REPORT OF THE FOURTEENTH MEETING OF THE ASEAN TASK...

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Final

REPORT OF THE FOURTEENTH MEETING OF

THE ASEAN TASK FORCE ON CODEX (ATFC)

3 – 5 June 2014, Singapore

INTRODUCTION

1. The Fourteenth Meeting of the ASEAN Task Force on Codex (ATFC) was held on 3 –

5 June 2014 in Singapore.

2. The Meeting was attended by delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia,

Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Representative of the

ASEAN Secretariat was also present. The list of delegates appears as ANNEX 1.

OPEN SESSION

3. Ms. Tan Poh Hong, Chief Executive Officer, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of

Singapore (AVA), warmly welcomed all delegates to the Meeting. In her remarks, she re-

iterated the important role of ASEAN Task Force on Codex as the ASEAN forum in discussing

and coordinating ASEAN positions for agenda items at Codex Committees and Codex

Alimentarius Commission meetings. As such, it is important to keep abreast of the

developments of food standards, guidelines and recommendations established by Codex in the

view for realisation of a single market and production base in the ASEAN region or commonly

referred to ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. The full Remarks appear as ANNEX

2.

CLOSED SESSION

AGENDA ITEM 1: ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON

4. The Meeting unanimously elected Dr. Paul Chiew, Group Director of Laboratories

Group of Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA), Singapore and Prof. Purwiyatno Hariyadi,

Director of Southeast Asia Food and Agricultural Science and Technology (SEAFAST)

Center, Indonesia as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the 14th Meeting of the ATFC,

respectively.

AGENDA ITEM 2: ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

5. The Meeting considered and adopted the agenda which appears as ANNEX 3.

AGENDA ITEM 3: BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS

6. The Meeting was held in plenary.

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AGENDA ITEM 4: PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY FRAMEWORK

RELATED TO ASEAN COOPERATION IN FOOD SAFETY

4.1 Matters Arising from the Special SOM-34th AMAF, SOM-35th AMAF, 35th

AMAF Meeting

7. The Meeting was informed on the outcomes of the Special SOM-34th AMAF, SOM-35th

AMAF, 35th AMAF Meeting, particularly on the matters related to food safety and Codex

issues. The excerpt of the reports appears as ANNEX 4.

4.2 Roadmap for an ASEAN Community (2009-2015)

8. The Meeting took note of the update on the implementation of the Roadmap for an

ASEAN Community (2009-2015) which appears as ANNEX 5.

9. In regard to prioritization of AEC Measures, the Meeting noted the guidance of the 35th

AMAF Meeting on the need to focus the efforts and resources for the achievement of identified

key AEC deliverables and prioritized measures. The subsidiary bodies under AMAF were

requested to review their respective current Strategic Plan of Action (SPA) to achieve the

approved key deliverables and prioritized measures.

10. The Meeting noted the on-going initiative on the Development of Vision, Objectives and

Goals of the ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry Sectors towards 2020, as

agreed by the 35th AMAF in following-up guidance of the 22nd ASEAN Summit, held on 24 – 25

April 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan. With the support from FAO and GIZ, the ASEAN Ad-Hoc

Task Force has been set up under SOM AMAF to work on the development of Vision, Objectives

and Goals for ASEAN Cooperation in Food, Agriculture and Forestry (FAF) towards 2020, and

would submit the recommendations to the AMAF in 2015 for adoption.

AGENDA ITEM 5: MATTERS ARISING FROM FOOD SAFETY RELATED

MEETINGS

5.1 The 17th and 18th Meeting of the Prepared Foodstuff Product Working Group

(PFPWG), 28-29 August 2013, Singapore and 22-23 May 2014, Ha Noi

5.2 The 10th Meeting of ASEAN Expert Group on Food Safety (AEGFS), 3 – 5

December 2013, Bandar Seri Begawan

11. The Meeting noted the outcomes of the 17th Meeting and 18th Meeting of the Prepared

Foodstuff Product Working Group (PFPWG), 28-29 August 2013, Singapore and 22-23 May

2014, Ha Noi, and the 10th Meeting of ASEAN Expert Group on Food Safety (AEGFS), held on 3

– 5 December 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Reports appear as ANNEXES 6, 7 and 8.

