Why Is IFT Involved in Codex?

Codex is an international food standards-setting organization established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). The Codex Alimentarius Commission, with its subsidiary bodies, develops and compiles international food standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations to protect consumer health and facilitate fair practices in international trade in food. The documents comprising the Codex Alimentarius (“food code”) are accessible in six languages on the Codex website.

Codex standards are international benchmarks for national food measures and regulations within the parameters of the World Trade Organization (WTO). An increasing number of countries align their national food standards with the Codex Alimentarius (WHO and FAO 2016). Participating in the development of Codex texts, which impact the food industry around the world, is an opportunity to be involved in global harmonization of food standards.

Codex has 188 Member countries, one Member Organization (European Union), and 238 Observer organizations (57 international governmental organizations [e.g., WTO]), 165 nongovernmental organizations (e.g., IFT), and 16 United Nations bodies (e.g., World Food Programme). Joint FAO/WHO groups (e.g., Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) also serve important roles in Codex as independent scientific resources.

IFT is actively involved in five committees—Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU), Food Hygiene (CCFH), Food Additives (CCFA), Contaminants in Foods (CCCF), and Food Labeling (CCFL). We participate on several levels—from electronic working groups to the Commission. Select items that recently went forward to the Commission from these committees and the Commission’s actions are listed in a new Codex group at connect.ift.org/groups. Also of interest is the Commission’s decision to establish an Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance. The Secretariat’s report of the meeting (CAC39) is available on the Codex website.

CCNFSDU is continuing work on the Standard for Follow-up Formula (CODEX STAN 156-1987), proposed draft Nutrient Reference Values-Noncommunicable Diseases for long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA (Step 2/3), and a Proposed Draft Definition for Biofortification (Step 2/3).

In CCFH, the proposed work to revise the General Principles of Food Hygiene (CAC/RCP 1-1969) and its HACCP Annex is a noteworthy item that was approved by the Commission.

In CCFA, the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) is an ongoing area of substantial effort. Evidence for technical justification for use of various food additives is a particular area where input is needed and would be helpful from IFT members. Without adequate information on technological justification, provisions for uses of additives may be limited or not included in the GSFA.

The CCCF is working on a number of items, including the following:

• a proposed draft annex on ergot and ergot alkaloids for the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51-2003) (Step 3)

• maximum levels (MLs) for cadmium in chocolate and cocoa-derived products (Step 2/3)

• proposed draft Codes of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Arsenic Contamination in Rice (Step 2/3) and for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins in Spices and its annexes (Step 2/3)

• discussion papers on development of MLs for mycotoxins in spices and MLs for methylmercury in tuna (fresh/frozen and canned) and other fish species.

IFT has been active in CCFL’s date marking discussions. This Codex activity occurs at a time when the topic of food waste and varying state measures in the United States that address date labeling have heightened visibility as a result of activities leading up to and including companion bills introduced in the U.S. House and Senate, The Food Date Labeling Act, and a House Agriculture Committee hearing in May on “Food Waste from Field to Table.”

IFT’s involvement in Codex is driven by the commonality in Codex’s purpose and IFT’s vision and mission and one of our Strategic Objectives. With the scientific and technical expertise in IFT’s membership, we can be a valuable source of food science and technology insight and broad multidisciplinary expertise in Codex deliberations.

Watch IFT’s International Policy webpage and IFT Connect for FAO and WHO calls for data, experts, and information and Codex-related opportunities to share expertise and insight. More information on Codex, how it works, U.S. government participation in Codex, IFT’s involvement, and the work and needs of the CCFA are available in two IFT webcasts: “Codex 101: Why Codex Matters” and “Food Additives in the Codex and Global Arena.”

References are available in the online version of this column via hyperlinked citations.

“Codex Alimentarius is about safe, good food for everyone—everywhere.”

IFT Vision—a world where science and innovation are universally accepted as essential to a safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for everyone

IFT Mission—to advance the science of food and its application across the global food system

Rosetta Newsome, PhD, CFS, is Director, Science and Policy Initiatives, IFT ([email protected]).