Food Contaminants, Veterinary Drug Residues Topics of Upcoming Codex Delegate Meetings

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Under Secretary for Food Safety, Food and Drug Administration, and Department of Health and Human Services have announced a February 23, 2015, public meeting in College Park, Maryland, to discuss draft positions for consideration at the 9th Session of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food in New Delhi, India on March 16-20.

The lengthy agenda for the February meeting includes (i) maximum levels for lead in ready-to-drink fruit juices and nectars as well as in canned fruits and vegetables; (ii) proposed draft maximum levels for inorganic arsenic in husked rice; (iii) a proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Arsenic Contamination in Rice; (iv) proposed draft maximum levels for cadmium in chocolate and cocoa-derived products; (v) a discussion paper about the feasibility of developing a Code of Practice for mycotoxins in spices; and (vi) a priority list of contaminants and naturally occurring toxicants that the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives has proposed for evaluation. Those wishing to attend the meeting should register by February 19.

The same agencies have scheduled a March 19 public meeting to discuss draft positions for consideration at the 22nd Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods slated for April 27-May 1 in San Jose, Costa Rica. Items on the agenda for the March 19 meeting include (i) a discussion paper outlining issues and concerns affecting the Committee’s ability to efficiently do its work; (ii) draft provisions on establishing maximum residue levels for honey; and (iii) a report detailing activities of the World Organization for Animal Health, including the harmonization of technical requirements, and the registration of veterinary medicinal products. Those wishing to attend the meeting should register by March 14. See Federal Register, January 14, 2015.

Issue 553