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12. The Meeting updated that there are two main initiatives related to food safety in ASEAN

currently undertaken by AEGFS and PFPWG:

a) Establishment of ASEAN Risk Assessment Mechanism, led by AEGFS

b) Study on Food Safety Regulatory Framework, led by PFPWG

13. Noting that on-going work of ASEAN Risk Assessment Mechanism would be related to

ATFC, the Meeting requested National Focal Point of ATFC to work closely with National Focal

Point of AEGFS for better coordination and communication.

14. The Meeting also requested ASEAN Secretariat to continue to give updates on these two

initiatives at future ATFC Meetings.

AGENDA ITEM 6: MATTERS ARISING FROM THE 13th MEETING OF THE ASEAN TASK

FORCE ON CODEX, 18-20 JUNE 2013, BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

15. The Meeting took note that the 13th Meeting of ATFC discussed a total of 42 Codex

issues related to trade in commodities and agriculture for p o s s i b l e joint ASEAN

position, comprising of 35 issues carried over from the 12th ATFC Meeting, and 7 new proposals

submitted by the ASEAN Member States. The Meeting agreed to drop 8 issues of those have

been adopted by 35th CAC and considered the remaining 29 issues to be discussed in the 14th

ATFC. The 13th Meeting of ATFC was informed on the status and development of activities

of the various Codex Committees, presented by the appointed ASEAN Focal Points. The

presentation by Brunei Darussalam appears as ANNEX 9.

AGENDA ITEM 7: UPDATE OF ACTIVITIES BY THE APPOINTED ASEAN FOCAL

POINTS FOR THE CODEX COMMITTEES

16. The Meeting took note of the highlights on the status and development of activities of

the various Codex Committees and the ASEAN position, presented by the appointed ASEAN

Focal Points.

7.1 Indonesia: (Method of Analysis and Sampling; Milk and Milk Products;

Food Additives and Contaminants in Food)

17. The Meeting took note of Indonesia’s updates on the meeting on Codex Committee on

Food Additives (CCFA), Codex Committee on Contaminants in Food (CCCF), Codex

Committee on Method Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) and Codex Committee on Milk and

Milk Products (CCMMP) and the ASEAN position, which appears as ANNEX 10.

Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA)

18. The Meeting was informed that the 36th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission

(36th CAC) has adopted:

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Food additive provisions of the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA) at step 8,

adopted food additive provisions of the GSFA at step 5/8 with omission of Step 6 and 7,

and revoked food additive provisions of the GSFA;

Amendments for the International numbering system (INS) for food additives at step 5/8

with omission of Step 6 and 7;

Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food Additives arising from the 76th JECFA

meeting at step 5/8 with omission of Step 6 and 7.

19. The 46th Session of Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) was held in Hongkong

(China), from 17 to 21 March 2014. The important outcomes were:

The Committee forwarded the following drafts and proposed drafts for adoption at step 8

and 5/8 by the 37th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission:

- Proposed draft Guidelines for the Simple Evaluation of Dietary Exposure to Food

Additive (revision of CAC/GL 3-1989);

- Draft and proposed draft food additive provisions of the General Standard for

Food Additives (GSFA);

- Proposed draft amendments to the International Numbering System for Food

Additives;

- Proposed draft Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food Additives.

The Committee also forwarded the following drafts for adoption at the 37th CAC:

- Amendments to the Notes of the GSFA;

- Revised provisions for aluminium-containing food additives in selected standards;

- Revised food additives sections of the standards for Luncheon Meat (CODEX

STAN 89-1981), for Corned Beef (CODEX STAN 88-1981), for Cooked Cured

Ham (CODEX STAN 96-1981); for Cooked Pork Shoulder (CODEX STAN 97-

1981) and for Cooked Cured Chopped Meat (CODEX STAN 98-1981)

Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF)

20. The Meeting noted that the 36th CAC, held 1-5 July 2013 in Rome had:

Adopted:

- The Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of ochratoxin A contamination

in cocoa at step 5/8 with omission of Step 6 and 7;

- The Code of practice for the reduction of hydrocyanic acid in cassava and cassava

products at step 5/8 with omission of Step 6 and 7;

- The consequential amendments to the Standards for Edible Cassava Flour, Gari and

Sweet Cassava;

- The draft maximum levels for DON in raw cereal grains (maize, wheat and barley) and

