
(CCRVDF)

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determines priorities for the consideration of residues of veterinary 
drugs in foods and recommends Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for 
veterinary drugs. The Committee also develops codes of practice, as may 
be required, and considers methods of sampling and analysis for the 
determination of veterinary drug residues in food. A veterinary drug is 
defined as any substance applied or administered to a 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.
    A Codex Maximum Limit for Residues of Veterinary Drugs is the 
maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of a veterinary 
drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis) that is 
recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be permitted or 
recognized as acceptable in or on a food. An MRL is based on the type 
and amount of residue considered to be without any toxicological hazard 
for human health as expressed by the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) or 
on the basis of a temporary ADI that utilizes an additional safety 
factor. The MRL also takes into account other relative public health 
risks as well as food technological aspects.
    When establishing an MRL, consideration is also given to residues 
that occur in food of plant origin or the environment. Furthermore, the 
MRL 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.
    An Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is 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, which can be 
ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.
    The 18th Session of the Committee met in Natal, Brazil, on May 11-
15, 2009. The reference document is ALINORM 9/32/31. The results of the 
18th session of the CCRVDF were considered by the Commission at its 
32nd Session in July 2009. The reference document is ALINORM 09-32-REP. 
A meeting of the CCRVDF has not occurred since the last session of the 
Commission. The following items will be considered at the 33rd session 
of the Commission in July 2010.
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8:
     Draft MRL for Bovine Somatotropin in cattle.
     Draft MRLs for Ractopamine in pigs and cattle.
    At the 18th session of the CCRVDF, the Committee completed a 
Priority List of Veterinary Drugs Requiring Evaluation or Re-evaluation 
by JECFA. These drugs are Monepantel (establishment of ADI and 
recommended MRLs in sheep), Monensin (re-evaluation of MRL in cattle), 
Derquantel (establishment of ADI and recommended MRLs in sheep), and 
Ractopamine (review of depletion data in pig tissues). The JECFA is 
currently evaluating the data for Ractopamine and will report the 
results of its evaluation to the 33rd session of the Commission.
    The Committee will continue work on the following:
     Draft MRLs for Narasin in cattle and pigs.
     Draft MRLs for Tilmicosin in chicken and turkeys.
     A project document on risk management recommendations for 
veterinary drugs for which no ADI or MRL has been recommended by JECFA. 
The United States leads an electronic Working Group to define the scope 
for the work.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA/CVM; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods

    The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) establishes or 
endorses permitted maximum levels, and, where necessary, revises 
existing guidelines levels for contaminants and naturally occurring 
toxicants in food and feed; prepares priority lists of contaminants and 
naturally occurring toxicants for risk assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO 
Expert Committee on Food Additives; considers and elaborates methods of 
analysis and sampling for the determination of contaminants and 
naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed; considers and 
elaborates standards or codes of practice for related subjects; and 
considers other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation to 
contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants in food and feed.
    The Committee held its Fourth Session in Izmir, Turkey, from April 
26-30, 2010. The relevant document is ALINORM 10/34/31. The following 
items are to be considered for adoption at Step 5/8 by the 33rd Session 
of the Commission in July 2010:
     Proposed draft maximum levels for Melamine in powdered 
infant formula and in food (other than infant formula) and feed
     Proposed draft maximum levels for total Aflatoxins in 
shelled, ready-to-eat Brazil nuts and shelled, destined for further 
processing Brazil nuts (including sampling plan)
     Proposed draft revision of the Code of Practice for the 
Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination (Tree Nuts) 
(appendix on Additional Measures for Brazil Nuts)
    The Committee is continuing to work on:
     Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Ethyl 
Carbamate in Stone Fruit Distillates, which was returned to Step 3 for 
further comments.
     Proposed draft maximum level for Melamine in liquid infant 
formula at Step 3.
     Discussion paper on Types of Mycotoxins and Mycotoxin-
Producing Fungi found in Sorghum and the Levels of Mycotoxins in 
Sorghum.
    The Committee agreed to the following new work, pending approval by 
the Executive Committee:
     Draft maximum levels for Deoxynivalenol (DON) and its 
acetylated derivatives in cereals and cereal-based products (Canada).
     Draft maximum levels for total Aflatoxins in dried figs 
(Turkey).
    The Committee agreed to establish the following electronic working 
groups to:
     Develop recommended MLs for substances in natural mineral 
waters and determine whether safety parameters should be integrated 
into the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed 
(GSCTFF) or retained in the standard for Natural Mineral Waters (United 
States and The Netherlands).
     Prepare a discussion paper that would review the current 
state of knowledge regarding Arsenic and provide a summary of possible 
risk management options including the feasibility of setting MLs in 
rice for consideration at the next session (China).
     Prepare a discussion paper concerning risk management 
options in relation to new risk assessment outcomes (United States).
     Prepare a discussion paper on the occurrence of 
ochratoxigenic fungi and Ochratoxin A (OTA) in cocoa to assess whether 
a code of practice should be developed (Ghana and Brazil).
     Prepare a discussion paper to conduct a review of furan 
exposure, its toxicities, and available technologies to reduce Furan in 
foods with a view to exploring the possibility of developing a code of 
practice (United States).
     Prepare a discussion paper to examine the chemistry of 
pyrrolizidine alkaloids, their toxicity; available methods of analysis 
for detecting pyrrolizidine alkaloids; occurrence in

