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CODEX ALIMENTARIUS: Main Outcome of the 47th session (CAC47)
Monday, December 30, 2024

End November, the Codex Alimentarius Commission reviewed all texts proposed for adoption, advancement, amendments, revocation, and discontinuation from its technical Codex Committees, Regional Coordinating Committees, or specific intersessional work they performed in the past twelve months since CAC46 meeting. CAC47 adopted decisions on product standards, e.g., spices and culinary herbs, avocado oil, olive oil, other oils, sardines, fruit juices, and nectars; maximum limits and related texts on contaminants, food additives, flavorings, processing aids, pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues; and, general or specific guidance or recommendations on food hygiene, allergen labelling, e-commerce labelling, dematerialized labelling, risk analysis principles to veterinary drugs, nutrition reference value for older infants and young children, contaminants, food fraud prevention, and control, among others. CAC47 agreed on all proposed new works, including a group standard for whole millet grains, requiring the reactivation of the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses, and Legumes. CAC47 also approved its new Strategic Plan for the period 2026-2031, in addition to regular budgetary matters.

CAC47 was held in person in Geneva (Switzerland) from Monday, November 25th to Saturday, December 1st, 2024. CAC47 renewed all its Vice-chairs with the election of Khalid Al Zhrani (Saudi Arabia) and Jing Tian (China) at the first polling roll call, while two more polling roll calls were necessary to elect Betul Vazgecer (Türkiye) (versus two other candidates from Ecuador and Canada). CAC47 elected Dr Allen Azegele (Kenya) by general consent, as the new CAC Chairperson to succeed to Dr Steve Wearne (UK). CAC47 elected Australia as the next South West Pacific country elected on a geographical basis (replacing Vanuatu). CAC finally appointed three new Regional Coordination Committees (RCC) host countries for Asia (Japan), Latin America and the Caribbean (Uruguay), and Near East (Oman), and it reappointed Germany as chair of the RCC for Europe. More information about CAC47 supporting documents remains available[ii], and official proceedings will soon be available[iii].

NEW CODEX TEXT APPROVED – None returned, but extensive discussions held on mandatory declaration of “country of harvest” for dried floral parts of Saffron and on some adapted technical parameters for the authenticity of olive oils

Main Outcome 
CACA47 approved the proposed new or revised commodity standards for dried dehydrated small cardamon; allspice, juniper, and star anise (derived from fruits or berries); dried or dehydrated turmeric (derived from roots, rhizome or tuber); avocado oil and revision of technical parameters for camellia seed oil, Sacha inchi oil, high oleic acid soya bean oil; olive oil, with revised sections 3, 8 and its appendix; Calanus oil as fish oil; Sardinella lemuru added to the list of sardine species under Section 2.1 in the Standard for canned sardines and sardine-type products (as a miss out from the 1990s when a corrigendum paper copy to the standard was not carried over as in its electronic published counterpart as a whole); the historical first comprehensive revision since 1985 of the relevant sections on food allergen and allergenic foods and their labelling requirements and possible exemptions for inclusion into the General standard for the labelling of pre-packaged foods (CXS 1).

CACA47 approved the proposed new or revised recommended and guiding texts on a revised list of previous cargoes for the storage and transport of edible fats and oils on bulk; on hygiene requirements for the control of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) for fresh leafy vegetables and for sprouts; on hygiene requirements for the safe use and reuse of water in milk and milk products production and processing; on very important new guidelines on food hygiene control measures in traditional markets for foods; on prevention and reduction of ciguatera poisoning (with fish containing ciguatoxin); on methods of analysis and performance criteria for provisions with editorial corrections to the principle for the entries for volatile oils in small cardamom, allspice, juniper berry and star anise and other relevant commodities as “Calculation from moisture and volatile oils, distillation and distillation”; on the inclusion of the sampling plan for methylmercury in fish in the General standard for contaminants and toxins in food and feed – GSCTF (CXS 193); on the inclusion of General principles for establishing Nutrient Reference Values – Requirements (NRVs-R) for persons aged 6 – 36 months as the Annex 1-Part B of the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling (CXG 2), as well the related NRV-Rs for vitamins A, B6, D and E, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iodine, potassium,zinc and protein; on the targeted revision of the Annex C of the Codex Risk analysis principles applied by the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) to revise Criterion 2b, to add a new set of criteria for the extrapolation of MRLs to camelids, and to add one more criterion for milk extrapolation, as well the addition of new Annex D establishing Criteria and procedures for the establishment of action levels (A.L.) for residues of veterinary drugs in food of animal origin resulting from unavoidable and unintentional veterinary drug carry-over in non-target animal feed, with a consequential amendment to the section on Establishment of priority list (all for inclusion in the CAC procedural manual); on entirely new guidelines on (i) the provision of food information for pre-packaged foods sold by e-commerce and (ii) on the use of modern information technology to provide ‘food labelling’ requirements (via QR codes or other digitalization techniques).

