[Federal Register: June 1, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 103)]
[Notices]
[Page 26188-26198]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01jn09-26]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Food Safety and Inspection Service
[FDMS Docket No. FSIS-2009-0005]
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, 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, 2008, to May 31,
2009, and June 1, 2009, to May 31, 2010, 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 floppy disks or CD-ROMs, and hand- or
courier-delivered items: Send to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW., Room 2534, South Agriculture Building, Washington, DC
20250-3700.
Instructions: All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must
include the Agency name and docket number FSIS-2009-0005. 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 the Under Secretary
for Food Safety, Room 4861, South Agriculture Building, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3700; Phone: (202) 205-
7760; Fax: (202) 720-3157.
USCodex@fsis.usda.gov. 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
[[Page 26189]]
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
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 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); 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, FSIS 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 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 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 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, 2008, to May 31, 2009, and June 1, 2009, to May
31, 2010. Attachment 2 provides the list of U.S. Codex Officials
(includes U.S. delegates and alternate delegates). A list of
forthcoming Codex sessions 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/2009_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. In addition,
FSIS offers an e-mail subscription service which provides automatic and
customized access to selected food safety news and information. This
service is available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/news_and_events/
email_subscription/. Options range from recalls to export information
to regulations, directives
[[Page 26190]]
and notices. Customers can add or delete subscriptions themselves, and
have the option to password protect their accounts.
Done at Washington, DC on May 27, 2009.
Karen Stuck,
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 Thirty-Second
Session June 29-July 4, 2009, in Rome, Italy. At that time, it will
consider 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 to implement recommendations from the review of Codex committee
structure and mandates of Codex committees and task forces, 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 budgetary and strategic planning issues. At
this Session, the Commission will elect a Chairperson and three Vice
Chairpersons.
Prior to the Commission meeting, the Executive Committee will have
met at its Sixty-second Session on June 23-26, 2009. 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. Additionally, regional coordinators
from the six regional committees serve as members of the Executive
Committee. It will consider the Codex Strategic Plan 2008-2013; review
the Codex committee structure and mandate of Codex committees and task
forces; review matters arising from reports of Codex Committees,
proposals for new work, and standards management issues; and review the
Trust Fund.
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. 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 (MRLVD) is
the maximum concentration of residue resulting from the use of a
veterinary drug (expressed in mg/kg or ug/kg on a fresh weight basis)
that is recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be
permitted or recognized as acceptable in or on a food. An MRLVD is
based on the type and amount of residue considered to be without any
toxicological hazard for human health as expressed by the Acceptable
Daily Intake (ADI) or on the basis of a temporary ADI that utilizes an
additional safety factor. The MRLVD also takes into account other
relative 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 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.
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, that can be ingested
daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk (standard man =
60 kg).
The 18th Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary
Drugs in Foods met in Natal, Brazil, on May 11-15, 2009. The reference
document is ALINORM 9/32/31. The following items will be considered by
the Commission at its 32nd Session in July 2009.
To be considered at Step 8:
Draft MRL for Melengestrol Acetate in cattle.
Guidelines for the Design and Implementation of National
Regulatory Food Safety Assurance Programs Associated with the Use of
Veterinary Drugs in Food Producing Animals.
Draft MRLs for Ractopamine in pigs and cattle.
To be considered at Step 5/8:
Draft MRLs for Avilamycin in pigs, chicken, turkey, and
rabbits.
Draft MRLs for Dexamethasone in cattle, pigs, and horses.
Draft MRLs for Monensin in cattle, sheep, goats, chicken,
turkey, and quail.
Draft MRLs for Narasin in chicken.
Draft MRLs for Triclabendazole in cattle and sheep.
Draft MRLs for Tylosin in cattle, pigs, and chicken.
At the 18th 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 Committee will continue work on the following:
Draft MRLs for Narasin in cattle and pigs.
Draft MRLs for Tilmicosin in chicken and turkey.