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plants, food and feed; and the carry-over from feed to food (The 
Netherlands).
     Proposals on descriptions of the food/feed for which a 
maximum level applies and to screen the existing MS and provide, where 
necessary, a clearer description of the food/feed to which the ML 
applies (European Union).
    The Committee decided to suspend work on the proposed draft ML and 
sampling plans for Fumonisins in Maize and Maize-products until further 
advice was provided by JECFA.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Additives

    The Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) establishes or 
endorses acceptable maximum levels for individual food additives; 
prepares a priority list of food additives for risk assessment by the 
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA); assigns 
functional classes to individual food additives; recommends 
specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption 
by the Commission; considers methods of analysis for the determination 
of additives in food; and considers and elaborates standards or codes 
for related subjects such as the labeling of food additives when sold 
as such. The 42nd Session of the Committee met in Beijing, China, March 
15-19, 2010. The relevant document is ALINORM 10/33/12. Immediately 
prior to the Plenary session, there was a 1-day physical Working Group 
on the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) chaired by the United 
States. The following items will be considered by the 33rd Session of 
the Commission in July 2010.
    To be considered for adoption at Steps 8 and 5/8:
     Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions and 
amendments to the GSFA.
     Proposed draft Guidelines on Substances Used as Processing 
Aids (N14-2008).
     Amendments to the International Numbering System (INS) for 
Food Additives.
     Specifications for the Identify and Purity of Food 
Additives arising from the 71st JECFA meeting.
    Other matters to be considered for adoption:
     Amendments to revise the name and descriptors of food 
categories 06.0, 06.2, and 06.2.1 (concerning cereals and flours) of 
the GSFA.
     Deletion of Note 180 (``Expressed as beta-carotene.'') in 
all adopted and proposed provisions for Carotenoids, and Carotene, 
beta- (vegetable), beta-(vegetable) of the GSFA.
     Amendment to the provision of Ascorbyl Esters in food 
category 13.2 (Complementary foods for infants and young children) of 
the GSFA.
     Amendments associated with Notes 130 and 133 to correct 
inconsistencies related to the provisions phenolic antioxidants 
(butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, propyl gallate, 
and tertiary butylhydroquinone).
     Amendment to the text of Note 136 (``For use in white 
vegetables only.'') associated with certain provisions for Sulfites.
     Amendment to Section 2 ``Table of functional classes, 
definitions and technological purposes'' of the INS (CAC/GL 36-1989).
    To be considered for revocation:
     Food additive provisions of the GSFA.
     Inventory of Processing Aids (CAC/MISC 3).
    To be considered for discontinuation:
     Several draft and proposed draft food additive provisions 
of the GSFA.
    To be considered for approval:
     Project document proposing new work on the revision of the 
food category system of the GSFA.
     Project document proposing new work on the revision of 
Standard for Food Grade Salt (CODEX STAN 150-1985).
     Priority list of compounds proposed for evaluation by 
JECFA.
    The Committee established electronic Working Groups (eWGs) to:
     Review Section 4 of the Preamble of the GSFA (Carry-over 
of Food Additives into Food) with the view to analyze inconsistencies 
between this Section and the ``Carry-over Principle'' in Volume 1 of 
the Codex Alimentarius and to consider the need to revise Section 4 of 
the Preamble to the GSFA (Brazil).
     Prepare proposed draft provisions for lauric arginate 
ethyl esters, steviol glycosides, and sulfites. This eWG would also 
prepare recommendations for all provisions of erythrosine (United 
States).
     Prepare a discussion paper containing proposals for 
criteria and conditions on the use of Note 161 (``Subject of national 
legislation of the importing country aimed, in particular, at 
consistency with Section 3.2 of the Preamble.'') in the GSFA 
(Netherlands).
     Prepare a discussion paper on the structure and content of 
a database on information on processing aids and criteria for the data 
entry and update of the database (New Zealand).
     Consider proposals for changes and additions to the INS 
list, including the inconsistent use of brackets in the names of 
substances, whether the substances listed under INS 470(i) should 
include magnesium salts, whether technological purposes should be 
listed for so-called ``parent food additives,'' and the use of the term 
``caustic'' for INS 150a and 150b (Finland).
     Review all comments and information submitted and revise 
the maximum use levels for aluminum-containing food additives in the 
GSFA to ensure that the maximum use levels are numeric and expressed on 
an ``as aluminum'' basis (Brazil).
     Prepare a proposal for the revision of food categories 
05.1 (Cocoa products and chocolate products including imitation and 
chocolate substitutes), 05.2 (Confectionery, including hard and soft 
candy, nougats, etc., other than food categories 05.1, 05.3, and 05.4), 
and 05.4 (Decorations (e.g., for fine bakery wares), toppings (non-
fruit), and sweet sauces) (United States).
     Prepare a discussion paper with a proposal for the 
alignment of the food additive provision in the five Codex standards 
for meat products with the provisions in the GSFA and an analysis of 
the problems and solutions identified in carrying out this work 
(Australia).
    The Committee also agreed to prepare a discussion paper on the 
development of a proposal for a re-evaluation process of substances in 
light of new data and new scientific developments in risk assessment 
(JECFA Secretariat).
    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 Acceptable Daily Intake 
(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