CAC47 approved new maximum limits for contaminants, such as lead levels in dried aril, dried floral parts, dried fruits and berries, dried paprika and sumac, dried Sichuan pepper and star anise, dried rhizomes and roots, dried seeds, dried celery seeds, as well as in quinoa.

CAC47 approved new and revised provisions (maximum limits or MLs) for food additive in many food categories of the General Standard for Food Additives GSFA (CXS 192), including a new note to cover a horizontal approach for sweeteners and colors specific to the sub-categories under the food category “Bread and ordinary bakery wares and mixes” (FC 07.1) that reads “Some Codex members allow the use of additives with sweetener and colour functions in this FC while others limit this FC to products without these additives”; but also specific food additive provisions for the standardized pickled cucumbers; standardized jams, jellies and marmalades; and other standardized foods (two dairy product standards, one processed fruits and vegetable standard, one Asian regional standardized product and one Latin American and Caribbean regional standardized product), and aligned similar provisions in the GFSA for the corresponding food categories to the same products as well as two additional fruits and vegetable products, two Near East regional standardized products, another Asian regional standardized product[iv]. CAC47 also approved a series of new or revised specifications of identity and purity for food additives and flavorings, as well as several changes to the class names (functional classes and technological properties) and international numbering system for some existing and new food additives. CAC47 also amended the descriptors to plain clotted cream (FC 01.4.3) in Annex B of the GSFA preamble, as well as part of its Annex C.

CAC47 approved a series of new Maximum Residues Levels (MRLs) for a combination of pesticides and commodities while noting some reservations raised by the EU and a couple of other country delegations on several of these MRLs. CAC47 approved similar MRLs for Clopidol (chicken kidney, liver, muscle, and skin/ fat), Imidacloprid in finfish fillet (muscle with skin in natural proportions) and/or muscle, and for the very first time in the entire Codex history, extrapolated MRLs for all the other finfish for Lufenuron in fillet, Emamectin benzoate in muscle and fillet, and for all the other ruminants for Ivermectin in milk; while noting some reservations raised by the EU and a couple of other country delegations on several of these MRLs.

Olive oil standard technical parameters. 
After a long exchange of views from the producing countries and the International Olive Council (IOC), CAC47 adopted the revised standard for olive oils and olive pomace oils (CXS 33), with an amendment to its Section 3.2.3 4 about α Desmethylsterols composition (% total 4-α-desmethylsterols), and to footnote (b) to replace “it may be considered” to “it is considered” and noted the reservations of Algeria and the Syrian Arab Republic. CAC47 also agreed to (a) initiate work on 
data collection on Section 3.2.3, footnote (c) (decision tree), that would allow the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) to take a decision on its applicability to all authentic olive oils; (b) request the Codex Secretariat to issue a circular letter for data collection on the applicability of the decision tree as defined in footnote (c); (c) request FAO to convene an expert working group to analyze the data and its applicability to the footnote; and (d) extend the timeline to CCFO30 to complete the work needed on ordinary olive oil (as agreed at CCFO27), and on 1,2-diglycerides (DAGs) and pyropheophytin “a” (PPP) (as proposed at CCFO28). FAO representative expressed the willingness of FAO to lead or accompany any consultative process to evaluate the potential next steps of data gathering and analysis in order to find the modality of data collection that would serve the interests of and allow the engagement of all Members and stakeholders. See more in endnote[v].