A project document on risk management recommendations for
veterinary drugs for which no ADI or MRL has been recommended by JECFA.
The United States will lead 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 Third Session in Rotterdam, the Netherlands,
from March 23-27, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/41. The
following items are to be considered by the 32nd Session of the
Commission in July 2009.
To be considered for adoption at step 8:
Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Acrylamide in
Foods.
Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Contamination
of Food
[[Page 26191]]
with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) from Smoking and Direct
Drying Processes.
Proposed Draft Revision to the Preamble of the GSCTF.
Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and
Reduction of Ochratoxin A Contamination in Coffee.
The Committee is continuing to work on:
Amendments to Paragraph 10, Sample Preparation in the
Sampling Plans for Aflatoxin Contamination in Ready-to-Eat Treenuts and
Treenuts Destined for Further Processing: Almonds, Hazelnuts and
Pistachos.
Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Total Aflatoxins in
Brazil Nuts.
Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Fumonisins in Maize and
Maize-Products and Associated Sampling Plans (new work).
Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Ethyl
Carbamate in Stone Fruit Distillates (new work).
Proposed Draft Revision of the Code of Practice for the
Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin in Tree Nuts (additional measures
for Brazil Nuts).
Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Melamine in Food and
Feed (new work).
Priority List of Contaminants and Naturally Occurring
Toxicants Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA.
Discussion Paper on Mycotoxins in Sorghum.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Additives
The Codex Committee on Food Additives was re-established by the
29th Session of the Commission, which split the former Codex Committee
on Additives and Contaminants into two committees. The Committee is to
establish or endorse acceptable maximum levels for individual food
additives, prepare a priority list of food additives for risk
assessment by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives,
assign functional classes to individual food additives, recommend
specifications of identity and purity for food additives for adoption
by the Commission, consider methods of analysis for the determination
of additives in food, and consider and elaborate standards or codes for
related subjects such as the labeling of food additives when sold as
such. The Committee met in Shanghai, China, on March 16-20, 2009. The
relevant document is ALINORM 9/32/12. The following items will be
considered by the 32nd Session of the Commission in July 2009.
To be considered for adoption:
Amendment to the Annex to Table 3 of the GFSA.
Amendments to the names and descriptors of the Food
Category System of the GSFA.
Priority List of Food Additives Proposed for Evaluation by
JECFA.
To be considered at Step 5/8:
Draft and proposed draft Food Additive Provisions of the
General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
Proposed draft amendments to the International Numbering
System (INS) for Food Additives.
Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food
Additives arising from the 69th JECFA meeting.
The Committee will continue to work on (step 1/2/3):
Proposed draft Guidelines and Principles for the Use of
Substances Used as Processing Aids (N04-2008).
Amendments to the INS List.
Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food
Additives arising from the 71st JECFA meeting.
Food Additive provisions to be considered by the physical
Working Group on the GSFA.
Discussion Paper on identification of problems and
recommendations related to the inconsistent presentation of food
additive provisions in Codex commodity standards.
Discussion Paper on the updating of the Standard for Food
Grade Salt (CODEX STAN 150-1985).
Discussion paper on innovative proposals to expedite the
work on the GSFA.
Discussion paper on principles regarding the need for
justification for proposals of changes to the INS.
Inventory of Substances used as Processing Aids (IPA),
(updated list).
Discussion Paper on mechanisms for re-evaluation of
substances by JECFA.
Proposal for the revision of the food category system.
Working Document for Information and Support to the
Discussion on the GSFA.
Discontinued work:
Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the
General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
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 reviews conducted by the Joint
Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR).
The 41st Session of the Committee met in Beijing, China, on April
20-25, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/24. The following
items will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session in July
2009.
To be considered at Step 8:
Draft and Revised Draft Maximum Residue Limits for
Carbaryl (on 1 commodity), Triadimefon (on 4 commodities), Flusilazole
(4 commodities), and Triadimefon (4).