[[Page 31753]]

reviews conducted by the Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR).
    The 41st Session of the Committee met in Beijing, China, on April 
19-24, 2010. The relevant document is ALINORM 10/33/24. The following 
items will be considered by the Commission at its 33nd Session in July 
2010.
    To be considered for adoption at Step 8:
     Draft and revised draft Maximum Residue Limits for 
pesticide/commodity combinations: Boscalid (1 commodity), Carbofuran 
(4), Carbosulfan (4), and Methomyl (1)
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft and revised draft Maximum Residue Limits 
for pesticide/commodity combinations: Benalaxyl (7 commodities), 
Boscalid (35), Buprofezin (18), Chlorpyrifos-Methyl (10), Cypermethrin 
(including alpha- and zeta-cypermethrin) (8), Febuconazole (5), 
Fluopicolide (17), Haloxyfop (4), Hexythiazox (20), Indoxacarb (13), 
Metaflumizone (12), Methoxyfenozide (23), Paraquat (2), Prochloraz (1), 
Prothioconazole (10), Spirodiclofen (20), and zoxamide (14) (see 
ALINORM 10/33/24, appendices II & III for lists of the commodities).
    Responsible Agencies: EPA; USDA/AMS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling

    The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling defines the 
criteria appropriate to Codex methods of analysis and sampling; serves 
as a coordinating body for Codex with other international groups 
working on methods of analysis and sampling and quality assurance 
systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of final 
recommendations submitted to it by the bodies referred to above, 
reference methods of analysis and sampling appropriate to Codex 
standards which are generally applicable to a number of foods; 
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses as appropriate methods of 
analysis and sampling proposed by Codex commodity committees, except 
for 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; elaborates sampling plans and procedures, as may be 
required; considers specific sampling and analysis problems submitted 
to it by the Commission or any of its Committees; and defines 
procedures, protocols, guidelines or related texts for the assessment 
of food laboratory proficiency, as well as quality assurance systems 
for laboratories.
    The 31st Session of the Committee met in Budapest, Hungary, March 
8-12, 2010. The relevant document is ALINORM 10/33/23. The following 
items will be considered for adoption by the 32nd Session of the 
Commission in July 2010.
    To be considered for final adoption at step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Guidelines on Performance Criteria and 
Validation of Methods for Detection, Identification, and Quantification 
of Specific DNA Sequences and Specific Proteins in Foods.
     Methods of Analysis in Codex Standards at Different Steps, 
including Methods of Analysis for Natural Mineral Waters.
    To be considered for final adoption at step 5:
     Proposed draft Revised Guidelines for Measurement 
Uncertainty.
    The Committee agreed to establish an electronic working group to 
develop a discussion paper on Procedures for Conformity Assessment and 
Resolution of Disputes, Taking into Account Measurement Uncertainty, 
Sampling Uncertainty and Other Relevant Issues.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/GIPSA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification 
Systems

    The Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and 
Certification Systems is charged with developing principles and 
guidelines for food import and export inspection and certification 
systems, with a view to harmonizing methods and procedures that protect 
the health of consumers, ensure fair trading practices, and facilitate 
international trade in foodstuffs. Additionally, the Committee develops 
principles and guidelines for the application of measures by the 
competent authorities of exporting and importing countries to provide 
assurances, where necessary, that foodstuffs comply with requirements, 
especially statutory health requirements; develops guidelines for the 
utilization, as and when appropriate, of quality assurance systems to 
ensure that foodstuffs conform with requirements and promotes the 
recognition of these systems in facilitating trade in food products 
under bilateral/multilateral arrangements by countries; develops 
guidelines and criteria with respect to format, declarations, and 
language of such official certificates as countries may require with a 
view towards international harmonization; makes recommendations for 
information exchange in relation to food import/export control; 
consults as necessary with other international groups working on 
matters related to food inspection and certification systems; and 
considers other matters assigned to it by the Commission in relation to 
food inspection and certification systems.
    The 18th Session of the Committee met in Surfers Paradise, 
Australia, on March 1-5, 2010. The reference document is ALINORM 10/33/
30. The following will be considered by the Commission at its 33rd 
Session in July 2010.
    To be considered for final adoption at step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct 
of Foreign On-site Audits and Inspections.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct 
of Assessments of Foreign Official Inspection and Certification 
Systems.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on General Principles

    The Codex Committee on General Principles deals with procedures and 
general matters as are referred to it by the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission. Such matters have included the review and endorsement of 
procedural revisions to the Codex Procedural Manual; the development of 
a mechanism for examining any economic impact statements submitted by 
governments concerning possible implications for their economies of 
some of the individual standards or some of the provisions thereof; and 
the establishment of a Code of Ethics for International Trade in Food.
    The Committee held its 26th Session in Paris, France, on April 12-
16, 2010. The reference document is ALINORM 10/33/33. The following 
will be considered by the Commission at its 33rd Session in July 2010:
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8:
     Draft revised Code of Ethics for International Trade in 
Food including Concessional and Food Aid Transactions Amendments to the 
Codex Procedural Manual.
     Proposed amendment to the Guidelines to Chairpersons of 
Codex Committees and Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces.