Country of origin and Country of harvest, for dried Saffron 
After several rounds of comments and proposed resolving approaches, CAC47 finally agreed by consensus to adopt the proposed standard for dried saffron, including its “Section 8.3 Country of Origin and Country of Harvest” with the following associated text “to be developed.” Gambia, Costa Rica, and South Africa expressed reservations against the general approach of publishing finalized Codex standards with parts still to be further developed. CAC47 also approved an intercessional work pathway whereby it is expected that CAC49 may revisit this issue in the light of any advice it would receive from CCFL49 in line with a specific working pathway to address the issue of country of harvest (COH) for spices sequenced as follows: (a) the Codex Secretariat is to issue a circular letter seeking potential solutions to the use of COH in food labelling of spices, recognizing the concerns that had been expressed by Codex Members; (b) a new EWG, reporting to CCFL, jointly chaired by Iran and Canada and co-chaired by India and Madagascar, is established by CAC47 to (i) review the information gathered from the comments to the CL, and discussions at CCSCH, CCFL and CAC47 to provide potential options which recognize Members’ perspectives on the use of COH in addition to the mandatory declaration of country of origin (COO) in labelling spices, including saffron and vanilla; (ii) review options for a definition for COH and consider how it differs from COO; (iii) consider whether any clarifications 
are needed to application of labelling provisions, and (iv) prepare a report for consideration by CCFL49; (c) CCSCH8 shall also consider the responses to the CL and make its own observations to CCFL49; (d) all Codex Members are strongly encouraged to ensure that discussions in the EWG, CCSCH8 and CCFL49 be informed by all relevant interests; and (e) CAC47 invited CCFL49 to consider the issues related to the use of COH in food labelling of spices and to propose 
options that recognize the concerns expressed by Codex Members during the entire pathway. See more in endnote[vi].

Aspartame and Titanium dioxide 
Responding to unsubstantiated claims by the NHF observer about the lack of safety of aspartame (INS 951), the JECFA Secretariat underscored that the confirmation of the numerical Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for aspartame resulted from a thorough scientific assessment provided by JECFA based on a comprehensive review of all available scientific data, following a rigorous scientific approach. JECFA experts reaffirmed a safe intake of aspartame (ADI) up to 40 mg per kg body weight per day on a life-long and daily basis (noting that safety factors were also embedded in the ADI value itself). Regarding titanium dioxide (INS 171), for which JECFA concluded an ADI “not specified,” the JECFA Secretariat explained that when the upper number for the dose of food additives that could be consumed on a daily basis for an expected lifetime exposure of 70 years was expected to be vastly larger than the dietary intake (exposure) to this food additive, JECFA would express the ADI as “not specified,” as the intended uses and the daily exposure of that food additive would not lead to any appreciable health concerns. In addition, evidence about the lack of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination could motivate the experts to choose an ADI “not specified.” CAC Chairperson clarified that CCFA had a prioritization process for selecting compounds for JECFA evaluation, allowing Members to agree on priority food additives, including both new substances and existing additives. All Codex members were encouraged to actively participate in confirming priorities (for JECFA safety evaluation and establishment of specifications) during each CCFA session. CAC chairperson suggested that FAO and WHO may consider titanium dioxide-related matters in their “matters referred” document for possible further discussion at CCFA55. It was emphasized that risk assessment, conducted by JECFA, was a separate process from risk management, handled by CCFA. See also endnote[vii].

ADVANCED TEXTS – Draft texts subject to another round of discussion by each Committee in charge

CAC47 advanced proposed draft texts to their draft text stage for further elaboration by their respective technical committees. These texts related to product draft standards on Vanilla (as part of the standard for spices derived from dried or dehydrated fruits and berries). CAC47 advanced other guidelines and codes of good hygienic or prevention practices, e.g., revised food hygiene guidelines and principles for the control of pathogenic Vibrio species in seafoods; sampling plans for total aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A in certain spices (dried chili pepper and paprika, and nutmeg); monitoring the stability and purity of reference materials and related stock solutions of pesticides during prolonged storage; the prevention and control of food fraud; and, on precautionary allergen labelling. Finally, CAC47 advanced some maximum levels (of an added substance, a residue, or a tolerated presence) for lead in dried bark and dried culinary herbs and for fumagillin dicyclohexylamine (DCH) in fish fillets and in honey.