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associated sampling plan and in flour, semolina, meal and flakes from wheat, maize

or barley at step 5;

- The draft maximum levels for lead in fruit juices and nectars, ready-to-drink; canned

fruits; and canned vegetables at step 5;

- The draft maximum level for deoxynivalenol (DON) in cereal-based foods for infants

and young children at step 5;

Not revoked maximum levels for lead in the individual standards for canned fruits and

canned vegetables because it was proposed as a consequential amendment to the

establishment of new maximum levels, which the Commission did not adopt;

Discontinued:

- The proposed draft revision of guideline levels for radionuclides in the General

Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed including development

of guidance to facilitate the application and implementation of the GLs;

- The proposed draft maximum levels hydrocyanic acid in cassava and cassava

products.

21. The Meeting noted that the 8th CCCF was held in The Haque, Netherland, from 31 March

to 4 April 2014. Five ASEAN Member States, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines,

Singapore, were in attendance. The 8th CCCF agreed:

To forward the following proposed draft standards and related texts for adoption at step

5/8 by the 37th Session of CAC:

- Proposed draft maximum levels for lead in infant formula and formula for special

medical purposes intended for infants and follow up formula;

- Proposed draft maximum levels for inorganic arsenic in polished rice;

- Proposed draft maximum levels for fumonisins in maize and maize products and

associated sampling plans;

- Proposed draft Annex for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxins and

ochratoxin A contamination in sorghum (Code of Practice for the Prevention and

Reduction of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals (CAC/RCP 51-2003));

- Proposed draft Code of Practice for Weed Control to prevent and reduce

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Contamination in Food and Feed;

- Editorial amendments to the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in

Food and Feed (CODEX STAN 193-1995).

To recommend the revocation of the maximum level of 0.02 mg/kg for lead in infant

formula in the GSCTFF and to request the Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special

Dietary Uses to remove this ML from the section on contaminants in the Standard for

Infant Formula and Formulas for Special Medical Purposes intended for Infants (CODEX

STAN 72-1981) and to make a reference to the General Standard for Contaminants and

Toxins in Food and Feed.

To recommend the removal of maximum levels for contaminants in the standards for

“cooked cured chopped meat”, “cooked cured ham”, “cooked cured pork shoulder”

“corned beef” and “luncheon meat” and to align the section on contaminants with the

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standard text for contaminants as provided in the Procedural Manual.

Codex Committee on Method Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS)

22. The Meeting noted that the 36th CAC, held 1-5 July 2013 in Rome had adopted:

Amendment to the Guidelines for Establishing Numeric Values for Method Criteria and/or

Assessing Methods for Compliance Thereof in the Procedural Manual (LOD and LOQ);

Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in International Food Trade at step 8;

Methods of Analysis in Codex Standards at different steps.

23. The Meeting noted that the 35th CCMAS was held in Budapest, Hungary, 3-7 March 2014.

Two ASEAN Member States, namely Indonesia and Thailand, were in attendance. The

Committee agreed:

to return to Step 2/3 for redrafting, comments and further discussion at the next session

the proposed draft Explanatory Notes to the Principles for the use of sampling and testing

in international trade (CAC/GL 83-2013) and to include practical examples for sampling

plans to CAC/GL 83-2013);

to further consider proposals for amendments to methods of analysis and proposals for

sampling plans; development of procedures/guidelines for determining equivalency to

Type I methods and development of a criteria approach for methods which use a “sum of

components”;

to compile a single list of methods in CODEX STAN 234 and commodity standards and a

conduct a validation exercise.

Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Product (CCMMP)

24. The Meeting noted that the 36th CAC, held 1-5 July 2013 in Rome had agreed to

establish an electronic Working Group, co-chaired by New Zealand and Uruguay. The

Commission agreed that the electronic Working Group:

would conduct a study on the possibility to develop standard(s) for processed cheese

and, depending on the outcome of the study, prepare project document(s) for new work

on standard(s) for processed cheese that would clearly define: (i) the scope of the

standard and the products to be covered; (ii) the compositional aspects of these products,

i.e. minimum cheese content; and (iii) acceptability of use of gelatine, starches and

stabilizers in the manufacture of processed cheese; and

could consider the possibility of developing a standard covering products analogous to

processed cheese but where cheese and milk products have been substituted by non-

dairy ingredients.