[[Page 31754]]

     Proposed amendment to the Guidelines to Host Governments 
of Codex Committees and Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Labeling

    The Codex Committee on Food Labeling drafts provisions on labeling 
applicable to all foods; considers, amends, and endorses draft specific 
provisions on labeling prepared by the Codex Committees drafting 
standards, codes of practice, and guidelines; and studies specific 
labeling problems assigned by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The 
Committee also studies problems associated with the advertisement of 
food with particular reference to claims and misleading descriptions.
    The Committee held its 38th Session in Quebec City, Canada, on May 
3-7, 2010. The reference document is ALINORM 10/33/22. The following 
items are to be considered by the 32nd Session of the Commission in 
July 2010.
    To be considered at Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Criteria/Principles for Legibility of 
Nutrition Labels.
     Editorial amendments to several standards, specifically:
     Section 4.2.3.3 of the General Standard for the Labeling 
of and Claims for Prepackaged Foods (Codex Standard 1-1985) with the 
Codex International Numbering System in CAC/GL 36-1989.
     Editorial amendments to the Guidelines on Nutrition and 
Health Claims (CAC/GL23-1997).
     Editorial amendments to guidelines for the production, 
processing, labeling and marketing of organically produced foods (CAC/
GL 32-1999 (-(other uses of ethylene).
    The Committee will continue to work on:
     Proposed draft revision of the Guidelines on Nutrition 
Labeling (CAC/GL 2-1985) concerning the list of nutrients that are 
Always Declared on a Voluntary or Mandatory Basis (at Step 5 of the 
procedure).
     Proposed draft recommendations for the labeling of foods 
obtained through certain techniques of genetic modification/genetic 
engineering (at Step 3 of the procedure).
     Draft amendment to the General Standard for the Labeling 
of Prepackaged Foods (at Step 6).
     Codex Standard (1-1985): Definitions for ``food and food 
ingredients obtained through certain techniques of genetic 
modification/genetic engineering,'' ``Organism,'' ``Genetically 
modified/engineered organism,'' and ``Modern biotechnology'' (at Step 
6).
     Draft amendment to the Guidelines for the Production, 
Processing, Labeling and Marketing of Organically Produced Food (CAC/GL 
32-1999), Section 5.1 relating to other uses of ethylene (at Step 7).
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) develops basic 
provisions on food hygiene applicable to all food; considers, amends if 
necessary, and endorses provisions on food hygiene prepared by Codex 
commodity committees and contained in Codex commodity standards; 
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses (unless otherwise directed 
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission) provisions on food hygiene 
prepared by Codex commodity committees and contained in Codex codes of 
practice; develops provisions on food hygiene applicable to specific 
food items or food groups, whether coming within the terms of reference 
of a Codex commodity committee or not; considers specific food hygiene 
problems assigned to it by the Commission; suggests and prioritizes 
areas where there is a need for microbiological risk assessment at the 
international level and develops questions to be addressed by the risk 
assessors; and considers microbiological risk management matters in 
relation to food hygiene and in relation to FAO/WHO risk assessments.
    The 41st Session of the CCFH met in San Diego, California, on 
November 16-20, 2009, and is summarized in the report number ALNORM 10/
33/13. The following items related to the activities of the CCFH will 
be considered by the Commission at its 33rd Session in July 2010.
    The following documents will be considered for final adoption at 
Step 5/8:
     Proposed draft Annex on Leafy Green Vegetables Including 
Leafy Herbs to the Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables.
     Proposed draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Pathogenic 
Vibrio spp. in Seafood.
     Proposed draft Annex on Control Measures for Vibrio 
parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in Molluscan Shellfish.
    The following document will be considered for adoption and 
inclusion in the Codex Alimentarius Procedural Manual:
     Proposed draft Risk Analysis Principles and Procedures 
Applied by the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene.
    CCFH continues to work on the following documents:
     Proposed draft Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter 
and Salmonella spp. in Chicken Meat.
     Proposed draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Control of 
Viruses in Food.
    New work agreed to at the 41st session of CCFH includes the 
following:
     Proposed revision of the Recommended International Code of 
Hygienic Practice for Collecting, Processing and Marketing of Natural 
Mineral Waters.
     Proposed revision of Principles for the Establishment and 
Application of Microbiological Criteria for Foods.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

    The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables is responsible 
for elaborating worldwide standards and codes of practice for fresh 
fruits and vegetables; and for consulting with the UNECE Working Party 
on Agricultural Quality Standards to elaborate worldwide standards and 
codes of practice with particular regard to ensuring that there is no 
duplication of standards or codes of practice and that they follow the 
same broad format.
    The Committee held its 15th Session in Mexico City, Mexico, on 
October 19-23, 2009. The reference document is ALINORM 10/33/35. The 
following will be considered by the Commission at its 33rd Session in 
July 2010.
    To be considered at step 8:
     Draft Section 6 ``Marking or Labeling'' (Draft Standard 
for Bitter Cassava).
     Draft Standard for Apples.
    To be considered at step 5:
     Proposed draft revision of the Standard for Avocados.
     Proposed draft Standard for Tree Tomatoes.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft Standard for Chili Peppers.
     Proposed draft Standard for Pomegranate.
     Proposed Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and 
Vegetables.
     Glossary of Terms used in the Proposed Layout for Codex 
Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
     Proposals for new work on fresh fruits and vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.