NEW WORK PROPOSALS APPROVED – landmark proposals on whole grain millets, young children’s foods, microbial omega-3 oils, baker’s yeast, or on how to apply food labelling provisions in cases of “emergencies,” among other equally important proposals

CAC47 agreed with the development of new product standards on sweet marjoram, dried seeds of coriander, large cardamom, and cinnamon; the review of all Codex standards on fats and oils for possible inclusion of new provisions – to be defined – to help reduce trans-fatty acid intake from their consumption; microbial omega-3 oils; baker’s yeast; foods for older infants and young children (previously called “complementary” or “canned” or “cereal-based”); and a group standard for whole millet grains [viii].

CAC47 agreed with the developments of new or revised guidelines and recommended codes of good practices on the application of general principles of 
food hygiene to the control of viruses in food; control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat; application of general principles of food hygiene to the control of Listeria monocytogenes in foods; prevention and reduction of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts; prevention and reduction of cadmium contamination in foods; appeals mechanism in the context of rejection of imported food; standardization of the representation of sanitary requirements; exchange of information between importing and exporting countries to support the trade in food; digitalisation of national food control systems (NFCSs); guidance for competent authorities on actions that may be taken when residues of veterinary drugs in food are below or above Action Levels, or when no Action Levels are established; and on the application of food labelling provisions in emergencies.

CAC47 agreed with the developments of maximum levels on revised and new provisions for proposed draft food additive provisions of the GSFA. CAC47 also agreed with the revision of related texts on the priority lists of substances proposed for evaluation by JECFA (on food additives and flavorings, contaminants, and residues of veterinary drugs), including extrapolation and establishment of action levels (for veterinary drugs only) and by JMPR (pesticide residues).

CAC47 also considered four proposals for new work considered under CAC’s agenda “Other business” at the request of South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and India, respectively, on kimchi, camel milk, cashew kernels, and “nutraceutical” foods. CAC47 considered that these proposals would need to be better scoped and resubmitted through the regular channels (through the established Committees), except for camel milk, which is going to be subject to a specific procedure to refine the project document that is to be considered by CCEXEC89 and CAC48 as possible new work[ix].

CAC47 more generally encouraged Members (and Observers) to respond to CLs seeking proposals for new work and prioritization of compounds for evaluation within the deadlines set out in those CLs. CAC47 also recognized the challenges to Members associated with the management of numerous new work proposals and encouraged subsidiary bodies to continue to apply effective prioritization mechanisms.

AMENDMENTS, REVOCATION, DISCONTINUATION

Amendments to fats and oils standards 
CAC47 adopted amendments to the labelling provisions for non-retail containers in six existing fats and oils standards, i.e., Edible Fats and Oils not Covered by Individual Standards (CXS 19); Olive Oils and Olive Pomace Oils (CXS 33); Named Vegetable Oils (CXS 210); Named Animal Fats (CXS 211); Fat Spreads and Blended Spreads (CXS 256); and Fish Oils (CXS 329), as recommended by CCFL48 and consistent with the CAC Procedural Manual.

Amendments related to food additives 
CAC47 amended the GSFA (CXS 192) with the deletion of dipotassium diphosphate (INS 450(iv)) from Note 475 (editorial change); an amendment to the name of Note “CS 262-2006 (as anticaking agent only, see functional class table in CXS 262-2006)” associated with Processed Euchema Seaweed (PES) (INS 407a), pectin (INS 440), potassium acetate (INS 261(I)), potassium carbonate (INS 501(i)), and potassium dihydrogen citrate (INS 332(i)) in Table three with “CS 262-2006 (for use in cheese mass only)” (editorial change); some consequential amendments to the Table 1, Table 2, and Table 3 of the GSFA due to the change of INS Number for gellan gum to INS 418(I) (substantive change) and to the Standard for aqueous coconut products – coconut milk and coconut cream (CXS 240) due to the change of INS number for gellan gum to INS 418(i) (substantive); and, corrections to Section 4 of the General standard for cheese (CXS 283) with the move of the table for food additives classes, which was wrongly published as part of the next sub-section on processing aids (editorial change).