25. The report of the electronic Working Group and, if available, the project document(s)

would be considered by the 37th Session of the Commission, through the 69th Session of the

Executive Committee.

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7.2 Malaysia: (Fats and Oils; and General Principles)

26. The Meeting took note of Malaysia’s updates on the meeting on the Codex Committee on

General Principles (CCGP) and the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) and the ASEAN

position which appears as ANNEX 11.

Codex Committee on General Principles (CCGP)

27. The Meeting noted that the 28rd Session of the CCGP was held from 7 to 11 April 2014 in

Paris, France. The session was attended by 69 member countries including 4 ASEAN Member

States namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand. The Committee agreed to forward

the following amendments to the Procedural Manual to the 37th Commission for adoption:

Proposed amendments to the Definitions of Risk Analysis Terms related to Food Safety:

risk characterization and risk estimate.

Proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference of the Committee on General

Principles.

Proposed amendments to the Procedures for the Elaboration of Codex Standards and

Related Texts.

Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO)

28. The Meeting was informed that there was no CCFO meeting this year. The last session of

CCFO was the 23rd Session which was held in Langkawi, Malaysia from 25 February to 1 March

2013 that the outcomes had been reported to the 13th ATFC in June 2013.

29. Malaysia gave some updates since the 13th ATFC where the eWG to Review the Lists of

Acceptable Previous Cargoes had commenced work, and Malaysia as the chair of this eWG is

currently preparing the draft report and recommendation to the CCFO for circulation to all

members of eWG. Malaysia also extended her invitation to AMS to attend the 24th Session of

CCFO which will be held in Malaysia tentatively from 9-13 February 2015.

7.3 Philippines: (Pesticide Residues; Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary

Uses; Processed Fruit and Vegetables, Sugar, and Meat Hygiene)

30. The Meeting took note of Philippines’ updates on the meeting of the Codex Committee

Pesticide Residues (CCPR), Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses, and Processed Fruit

and Vegetables, Sugar (CCS), Meat Hygiene (CCMH), and the ASEAN position which appears

as ANNEX 12.

Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR)

31. The Meeting noted that the 46th CCPR, which was held from 5 to 10 May 2014 in Nanjing,

China, considered 12 agenda items and accomplished, among other things, the draft MRLs at

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Step 8, the proposed draft MRLs at Step 5/8 as well as the Revised Risk Analysis Principles

Applied by the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues, which will be forwarded to the 37th

Session of CAC for adoption.

Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses

(CCNFSDU)

32. The Meeting noted that the 35th CCNFSDU was held from 4 to 8 November 2013 in

Germany. The Committee agreed to forward to the 37th CAC the following proposed draft

standards for adoption at Step 5 of the Codex Procedure:

Proposed Draft Revision of the Codex General Principles for the Addition of Essential

Nutrients to Foods (CAC/GL 9-1987); and

Proposed Draft Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Value for Labelling Purposes in

the Codex Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling: NRV-R for Protein

Codex Committee on Processed Fruit and Vegetables (CCPFV)

33. The Meeting was informed that the last session of the CCPFV was the 26th Session which

was held in Jamaica from 15 -19 October 2012. The Committee had agreed to endorse at the

36th CAC for adoption the following:

Proposed draft standard for Table Olives, revision of CODEX Stan 66-1981, at Step 5/8

of the Codex Procedure;

Amendment to the Guidelines for Packing Media for Canned Fruits;

Amendment to the Standards for Certain Canned Citrus Fruits, Preserved Tomatoes and

Processed Tomato Concentrates; and

Amendment to the Standard for Canned Applesauce.

34. During the 26th CCPFV meeting, the Committee noted the wide support for the Korean

proposal and agreed to take up the Possible Extension Of The Territorial Application Of The

Regional Standard For Ginseng Products as new work subject to approval of the 36th CAC.

35. The Meeting noted that the 27th CCPFV is tentatively scheduled this year.

36. The Meeting was informed that 36th CAC adopted and endorsed the proposed draft

standard for Table Olives and the amendments. The 36th CAC also approved The Regional

Standard for Ginseng Products as new work.