To be considered at Step 5/8:
Proposed Draft and Revised Draft Maximum Residue Limits
for Dimethoate (3 commodities), Diphenylamine (2), Ethoxyquin (1),
Malathion (2), Methomyl (6), Cypermethrin (37), Profenofos (10),
Buprofezin (8), Tebuconazole (9), Chloropropham (2), Imidacloprid (20),
Azoxystrobin (52), Chloroantraniliprole (19), Mandipropamid (15),
Prothioconazole (16), Spinetoram (21), and Spirotetramate (21) (see
ALINORM 09/32/24, 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 in methods of analysis and sampling and quality assurance
systems for laboratories; specifies, on the basis of final
recommendations submitted to it by the other bodies referred to above,
Reference Methods of Analysis and Sampling appropriate to Codex
Standards which are generally
[[Page 26192]]
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 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; 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 30th Session of the Committee met in Balatonalmadi, Hungary, on
March 9-13, 2009. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/23. The
following items will be considered for adoption by the 32nd Session of
the Commission in July 2009:
Draft Guidelines for Settling Disputes on Analytical
(Test) Results (at step 8).
Draft Guidelines on Analytical Terminology (at step 8).
Consequential Amendment to the General Criteria for the
Selection of Methods of Analysis (terminology).
Endorsed or updated status of several methods of analysis
in Codex standards.
Amendment to the Working Instructions for the
Implementation of the Criteria Approach in Codex in the Procedural
Manual.
The Committee will continue to work on:
Endorsement of Methods of Analysis in Codex Standards.
Proposed Draft Guidelines on Criteria for Methods for the
Detection and Identification of Foods Derived from Biotechnology
(returned to step 2/3).
Proposed Draft Revision of the Guidelines on Measurement
Uncertainty (returned to step 2/3).
Guidance on Uncertainty from Sampling.
Methods of Analysis for Natural Mineral Waters.
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 17th Session of the Committee met in Cebu, Philippines, on
November 24-28, 2008. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/30. The
following will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session in
July 2009.
To be considered at step 5/8:
Proposed Draft Generic Model Official Certificate (Annex
to Guidelines for Design, Production, Issuance and Use of Generic
Official Certificate).
The committee is continuing work on:
Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for the Conduct
of Foreign On-site Audits and Inspections.
Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for National Food
Control 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 establishment of the General
Principles, which define the purpose and scope of the Codex
Alimentarius, the nature of Codex standards, and 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 25th Session in Paris, France, on March 30-
April 3, 2009. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/33. The
following will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session in
July 2009:
Proposed amendment to the Guidelines to Chairpersons of
Codex Committees and Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces.
Proposed Amendment to the Terms of Reference of the
Committee on General Principles.
Proposed inclusion of an information footnote to the
fourth paragraph of the Statements of Principle Concerning the Role of
Science in the Codex Decision-Making Process and the Extent to Which
Other Factors are Taken into Account indicating that the acceptance
procedure had been abolished in 2005.
To be considered at step 5/8:
Proposed Draft Code of Ethics for International Trade in
Food Including Concessional and Food Aid Transactions.
Responsible Agency: USDA/FSIS, HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Labelling
The Codex Committee on Food Labelling drafts provisions on
labelling applicable to all foods; considers, amends, and endorses
draft specific provisions on labelling 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 37th Session in Calgary, Canada, on May 4-8,
2009. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/22. The following items
are to be considered by the 32nd Session of the Commission in July
2009.
To be considered at Step 5/8:
Proposed Draft Amendment to the Guidelines for the
Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced
Food (CAC/GL 32-1999), Annex 2, Table 2, modifying the use provisions
for Rotenone.