[[Page 31755]]

    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

    The Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses 
(CCNFSDU) is responsible for studying nutrition issues referred to it 
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, in cooperation with other committees where necessary; 
considers, amends if necessary, and endorses provisions on nutritional 
aspects proposed for inclusion in Codex standards, guidelines and 
related texts.
    The Committee held its 31st Session in D[uuml]sseldorf, Germany, on 
November 2-6, 2009. The reference document is ALINORM 10/33/26. An 
additional reference for dietary fibre methods of analysis is the 
report of the 31st Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of 
Analysis and Sampling (ALINORM 10/33/23). The following items will be 
considered by the Commission at its 33rd Session in July 2010.
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8:
     List of Methods for Dietary Fibre.
    To be reviewed at Step 5:
     The General Principles for Establishing Nutrient Reference 
Values of Vitamins and Minerals for the General Population.
    The Committee will continue work on:
     Proposed draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference 
Values for Labeling Purposes in the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition 
Labeling.
     A revised document on General Principles and Criteria for 
the Development of Nutrient Reference Values for Nutrients Associated 
with Risk of Diet-Related Non-communicable Diseases.
     A revised document to amend the Codex General Principles 
for the Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods.
     A revised document to revise the Codex Guidelines on 
Formulated Supplementary Foods for Older Infants and Young Children.
     A revised discussion paper on the Proposal for New Work to 
Establish a Standard for Processed Cereal-Based Foods for Underweight 
Infant and Young Children.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/ARS.
    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 33rd Session of the Committee met in 
Agadir, Morocco, September 28-October 2, 2009. The relevant document is 
ALINORM 10/33/18. The following items will be considered by the 
Commission at its 33rd Session in July 2010.
    To be considered for final adoption at Step 8:
     Draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products 
(Lobsters and Crabs and relevant Definitions).
     Draft Standard Sturgeon Caviar.
     Amendment of Section 2.1 General Definitions in the Code 
of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products.
    To be reviewed at Step 5:
     Proposed draft Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoke-Flavoured 
Fish and Smoke-Dried Fish.
     Proposed draft Standard for Fish Sauce.
    The Committee will continue working on:
     Proposed draft Code of Practice for the Processing of 
Scallop Meat.
     Proposed draft amendment to Section 3.4.5.1 (Water) of the 
Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery Products.
     Proposed draft Standard for Quick Frozen Scallop Adductor 
Muscle Meat.
     Proposed draft revision of the Procedure for the Inclusion 
of Additional Species in Standards for Fish and Fishery Products.
     Draft List of Methods for the Determination of Biotoxins 
in the Standard for Raw and Live Bivalve Molluscs.
     Proposed draft Code of Practice for Fish and Fishery 
Products (Other sections including smoked fish).
     Proposed draft Standard for Fresh/Live and Frozen Abalone 
(Haliotis spp.)
     Amendment to the Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Sticks 
(Nitrogen Factors).
     Food Additive Provisions in Standards for Fish and Fishery 
Products.
    Responsible Agencies: 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 9th Session of the CCMMP met in Auckland, New Zealand, on 
February 1-5, 2010. The reference document is ALINORM 10/33/11. The 
following items related to the activities of the CCMMP will be 
considered for adoption by the Commission at its 33rd Session in July 
2010.
     Methods of Analysis and Sampling for Milk and Milk 
Products Standards, including AOAC standards.
     Revised Food Additive Listings of Standards for Milk and 
Milk Products.
     Revised Model Export Model Certificate for Milk and Milk 
Product.
     Proposed draft amendment to the Codex Standard for 
Fermented Milks pertaining to Drinks based on Fermented Milk (CODEX 
STAN 243-2003).
    The Committee completed the work assigned to it by the Commission 
and is proposing to the Commission to adjourn sine die until such time 
as the Commission would require it to take new work.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils

    The Codex Committee on Fats and Oils is responsible for elaborating 
standards for fats and oils of animal, vegetable, and marine origin. 
The Committee held its 21st Session in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, on 
February 16-20, 2009. The Committee has not met since the 2009 meeting 
of the Codex Commission. The Committee is working on:
     Proposed draft List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes.
     Proposed draft Criteria (Code of Practice for the Storage 
and Transport of Fats and Oils in Bulk).
     Proposed draft amendment to the Standard for Olive Oils 
and Olive Pomace Oils: Linolenic acid.
     Proposed draft amendments to the Standard for Named 
Vegetable Oils: Inclusion of palm kernel olein and palm kernel stearin.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/ARS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    The Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables is 
responsible for elaborating worldwide standards for all types of 
processed fruits and vegetables including dried products, canned dried 
peas and beans, and jams and jellies (but not dried prunes or fruit and 
vegetable juices), as well as revision of standards for quick frozen 
fruits and vegetables.
    The Committee held its 24th Session in Washington, DC, on September 
15-

[[Page 31756]]