Amendment to the minimum Brix level for reconstituted fruit juices and reconstituted purée obtained from grapes of Vitis Vinifera L. or hybrids thereof and of Vitis Labrusca or hybrids thereof 
While the general minimum Brix level for Reconstituted Fruit Juices and Reconstituted Purée obtained from grapes of Vitis Vinifera L. or hybrids thereof has not changed and still at 16° Brix, a new minimum level of 14° Brix may apply for grape juice from Vitis labrusca and hybrids thereof produced under specific edaphoclimatic conditions, if supported by national composition data and if consistent with the application of national legislation of the importing country. In specific edaphoclimatic conditions, the Brix level for grape juice from Vitis labrusca and hybrids thereof may, in some years, be lower than 16°. The reconstituted juice shall meet the authenticity methodology listed in the General standard for fruit juices and nectars (CXS 247), and the Brix level shall correspond to the Brix level as expressed from the Vitis labrusca and hybrids thereof used to make the concentrate. The minimum juice and/or purée content (% v/v) for fruit nectars remains 50.0% for all of them.

Other Amendments 
CAC47 adopted the consequential amendments to CXLs for pyrethrins and permethrin in the peppers’ subgroup with a statement that their MRLs provisionally apply to okra, martynia, and roselle, pending submission of provisionally residue trial data to clarify the suitable classification for them. It also approved a consequential amendment relating to adding Tomato and ketchup (DM 3527) as part of Miscellaneous derived edible products of plant origin (Group 069) under Class D – Processed Foods of Plant Origin of the Classification of food and feed (for inclusion into Codex text CXA 4).

CAC 47 adopted two amendments to the Standard for infant formula and formulas for special medical purposes intended for infants (CXS 72) to align with the corrections made in the Standard for follow-up formula for older infants and products for young children (CXS 156) on energy conversion factors (correspondence of the values as KJ and Kcal) and on replace “Total carbohydrates” by “Available carbohydrates” and to note seventeen to read “This GUL should accommodate higher needs for infant formula based on soy protein isolate” instead of “with soy formula.” CAC47 finally agreed to amend all labelling provisions referring to non-retail containers in all the fish and fishery products standards (consequential amendment) with the cross-reference to the procedural manual statement and also with the amendments (viewed as editorial) to change the scientific names for sardines in the CXS 94 as follows: Sardinops neopilchardus and Sardinops caeruleus replaced by Sardinops sagax; Clupea bentincki replaced by Strangomera bentincki; and, Etrumeus teres replaced by Etrumeus sadina.

Discontinuation and Revocations 
CAC47 agreed with the proposed discontinuation of various draft and proposed draft maximum levels for food additives, for pesticide residues in different combinations of pesticide/commodity(ies), as well as for lead levels in dried spice, flowers, and fresh culinary herbs. CAC47 formally revoked previously approved standards (e.g., General methods for the detection of irradiated foods (CXS 231), several methods of analysis for provisions in relevant commodity standards and in CXS 234), as well as maximum levels previously approved in the GSFA or for pesticide residues in several pesticide/commodity(ies) combinations [x].

NEXT STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK 2026-2031

CAC47 adopted its next strategic framework by refining the CAC vision as being “where the world comes together to create food safety and quality standards to protect everyone everywhere” and redefining its core mission to “protect consumer health and promote fair practices in the food trade by setting international, science-based food safety and quality standards.

Faithful to the four Codex core values to guide its work and fulfill its strategic vision (inclusiveness, collaboration, consensus building, and transparency), it also reaffirms the CAC’s statutory purpose to develop international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in food trade. It further recognizes that CAC must also be capable of responding in a timely manner to the impacts of emerging trends and challenges to consumers’ health and against unfair practices in the food trade, to the extent to which those impacts are amenable to standardization (i.e., standardization of sanitary and phytosanitary measures as well as convergence points for non-tariff technical barriers to trade). It recalls that, as a risk manager, the Codex Alimentarius Commission establishes Codex texts, which are then incorporated into national legislation by Codex Members and that contribute to ensuring that food is safe and can be traded with sufficient trust. It also reaffirms that the scientific basis that underpins Codex texts is fundamental to ensuring that Codex maintains its pre-eminence as the international reference for food safety and fair practices in the food trade, as well as the primary source of science-based food standards for many countries and is recognised as such by the WTO. The Strategic framework identified four strategic goals until 2030, and for each, 3 or 4 expected outcomes[xi].