[[Page 26193]]
Editorial Amendments to Several Standards, specifically:
(a) Section 4.3.1 of the General Standard for the Labelling of and
Claims for Prepackaged Foods for Special Dietary Uses (Codex Standard
146-1985); (b) Section 3.4 (a) of the General Guidelines on Claims
(CAC/GL 1-1979); (c) Purpose, Section 2.3, Section 3.2.6.2, Section
3.2.7, Footnote 4, Footnote 5, and Section 5 of the Guidelines on
Nutritional Labelling (CAC/GL 2-1985); and (d) Section 8 of the
Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of
Organically Produced Food (CAC/GL 32-1999).
The Committee will continue to work on:
Proposed Draft Revision of the Guidelines on Nutrition
Labelling (CAC/GL 2-1985) concerning the list of nutrients that are
always declared on a voluntary or mandatory basis (at Step 3 of the
Procedure).
Proposed Draft Recommended Principles and Criteria for the
Legibility of Nutritional Labelling (at Step 3 of the Procedure).
Proposed Draft recommendations for the labelling 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 Labelling
of Prepackaged Foods (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 7
of the Procedure).
Draft Amendment to the Guidelines for the Production,
Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Food (CAC/
GL 32-1999), Section 5.1 relating to other uses of ethylene.
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
The Codex Committee on Food Hygiene drafts basic provisions on food
hygiene application to all food; considers, amends if necessary and
endorses provision on hygiene prepared by Codex commodity committees
and contained in Codex commodity standards; considers, amends if
necessary, and endorses provisions on hygiene prepared by Codex
commodity committees and contained in Codex codes of practice unless,
in specific cases, the Commission has decided otherwise; drafts
provisions on 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 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,
including food irradiation, and in relation to the risk assessment of
FAO and WHO.
The 40th Session of the Committee met in Guatemala City, Guatemala,
on December 1-5, 2008. The relevant document is ALNORM 09/32/13. The
following items related to the activities of the Codex Committee on
Food Hygiene will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session
in July 2009.
To be considered for adoption at Step 5/8:
Proposed Draft Microbiological Criteria for Listeria
Monocytogenes in Ready-to-Eat Foods.
Microbiological Criteria for Powdered Follow-up Formulae
and Formulae for Special Medical Purposes for Young Children (Annex II
to the Code of Hygiene Practice for Powdered Formulae for Infants and
Young Children.
The committee is continuing work on:
Proposed Draft Guideline for the Control of Campylobacter
and Salmonella spp. in Chicken Meat.
Proposed Draft Annex on Leafy Green Vegetables Including
Leafy Herbs to the Code of Hygiene Practice for Fresh Fruit and
Vegetables.
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Vibrio spp.
in Seafood.
Annex on Control Measures for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and
Vibrio vulnificus in Molluscan Shelfish to the Proposed Draft Code of
Hygienic Practice for Vibrio spp. in Seafood.
Risk Analysis Policy of the CCFH.
Possible Revision of the Recommended International Code of
Hygienic Practice for Collecting, Processing and Marketing of Natural
Mineral Waters.
Possible Elaboration of the Code of Hygienic Practice for
Cocoa and Chocolate Production and Processing.
New Work:
Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Control of
Viruses in Food.
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 world-wide standards and codes of practice for fresh
fruits and vegetables. The Committee has not met since the conclusion
of the 31st Session of the Commission. Therefore, it has no recommended
draft standards being considered for adoption at the 32nd Session of
the Commission in June 2009. The next session of the Committee will be
in October 2009 in Mexico City.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
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 30th Session in Cape Town, South Africa, on
November 3-7, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/26. The
following items will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd
Session in July 2009.
To be considered at Step 8:
Guidelines for Use of Nutrition and Health Claims: Table
of Conditions for Nutrient Contents (Part b: Provisions on Dietary
Fibre).
Advisory Lists of Nutrient Compounds for Use in Foods for
Special Dietary Uses Intended for Infants and Young Children: Section D
Advisory List of Food Additives for Special Nutrient Forms: Provisions
on Gum Arabic (Gum acacia).
Draft Nutritional Risk Analysis Principles and Guidelines
for Application to the Work of the Committee on Nutrition and Foods for
Special Dietary Uses.
