USDA to Sponsor Codex Alimentarius Commission Preparation Meeting

In preparation for the 34th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission,
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Office of the Under Secretary of
Food Safety has scheduled a June 16, 2011, meeting to provide information
and receive public comments on draft U.S. positions that will be discussed
at the Codex meeting. Written comments may be submitted to U.S. Codex
Manager Karen Stuck at uscodex@fsis.usda.gov.

The Codex session will be held July 4-9 in Geneva, and topics on the agenda
include the consideration of draft standards at varying stages of development.
Among other matters, Codex participants will consider standards and
guidelines relating to risk analysis of foodborne antimicrobial resistance,
nutrition labeling, the control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken
meat, food additives, maximum levels for melamine in food and for arsenic
in rice, fish oils, and hygienic practice for mineral waters, fresh fruits and
vegetables.

The World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization
formed the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 1963 to establish food safety
standards, codes of practice and guidelines and to promote the coordination
of food standards activity undertaken by international governmental and
non-governmental organizations. While the standards are not binding, they
serve as a reference point for consumers, food producers and governments.