Endnotes:

[i] Food Production Systems Engineer, Food Standards & Food Safety Regulatory Specialist, Counsellor at Keller and Heckman LLP Brussels office

[ii] See CAC47 webpage: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/detail/en/?meeting=CAC&session=47&

[iii] See CAC47 report at: https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/en/

[iv] (§1) the revised food additive sections of (a) the two standards from CCMMP, the Standards for Fermented Milks (CXS 243); and Cream and Prepared Creams (CXS 288) (Appendix V, Parts B.1 and B.3); (b) the one standard from CCPFV, the Standard for Table Olives (CXS 66) (Appendix V, Part B.4), (c) the two regional standards, Regional Standards for Laver Products (Asia) (CXS 323R); and Yacon (Latin America and the Caribbean) (CXS 324R) (Appendix V, Parts B.5 and B.6). 
(§2) editorial corrections to the General Standard for Cheese (CXS 283) (Appendix V, Part B.2). 
(§3) the revised provisions of the GSFA in relation to (a) the alignment of two standards from CCMMP, (CXS 243 and CXS 288) (Appendix VI, Part A.1); (b) the alignment of four standards from CCPFV, Standards for Processed Tomato Concentrates (CXS 57); Table Olives (CXS 66); Pickled Fruits and Vegetables (CXS 260); Quick Frozen Vegetables (CXS 320) (Appendix VI, Part A.2); and (c) the alignment of five regional standards, Regional Standards for Harissa (Red Hot Pepper Paste) (Near East) (CXS 308R); Tempe (Asia) (CXS 313R), Date Paste (Near East) (CXS 314R); Laver Products (Asia) (CXS 323R); and Yacon (Latin America and the Caribbean) (CXS 324R) (Appendix VI, Part A.3).

[v] Olive oil standard technical parameters. With regards to footnote (b) in Section 3.2.3 4 α-Desmethylsterols composition (% total 4α-desmethylsterols), the new wording “it may be considered” in relation to the outcome resulting from the application of the decision tree to virgin and extra virgin olive oils that deviated from the stated provision for campesterol, i.e., whether such an olive oil could still be considered as authentic, should be reverted back to current standard wording “it is considered,” as “may” would leave the outcome of the decision tree open to interpretation. While members noted the intent was that an oil meeting the criteria of the decision tree would be considered authentic, they supported the proposal to revert to the current wording as it provided clarity. Therefore, footnote (b) would read: “Virgin or Extra Virgin olive oil naturally has a campesterol level of greater than 4% and less than or equal to 4.8%. It is considered authentic if the stigmasterol level is less than equal to 1.4% and the delta-7-stigmasterol level is less than equal to 0.3%. The other parameters shall meet the limits set out in the standard.”

With regards to footnote (c), the Syrian Arab Republic, recalling their comments in CRD10 and their past reservation reported in Paragraph 74 of CCFO28 report, highlighted their concerns regarding such footnote, indicating that: (a) this footnote in CXS 33 which corresponds to the International Olive Council (IOC) decision tree, was developed without the consideration of the Syrian Arab Republic olive oil characteristics; (b) adopting the revisions to CXS 33 with this footnote would, in its view, lead to the incorrect characterization of olive oil produced in their country as a non-authentic oil; and (c) such an incorrect characterization would pose a risk to more than 40% of virgin olive oil exports from their country, negatively impact producers, and run contrary to the Codex Alimentarius’ objective of ensuring fair practices in international food trade. While noted the extensive and inclusive work done by CCFO since 2017 to resolve that issue, the CCFO Chairperson noted that some issues related to Ordinary Virgin Olive Oil (OVOO), 1,2-diglycerides (DAGs), and Pyropheophytin “a” (PPPs) needed further collection of scientific data and agreed to recommend the extension of some aspects of the work to CCFO30. Members in support of only advancing the revised standard highlighted that footnote (c) did not take into account interregional variabilities due to factors such as climate-changing conditions; stressed the importance of olive oil trade to their economies; shared the view that footnote (c) in the revised CXS 33 would automatically restrict a large percentage of authentic olive oil exports from particular Member(s) from international trade, which would negatively impact such Member(s), especially among the farming communities; and called for the collection and analysis of scientific data on inter-regional variability to better inform the revision of footnote (c). Members supporting the final adoption of the standard, while acknowledging the concerns raised by the previous Members, recalled that CCFO had invested extensive resources, including time, collaboration, coordination, and dedication by all parties. They proposed a two-step process, including the final adoption of the revised CXS 33 and the continued collection of scientific data with a view to exploring a future revision of footnote (c) to consider regional variability. The International Olive Council (IOC) stressed the importance of ensuring fair trade and protection of consumers through the harmonization of international standards based on scientific principles and informed CAC47 of an ongoing IOC study on total and individual sterols, which would include all producing countries. The IOC indicated its willingness to provide a forum for discussions based on scientific studies, including all producing countries.