20, 2008. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/27. The Committee has 
not met since the 32nd Session of the Commission in 2009. The Committee 
will next meet October 25-29, 2010, in Depasar, Indonesia.
    The Committee is continuing work on:
     Proposed Draft Annexes specific to Certain Canned 
Vegetables (Draft Codex Standard for Certain Canned Vegetables).
     Proposed Draft Sampling Plans including Metrological 
Provisions for Controlling Minimum Drained Weight of Canned Fruits and 
Vegetables in Packing Media.
     Methods of Analysis for Processed Fruits and Vegetables--
Aqueous Coconut Products: Coconut Cream and Coconut Milk.
     Food Additive Provisions for Processed Fruits and 
Vegetables.
     Proposals for Amendments to the Priority List for 
Standardization of Processed Fruits and Vegetables.
     Revision of the Standard for Table Olives.
     Revision of the Standard for Grated Desiccated Coconut.
     Revision of the Standards for Canned Bamboo Shoots and 
Canned Mushrooms for inclusion as annexes to the Draft Standard for 
Certain Canned Vegetables.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Certain Codex Commodity Committees

    Several Codex Alimentarius Commodity Committees have adjourned sine 
die. The following Committees fall into this category:
     Natural Mineral Waters.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Milk and Milk Products.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Cocoa Products and Chocolate.
    Responsible Agency: HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Meat Hygiene.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Sugars.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/ARS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Vegetable Proteins.
    Responsible Agencies: USDA/ARS; HHS/FDA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.
     Cereals, Pulses and Legumes.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/GIPSA.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance

    The ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance 
was created by the 29th Session of the Commission.
    The Task Force, hosted by the Republic of Korea, has a time frame 
of four sessions, which started with its first meeting in October 2007. 
Its objective is to develop science-based guidance to be used to assess 
the risks to human health associated with the presence in food and 
feed, including aquaculture, and the transmission through food and feed 
of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms and antimicrobial resistance 
genes and to develop appropriate risk management advice based on that 
assessment to reduce such risk. In this process, work undertaken in 
this field at national, regional, and international levels should be 
taken into account.
    The 3rd Session of the Task Force met in Jeju, Republic of Korea, 
on October 12-16, 2009. The relevant document is Alinorm 10/33/42.
    The Task Force is continuing work on:
     Proposed draft Guidelines for Risk Analysis of Foodborne 
Antimicrobial Resistance.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees

    The FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committees define the problems 
and needs of each of the regions concerning food standards and food 
control; promote exchange of information on proposed regulatory 
initiatives and problems arising from food control and stimulate the 
strengthening of food control infrastructures; recommend to the 
Commission the development of worldwide standards for products of 
interest to the region, including products considered by the Committees 
to have an international market potential in the future; develop 
regional standards for food products moving exclusively or almost 
exclusively in intra-regional trade; promote coordination of all 
regional food standards work undertaken by international governmental 
and non-governmental organizations within each region; exercise a 
general coordinating role for each of the regions; and promote the use 
of Codex standards and related texts by members.

Coordinating Committee for Africa

    The Committee (CCAfrica) held its 18th session in Accra, Ghana, 
from February 24-27, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/18. 
The Committee has not met since the 32nd Session of the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission in 2009.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Asia

    The Committee (CCAsia) held its 16th session in Denpasar, 
Indonesia, from November 17-21, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 
09/32/15. The Committee has not met since the 32nd Session of the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission in 2009. The Committee is continuing to work 
on:
     Proposed Draft Standard for Non-fermented Soybean 
Products.
     Proposed Draft Regional Standard for Chili Sauce.
     Discussion Paper on tempe and tempe products.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for Europe

    The Committee (CCEurope) held its 26th session in Warsaw, Poland, 
from October 7-10, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/19. The 
Committee has not met since the 32nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission in 2009.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: No.

Coordinating Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean

    The Committee (CCLAC) held its 16th session in Acapulco, Mexico, 
from November 10-14, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/36. 
The Committee has not met since the 32nd Session of the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission in 2009. The Committee is continuing to work 
on:
     Regional Standards for Culantro and Lucuma.
     Regional Standard for Culantro Coyote.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for the Near East

    The Committee (CCNEA) held its 5th session in Tunis, Tunisia, from 
January 26-29, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/40. The 
Committee has not met since the 32nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius 
Commission in 2009. The Committee is continuing to work on:
     Proposed Draft Regional Code of Practice for Street-Vended 
Foods.
     Proposed Regional Standard for Harissa (hot pepper paste).
     Proposed Regional Standard for Halwa Tehenia (halwa 
shamia).

[[Page 31757]]

     Project Document for a Regional Standard for Camel Milk.
     Project Documents for Regional Standards for Date Paste 
and Date Molasses.
    Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).

Coordinating Committee for North America and the Southwest Pacific

    The Committee (CCNASWP) held its 10th session in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, 
from October 28-31, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/32. 
The Committee has not met since the 32nd Session of the Codex 
Alimentarius Commission in 2009. The Committee continues to work on:
     Implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan and Adoption of 
the Regional Strategic Plan.
     Discussion Paper on Kava.
    Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
    U.S. Participation: Yes.

U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials Codex Chairpersons From the United 
States Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, Ph.D., Scientific Advisor for 
Laboratory Services and Research, Office of Public Health Science, Food 
Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 950 
College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546-3429, Fax: 
(706) 546-3428, E-mail: [email protected].

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    Richard Boyd, Head, Defense Contract Inspection Section, Processed 
Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Mail Stop 0247, Room 0726-South Building, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 
(202) 720-5021, Fax: (202) 690-1527, E-mail: [email protected].