Proposed Draft Recommendations on the Scientific
Substantiation of Health Claims.
The Committee will continue work on:
Methods of Analysis for Dietary Fibre.
Proposed Draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference
Values (NRVs) for Vitamins and Minerals.
Proposal for New Work to Amend the Codex General
Principles for the
[[Page 26194]]
Addition of Essential Nutrients to Foods.
Proposal for New Work to Establish a Standard for
Processed Cereal-based Foods for Underweight Infants and Young
Children.
Proposal to Revise the Codex Guidelines on Formulated
Supplementary Foods for Older Infants and Young Children.
Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) for Nutrients Associated
with Risk of Non-Communicable Disease.
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 Committee has not met since the
conclusion of the 31st Session of the Commission. Therefore, it has no
recommended draft standards being considered for adoption at the 32nd
Session of the Commission in June 2009. The next session of the
Committee will be in September 2009 in Agadir, Morocco.
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 Committee has not met since the 31st Session of the
Commission. Therefore, it has no recommended draft standards being
considered for adoption at the 32nd Session of the Commission. The
Committee will hold its next session in 2010 in New Zealand. The
Committee will continue work on:
Proposed Draft Amendment to the Codex Standard for
Fermented Milks pertaining to Fermented Milk Drinks at Step 6.
Proposed Draft Standard for Processed Cheese--discussion
on working group outcome and discontinuation of current processed
cheese standards.
Maximum Levels for Annatto Extracts in Codex individual
cheese standards.
Methods of Analysis and Sampling for Milk and Milk
Products Standards, including AOAC standards.
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 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 Amendments to the Standard for Named
Vegetable Oils: total carotenoids in unbleached palm oil.
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, and fruit
and vegetable juices. The Commission has also allocated to this
Committee the work of revising standards for quick frozen fruits and
vegetables.
The Committee held its 24th Session in Washington, DC, on September
15-20, 2008. The reference document is ALINORM 09/32/27. The following
will be considered by the Commission at its 32nd Session in July 2009.
To be considered at step 8:
Draft Codex for Jams, Jellies and Marmalades.
Proposed Draft Codex Standard for Certain Canned
Vegetables (General Provisions).
To be considered at step 5/8:
Proposed Draft Provisions for Packing Media for Certain
Canned Vegetables: Section 3.1.3 (Draft Codex Standard for Certain
Canned Vegetables).
Proposed Draft Annexes specific to Certain Canned
Vegetables (Draft Codex Standard for Certain Canned Vegetables).
The Committee is continuing work on:
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.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/AMS; HHS/FDA.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters
The Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters is responsible for
elaborating standards for all types of natural mineral water products.
The Committee was reactivated by the 30th Session of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission to address discrepancies of the health-related
limits of certain substances between the Codex Standard for Natural
Mineral Waters (CODEX STAN 108-1981) and the current version of the WHO
Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality. The Committee should complete
the task in no more than two sessions and should propose a revised
Section 3.2, ``Health-related limits for certain substances,'' of the
Codex Standard for Natural Mineral Waters for final adoption by the
Commission at its Session in 2009.
The 8th Session of the Committee for Natural Mineral Waters was
held February 11-15, 2008, in Lugano, Switzerland. The Committee noted
that it had completed the work assigned to it by the 30th Session of
the Commission, therefore, no further sessions are planned.
Responsible Agencies: 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:
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.
[[Page 26195]]
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 Second Session of the Committee met in Seoul, Republic of
Korea, on October 20-24, 2008. The relevant document is Alinorm 09/32/
42.
The Committee is continuing work on:
Proposed Draft Guidelines for Risk Analysis of Foodborne
Antimicrobial Resistance (N01-2008, N02-2008, N03/2008).
Responsible Agencies: HHS/FDA; USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes.
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Biotechnology
The ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from
Biotechnology completed its work and was dissolved in July 2008 by the
31st Session of the Commission.