[vi] Country of origin (COO) and Country of harvest (COH) for dried Saffron and other spices. In light of the unresolved issue coming out from the last meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling (See WFRR article on CCFL48 outcome, November 2024) where-by no consensus had been found on the endorsement of the CCSCH conclusions that country of harvest for dried saffron should be mandatory, CAC47 followed the recommendation of the CCEXEC87 to adopt a suitable process to address the issue of Country of Harvest (COH) in spices. Different views were expressed on the terms of reference of the proposed EWG, particularly on whether to take a horizontal approach to address COH for spices and on the development of a possible definition for COH. Such views ranged from “the EWG should focus its discussions to saffron and vanilla for which standards had been or were in development (as COH was an important aspect to address fraudulent practices for these high-value spices)” to “CAC should follow the recommendations of CCEXEC to address COH in a horizontal manner as consideration of such a provision was not limited to saffron and vanilla, but also other spices for which standards might be developed in the future.” A proposal to expand discussions to culinary herbs was not agreed. The Chair noted the importance of the EWG Joint Chairs and co-chairs acting to facilitate a neutral debate rather than advancing national interests. CAC47 noting that a timeline for this work was important; agreed on a deadline for replies to the CL by mid-2025 for consideration by CCSCH8 in October 2025, CCFL49 in May 2026, and consideration of recommendations by CCFL by CAC49 in July CAC47 agreed with such a final pathway.

On the standard adoption itself, CAC47 Chairperson noted the following possible options: publish the standard, with or without any Section 8 on Labelling, or with Section 8, except its sub-section 8.3 (covering both COO and COH) or except section 8.3.2 (COH); or not publish the standard but await the outcome of the process agreed above. Those not supporting the publication of the standard at this time expressed the view that the endorsement process had not been fulfilled and such publication would go against Codex procedures, while those supporting its publication noted that publication would facilitate fair practices in the trade of saffron and protect consumers. Such publication could go ahead with all the other labelling provisions endorsed by CCFL (i.e., without the provision for COH). As a compromise, those not in favour of publication proposed to publish without the entire Section 8 on Labelling or with only a note to Section 8.3. “to be developed.” In response to these concerns, the Codex Secretariat clarified that publication of the standard without any labelling provisions would go against the Codex Procedural Manual Section 2, Elaboration of Codex Standards, Format for commodity standards, which would mean the standard was incomplete. The Codex Secretariat further clarified that the provision on COO was covered by CXS 1 and could be implemented by countries in accordance with CXS 1. Costa Rica, Gambia, and South Africa supported the view of the Codex Secretariat that publication with a note “to be developed” was not good practice. They also noted that it would mean the publication of an incomplete standard and further noted that CXS 1 could be invoked for COO labelling. They, therefore, expressed their reservations to the publication with such a note. To a question on whether COH/COO would be incorporated directly into the standard following the outcome of CCFL49, the Codex Secretariat explained that a proposal for an amendment of the standard would be required to address additional labelling provisions in accordance with procedures for new work proposals. CAC47 also considered a proposal to include COH as optional in line with decisions for this provision in other existing standards for spices and culinary herbs. However, the Codex Secretariat explained that this would set a bad precedent as it would override the procedures for endorsement of food labelling provisions by the CCFL and could have future negative implications for the work of Codex.