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

    Dr. Steven D. Vaughn, Director, Office of New Animal Drug 
Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA, 7520 Standish Place, 
Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: (240) 276-8300, Fax: (240) 276-9538, E-
mail: fda.hhs.gov">Steven.Vaughn@fda.hhs.gov.

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

    VACANT.

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. Kevin Greenlees, Senior Advisor for Science & Policy, Office of 
New Animal Drug Evaluation, HFV-100, USFDA Center for Veterinary 
Medicine, 7520 Standish Place, Rockville, MD 20855, Phone: (240) 276-
8214, Fax: (240) 276-9538, E-mail: fda.hhs.gov">Kevin.Greenlees@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    Dr. Charles Pixley, Director, Laboratory Quality Assurance 
Division, Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection 
Service, 950 College Station Road, Athens, GA 30605, Phone: (706) 546-
3559, Fax: (706) 546-3452, E-mail: [email protected].

Codex Committee on Food Additives

    (Host Government--China)

U.S. Delegate

    Dennis M. Keefe, Ph.D., Office of Premarket Approval, Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-
200), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, 
College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (202) 418-3113, Fax: (202) 418-
3131, E-mail: fda.hhs.gov">dennis.keefe@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    Susan E. Carberry, Ph.D., Supervisory Chemist, Division of Petition 
Review, Office of Food Additive Safety (HFS-265), Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint 
Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (301) 436-1269, Fax: 
(301) 436-2972, E-mail: fda.hhs.gov">Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods

    (Host Government--the Netherlands).

U.S. Delegate

    Nega Beru, Ph.D., Director, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods (HFS-
300), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug 
Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: (301) 436-1700, Fax: (301) 436-2651, E-mail: 
fda.hhs.gov">Nega.Beru@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    Kerry Dearfield, Ph.D., Scientific Advisor for Risk Assessment, 
Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 
380, Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690-6451, 
Fax: (202) 690-6337, E-mail: [email protected].

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

    (Host Government--China).

U.S. Delegate

    Lois Rossi, Director of Registration Division, Office of Pesticide 
Programs, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ariel Rios Building, 
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, Phone: (703) 305-
5447, Fax: (703) 305-6920, E-mail: [email protected].

Alternate Delegate

    Robert Epstein, Ph.D., 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) 720-5231, 
Fax: (202) 720-6496, E-mail: [email protected].

Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling

    (Host Government--Hungary).

U.S. Delegate

    Gregory Diachenko, Ph.D., Director, Division of Product Manufacture 
and Use, Office of Premarket Approval, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition (CFSAN), Food and Drug Administration (HFS-300), 
Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College 
Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (301) 436-2387, Fax: (301) 436-2364, E-
mail: fda.hhs.gov">gregory.diachenko@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    David B. Funk, Associate Director for Methods Development, USDA-
GIPSA-Technical Services Division, 10383 N. Ambassador Dr., Kansas 
City, MO 64153, Phone: (816) 891-0473, Fax: (816) 891-0478, E-mail: 
[email protected].

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification 
Systems

    (Host Government--Australia).

U.S. Delegate

    Mary Stanley, Director, International Policy Division, Office of 
Policy and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2925, South Agriculture Building, 
1400

[[Page 31758]]

Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-0287, 
Fax: (202) 720-4929, E-mail: [email protected].

Alternate Delegate

    H. Michael Wehr, Senior Advisor and Codex Program Coordinator, 
International Affairs Staff, Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway (HFF-550), College Park, MD 20740, 
Phone: (301) 436-1724, Fax: (301) 436-2618, E-mail: 
fda.hhs.gov">Michael.wehr@fda.hhs.gov.

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

    Barbara O. Schneeman, Ph.D., Director, Office of Nutritional 
Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway (HFS-800), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (301) 436-2373, Fax: 
(301) 436-2636, E-mail: fda.hhs.gov">barbara.schneeman@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    Jeffrey Canavan, Deputy Director, Labeling and Program Delivery 
Division, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 5601 Sunnyside 
Ave., Stop 5273, Beltsville, MD 20705-5273, Phone: (301) 504-0860, Fax: 
(301) 504-0872, E-mail: [email protected].

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene

    (Host Government--United States).

U.S. Delegate

    Jenny Scott, Senior Advisor, Office of Food Safety, Food and Drug 
Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, HFS-300, Room 3B-014, College Park, MD 20740-
3835, Phone: (301) 436-2166, Fax: (202) 436-2632, E-mail: 
fda.hhs.gov">Jenny.Scott@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegates

    Kerry Dearfield, Ph.D., Scientific Advisor for Risk Assessment, 
Office of Public Health Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 
380, Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690-6451, 
Fax: (202) 690-6337, E-mail: [email protected].
    Dr. Joyce Saltsman, Interdisciplinary Scientist, Office of Food 
Safety (HFS-317), Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food 
and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 
20740, Phone: (301) 436-1641, Fax: (301) 436-2651, E-mail: 
fda.hhs.gov">Joyce.Saltsman@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Nutrition and Food for Special Dietary Uses

    (Host Government--Germany).

U.S. Delegate

    Barbara O. Schneeman, Ph.D., Director, Office of Nutritional 
Products, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Highway (HFS-800), College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (301) 436-2373, Fax: 
(301) 436-2636, E-mail: fda.hhs.gov">barbara.schneeman@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    Allison Yates, Ph.D., Director, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research 
Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
10300 Baltimore Avenue, Bldg 307C, Room 117, Beltsville, MD 20705, 
Phone: (301) 504-8157, Fax: (301) 504-9381, E-mail: 
[email protected].