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on the Processing and Handling of
Quick Frozen Foods
The ad hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on the Processing and
Handling of Quick Frozen Foods completed its work and was dissolved in
July 2008 by the 31st Session of the Commission.
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 within the Committee contacts for the mutual 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; draw
the attention of the Commission's work of particular significance to
each region; 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 such other functions as may be entrusted to
them by the Commission; 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 did not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009.
Responsible Agencies: 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 referred the following items for action at the
32nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4,
2009.
To be considered at step 8:
Draft Regional Standard for Gochujang.
Draft Regional Standard for Ginseng Products.
Proposed Draft Regional Standard for Fermented Soybean
Paste.
Proposed Draft Regional Standard for Edible Sago Flour.
The Committee is continuing to work on:
Proposed Draft Standard for Non-fermented Soybean
Products.
Proposed Draft Regional Standard for Chili Sauce.
Status of Implementation of the Strategic Plan for the
Coordinating Committee for Asia 2009-2014.
Discussion Paper on tempe and tempe products.
Responsible Agencies: 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 did not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009.
Responsible Agencies: 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 did not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009.
The Committee is continuing to work on:
Draft proposed regional standards for:
Culantro.
Lucuma.
Project Document on the Standardization of Quinoa.
Responsible Agencies: 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 did not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 2009.
The Committee is continuing to work on:
Proposed Draft Regional Code of Practice for Street-Vended
Foods.
Project Document for a Regional Standard for Pomegranate.
Project Document for a Regional Standard for Harissa (hot
pepper paste).
Project Document for a Regional Standard for Halwa
Tehenia.
Discussion Paper on the Difficulties Faced in the Region
when Implementing Codex Standards.
Project Document for a Regional Standard for Camel Milk.
Project Documents for Regional Standards for Date Paste
and Date Molasses.
Discussion Paper on the Classification of Foods Based on
Risks.
Responsible Agencies: USDA/FSIS.
U.S. Participation: Yes (as observer).
[[Page 26196]]
Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific
The Committee held its 10th session in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, from
October 28-31, 2008. The relevant document is ALINORM 09/32/32. The
Committee will not refer any draft standards for action at the 32nd
Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, June 29 to July 4, 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.
Attachment 2
U.S. Codex Alimentarius Officials; Codex Chairpersons
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene
Emilio Esteban, DVM, MBA, MPVM, PhD, 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: emilio.esteban@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Mr. Terry Bane, Branch Chief, Processed Products Branch, Fruit and
Vegetable Programs, Agriculture Marketing Service, Room 0709, South
Agriculture Building, Stop 9247, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20250-0247.
Phone: (202) 720-4693.
Fax: (202) 690-1087.
E-mail: terry.bane@usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
Dr. Bernadette Dunham, Director, Center for Veterinary Medicine,
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug
Administration, 7519 Standish Place (MPN4), Rockville, MD 20855.
Phone: (240) 276-9000.
Fax: (240) 276-9001.
E-mail: Bernadette.dunham@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
Steven D. Vaughn, D.V.M., Director, Office of New Animal Drug
Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA, 7500 Standish Place,
Rockville, MD 20855.
Phone: (301) 827-1796.
Fax: (301) 594-2297.
E-mail: SVaughn@cvm.fda.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: charles.pixley@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Food Additives (Host Government--China)
U.S. Delegate
Dennis M. Keefe, PhD, 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: dennis.keefe@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Susan E. Carberry, PhD, 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: Susan.Carberry@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (Host Government--the
Netherlands)
U.S. Delegate
Nega Beru, PhD, 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: Nega.Beru@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Kerry Dearfield, PhD, 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: Kerry.Dearfield@fsis.usda.gov.
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: rossi.lois@epa.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Robert Epstein, PhD, 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: robert.epstein@usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government--
Hungary)
U.S. Delegate
Gregory Diachenko, PhD, 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: gregory.diachenko@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Donald C. Kendall, Technical Services Division, Grain, Inspection,
Packers & Stockyards Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
10383 N. Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153-1394.
Phone: (816) 891-0463.