[vii] The Codex Secretariat clarified that CCFA54 did not discuss the current provisions in the GSFA related to titanium dioxide (INS 171) but acknowledged that JECFA had reaffirmed its Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) as “not specified” and only agreed on revised specifications to reduce the levels of relevant contaminants in this substance. Senegal delegate, who also attended CCFA54 meeting in person, supported by Mali, expressed concerns regarding the use of titanium dioxide (INS 171) as a food additive, which, in their view, was potentially carcinogen due to ambiguities related to its potential carcinogenicity due to ambiguities related to the evidence surrounding genotoxicity and the lack of adapted testing protocols (i.e., to nanoparticles). The prioritization of this compound for JECFA evaluation was also questioned, given that Senegal was of the view that no carcinogenic nor mutagenic substance should be permitted as a regulated added substance to foods. The European Commission, speaking on behalf of the European Union (EU) and the EU Members States present in the meeting room at that time, noted that the JECFA monograph was not available when the discussion was held during CCFA54, which focused simply on the review of the revised specifications of titanium dioxide (and noted the outcome of the JECFA reevaluation with ADI “not specified”) and, in their view, there was some merit to have another discussion at the next meeting of the CCFA. The EU further noted that titanium dioxide was not authorized (as a food additive) in foods in the EU any longer (i.e., since January 2022).

[viii] CAC47 noted the importance of including food safety considerations from the earliest stages of work to develop any new commodity standard and approved the new work proposal on the development of a group standard for whole millet grains. CAC47 reactivated CCCPL to work by correspondence, with the flexibility to convene an EWG and/or work by virtual means as appropriate. The United States of America, as the host country of CCCPL emphasized that, as this would be the CCCPL’s first group standard for cereals, the proposed EWG to support that work should dedicate initial efforts to defining the characteristics and physical parameters of whole millet grains.

[ix] The UAE (as the proponent of the proposal) and New Zealand (as host country of CCMMP) will work together to conduct a gap analysis and further review the new work proposal so that a CL could be issued in a timely manner to seek inputs from interested Members and Observers on the need for, and possible extent of new work on camel milk, with the view that the proposal on camel milk would be subject to critical review by CCEXEC89 and consideration by CAC48 for possible approval as new work. The Codex Secretariat suggested performing a preliminary review of the discussion paper and project document contained in CRD03 with the CCMMP host country for completeness purposes and providing their feedback to the proponent.

[x] See the reports of CCCF17, CCFA54, CCMAS43, CCRVDF27 and CCPR54 at https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/meetings/en/

[xi] Strategic Goal 1: Respond to Members’ needs for protecting the health of consumers and ensuring fair practices in the food trade in an evolving global landscape by developing science-based standards and related texts (1.1 Foresight and horizon-scanning activities are used to support the identification of issues likely to impact food safety, quality, and trade; 1.2 Scientific advice that addresses the needs identified by CAC and subsidiary bodies is primarily provided by FAO and WHO and their joint scientific advisory bodies, informed by globally representative data and appropriate international expertise and methodology; 1.3 Scientific advice is used by CAC and subsidiary bodies in line with Codex risk analysis principles; and 1.4 Codex standards and related texts are developed, reviewed and adopted in a timely, transparent and inclusive manner).

Strategic Goal 2: Enhance Codex work management systems and practices that support the effective and efficient development of standards and related texts 
(2.1 Work management systems and practices are refined and enhanced, leveraging digital and other new technologies; 2.2 Mechanisms to prioritize proposals to develop new or revise existing standards and related texts are in place; 2.3 Chairpersons, coordinators, host secretariats, Codex Contact Points and delegates are supported in their respective roles and their capabilities are developed and enhanced; and 2.4 Codex Members are enabled to participate actively and sustainably throughout the standard-setting process).

Strategic Goal 3: Strengthen relationships with relevant international organizations, promoting a coordinated approach to address global challenges 
(3.1 The mutual understanding of the roles of CAC and relevant international organizations in relation to global challenges is improved and is supported by ongoing consultation between the parties; 3.2 Gaps in approaches to addressing global challenges that Codex could contribute to are identified through targeted engagement with relevant international organizations; 3.3 The contribution of CAC to the transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems, is identified and considered; 3.4 Contributions from relevant international organizations throughout the development of Codex texts are encouraged).

Strategic Goal 4: Maximize the impact of Codex by increasing the visibility and use of standards 
(4.1 The profile and recognition of Codex as the international food standards-setting body for protecting consumer health and ensuring fair practices in food trade is enhanced. 4.2 The use of Codex texts in the context of integrative approaches such as One Health is promoted. 4.3 Harmonization through the increased use of Codex texts in establishing national food control systems and regulations is advocated for).

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