Worldwide Commodity Codex Committees

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables:

    (Host Government--Mexico).

U.S. Delegate

    Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetables Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 2086, 
South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: (202) 690-4944, Fax: (202) 720-4722, E-mail: 
[email protected].

Alternate Delegate

    Dongmin Mu, Product Evaluation and Labeling Team, Food Labeling and 
Standards Staff, Office of Nutrition, Labeling and Dietary Supplements, 
Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, 
MD 20740, Tel: 301-436-1775, Fax: 301-436-2636, E-mail: 
fda.hhs.gov">dongmin.mu@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products:

    (Host Government--Norway).

U.S. Delegate

    Donald Kraemer, Acting Director, Office of Seafood, 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) 436-2300, Fax: (301) 436-2599, E-mail: 
fda.hhs.gov">donald.kraemer@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    Timothy Hansen, Director, Seafood Inspection Program, National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, Room 
10837, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: (301) 
713-2355, Fax: (301) 713-1081, E-mail: [email protected].

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

    (Host Government--United States).

U.S. Delegate

    Henry Kim, Ph.D., Supervisory Chemist, Division of Plant Product 
Safety, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods, Center for Food Safety and 
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch 
Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, Phone: (301) 436-2023, Fax: (301) 436-
2651, E-mail: henry.kim@ fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (adjourned sine die)

    (Host Government--New Zealand).

U.S. Delegate

    Duane Spomer, Food Defense Advisor, Agricultural Marketing Service, 
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1114, South Agriculture Building, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, Phone: (202) 720-
1861, Fax: (202) 205-5772, 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: 
fda.hhs.gov">john.sheehan@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils

    (Host Government--United Kingdom).

U.S. Delegate

    Dennis M. Keefe, Ph.D., Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for 
Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and

[[Page 31759]]

Drug Administration (HFS-200), Harvey W. Wiley Federal Building, 5100 
Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740-3835, Phone: (301) 436-
1284, Fax: (301) 436-2972, E-mail: fda.hhs.gov">dennis.keefe@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    Kathleen Warner, Agricultural Research Service, 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

    Michelle Smith, Ph.D., 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: fda.hhs.gov">michelle.smith@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Sugars

    (Host Government--United Kingdom).

U.S. Delegate

    Martin Stutsman, J.D., 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: fda.hhs.gov">martin.stutsman@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables

    (Host Government--United States).

U.S. Delegate

    Dorian LaFond, International Standards Coordinator, Fruit and 
Vegetable Division, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 2086, 
South Agriculture Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC 20250, Phone: (202) 690-4944, Fax: (202) 720-0016, E-mail: 
[email protected].

Alternate Delegate

    Paul South, Ph.D., Division of Plant Product Safety, Office of 
Plant and Dairy Foods, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 
Food and Drug Administration, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, 
MD 20740, Phone: (301) 436-1640, Fax: (301) 436-2561, E-mail: 
fda.hhs.gov">paul.south@fda.hhs.gov.

Codex Committee on Vegetable Proteins (adjourned sine die)

    (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].

Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene (adjourned sine die)

    (Host Government--New Zealand).

U.S. Delegate

    Perfecto Santiago, D.V.M., Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office 
of Data Integration and Food Protection, Room 3130, South Agriculture 
Building, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250, 
Phone: (202) 205-0452, Fax: (202) 690-5634, E-mail: 
[email protected].

Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters:

    (Host Government--Switzerland).

U.S. Delegate

    Lauren Robin, Ph.D., Review Chemist, Office of Plant and Dairy 
Foods, 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) 436-1639, Fax: (301) 
436-2651, E-mail: fda.hhs.gov">Lauren.Robin@fda.hhs.gov.

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance

    (Host Government--Republic of Korea).

U.S. Delegate

    David G. White, D.V.M., Director, National Antimicrobial 
Resistance, Monitoring System (NARMS), U.S. Food and Drug 
Administration, Center for Veterinary Medicine, Office of Research, 
8401 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708, Phone: (301) 210-4181, Fax: (301) 
210-4685, E-mail: fda.hhs.gov">David.White@fda.hhs.gov.

Alternate Delegate

    Neena Anandaraman, D.V.M., Veterinary Medical Officer, Zoonotic 
Diseases & Residue Surveillance Division, Office of Public Health 
Science, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Room 343, Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20250, Phone: 
(202) 690-6429, Fax: (202) 690-6565, E-mail: 
[email protected].

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived From Modern 
Biotechnology

    (Host Government--Japan)
    (Dissolved).

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Quick Frozen Foods

    (Host Government--Thailand)
    (Dissolved).

Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding

    (Host Government--Denmark)
    (Dissolved).

Ad hoc Codex Intertovernmental Task Force on Fruit and Vegetable Juices

    (Host Government--Brazil)
    (Dissolved).
    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 Southwest Pacific

Contact

    Karen Stuck, United States Manager for Codex, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Office of Food Safety, Room 4861, South Agriculture 
Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700, 
Phone: (202) 205-7760, Fax: (202) 720-3157, E-mail: 
[email protected].

[FR Doc. 2010-13403 Filed 6-3-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P