Fax: (816) 891-0478.
E-mail: Donnald.C.Kendall@usda.gov.
[[Page 26197]]
Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification
Systems (Host Government--Australia)
U.S. Delegate
Mary Stanley, International Policy Issues Advisor, Office of Policy
and Program Development, Food Safety and Inspection Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Room 4544, South Agriculture Building, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250.
Phone: (202) 720-0287.
Fax: (202) 720-4929.
E-mail: Mary.Stanley@fsis.usda.gov.
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: 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, PhD, 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: barbara.schneeman@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Heejeong Latimer, Risk Analyst, Risk Assessment Division, Food
Safety and Inspection Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.,
Room 333, Aerospace Center, Washington, DC 20250.
Phone: (202) 690-0823.
Fax: (202) 205-3625.
E-mail: Heejeong.Latimer@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Donald Zink, Senior Science Advisor, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration (HFS-302), Harvey W.
Wiley Federal Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD
20740-3835.
Phone: (301) 436-1692.
Fax: (301) 436-2632.
E-mail: Donald.Zink@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegates
Kerry Dearfield, PhD, 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: Kerry.Dearfield@fsis.usda.gov.
Rebecca Buckner, PhD, Consumer Safety Officer, Center for Food
Safety and Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Administration, Room 3B-
0033, Harvey Wiley Building, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park,
MD 20740.
Phone: (301) 436-1486.
Fax: (301) 436-2632.
E-mail: rebecca.buckner@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Nutrition and Food for Special Dietary Uses (Host
Government--Germany)
U.S. Delegate
Barbara O. Schneeman, PhD, 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: barbara.schneeman@fda.hhs.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Allison Yates, PhD, 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: Allison.Yates@ars.usda.gov.
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: dorian.lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Michelle Smith, PhD, Interdisciplinary Scientist, Office of Plant
and Dairy Foods, 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: Michelle.Smith@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: 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: Timothy.Hansen@noaa.gov.
Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (Adjourned--Sine Die)
(Host Government--United States)
U.S. Delegate
Henry Kim, PhD, Supervisory Chemist, Division of Plant Product
Safety, Office of Plant and Dairy Foods, Center for Food Safety and
Applied Nutrition, Food and Drug Adminstration, 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 (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.
[[Page 26198]]
E-mail: duane.spomer@usda.gov.
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: john.sheehan@fda.hhs.gov.
Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (Host Government--United Kingdom)
U.S. Delegate
Dennis M. Keefe, PhD, Office of Food Additive Safety, 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: (301) 436-1284.
Fax: (301) 436-2972.
E-mail: dennis.keefe@fda.hhs.gov.Ph.D.
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: warnerk@ncaur.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate (Host Government--
Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
Michelle Smith, PhD, 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: 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: 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: dorian.lafond@usda.gov.
Alternate Delegate
Paul South, PhD, 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: 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: wmartinez@ars.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Meat Hygiene (Adjourned--Sine Die) (Host
Government--New Zealand)
U.S. Delegate
Perfecto Santiago, D.V.M., Deputy Assistant, 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: perfecto.santiago@fsis.usda.gov.
Codex Committee on Natural Mineral Waters (Host Government--
Switzerland)
U.S. Delegate
Lauren Robin, PhD, 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: 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: 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: neena.anandaraman@fsis.usda.gov.
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from Modern
Biotechnology (Host Government--Japan) (Adjourned--Sine Die)
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Quick Frozen Foods (Host
Government--Thailand) (Adjourned--Sine Die)
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 American and the South-West
Pacific.
Contact
Karen Stuck, United States Manager for Codex, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, Office of the Under Secretary for 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: karen.stuck@osec.usda.gov.
[FR Doc. E9-12647 Filed 5-29-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-DM-P