Codex Committee on Sugar (CCS)

37. The Meeting was informed that the 35th CAC recalled that the development of a Standard

for Panela has been approved as new work by the previous Commission meeting and that the

timeframe for completion is 36th CAC. During the 36th CAC, the Commission noted that the 68th

Executive Committee had recommended adoption of the standard at Step 5 and agreed that the

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Commission would consider further steps in the elaboration process. The Delegation of

Colombia, speaking as the Chair of the CCS, explained that they had prepared the proposed

draft standard which was circulated for comments under CL2013/9-CS, with a view to adopt it at

Step 5/8. However, in view of the comments submitted, Colombia proposed adoption at Step 5

only and invited all countries to submit further comments to finalise the standard. Colombia was

planning to have the standard at Step 6/7 in the second semester 2013 and to forward it to the

37th Session of the Commission in 2014 for adoption at Step 8.

7.4 Singapore: (Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification System)

38. The Meeting took note of Singapore’s updates on the 19th Codex Committee on Food

Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS). The Information Paper

appears as ANNEX 13.

Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification

System (CCFICS)

39. The Meeting noted that the 36th CAC, held 1-5 July 2013 in Rome had adopted:

Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for National Food Control System (CAC/GL 82-

2013)

Amendments to the Principles and Guidelines for the Exchange of Information in Food

Safety Emergency Situations (CAC/GL 19-1995)

40. Noting that PFPWG is currently working on the ASEAN’s common food requirements, the

Meeting will update PFPWG on this updated document CAC/GL 82-2013.

41. The Meeting noted that the 21st CCFICS is tentatively scheduled to be held in Brisbane,

Australia from 13 to 17 October 2014.

7.5 Thailand: (Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods; Fresh Fruit and

Vegetables; Food Hygiene)

42. The Meeting took note of Thailand’s updates on the meeting on Codex Committee on

Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF), Codex Committee on Fresh Fruit and

Vegetables (CCFFV), and the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH). The Information

Paper appears as ANNEX 14.

Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF)

43. The Meeting was informed that the 21st CCRVDF was held in Minneapolis USA during

26-30 August 2013. The following are the issues that are matters for adoption by the 37th CAC:

Proposed draft Risk Management Recommendations (RMRs) for choramphenicol,

malachite green, cabadox, furazolidone, nitrofuran, chlorpromazine, stilbenes and

olaquindox, for adoption at step 5/8.

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Proposed draft Performance Characteristics for Multi-Residues Methods (MRMs) for

Veterinary Drugs for adoption at step 5/8.

Draft provision on Extrapolation of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of veterinary drugs

to additional species (for inclusion on the Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the

CCRVDF), for adoption.

Draft positions of the use of the Concern Form for the CCRVDF (for inclusion on the Risk

Analysis Principle applied by the CCRVDF), for adoption.

Codex Committee on Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (CCFFV)

44. The Meeting was informed that the 18th CCFFV held in Phuket, Thailand from 24-28

February 2014. The CCFFV has proposed several matters for adoption by the Commission:

proposed draft Standard for Passion Fruit at Step 8,

proposed draft Standard for Durian at Step 5/8 (with omission of Step 6/7), and

draft Standard for Okra at Step 5/8 (with omission of Step 6/7).

45. Thailand also informed that the Committee agreed to some matters as follow:

request the Commission approval of new work on Standards for ware potato, garlic,

aubergines and kiwifruit,

to continue to discuss a proposed layout for Codex standards for fresh fruits and

vegetables based on a draft provided by the Codex Secretariat and the recommendations

on a number of key issues provided in a separate document, and

to remove the reference to UNECE from its Terms of Reference and forward them to the

Commission for adoption.

Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH)

46. The Meeting was informed that the 45th CCFH was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, 11-15

November 2013. The main outcomes of the Session are as follows:

forward the Amendments to the Definitions of the Principles and Guidelines for the

Conduct of Microbiological Risk Assessment (CAC/GL 30 -1999) for adoption,

forward the Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Control of Trichinella spp. in meat of

Suidae and for the Control of Taenia saginata in meat of domestic cattle and the revised

Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Spices and Dried Aromatic Herbs

(CAC/RCP 42-1995) for adoption at Step 5/8,

return the Proposed Draft Code of Hygienic Practice for Low-Moisture Foods to Step 2 for

redrafting, circulation for comments at Step 3 and consideration at its next session,

continue consideration of the need to revise the Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh

Fruits and Vegetables, and,

propose to the Commission to approve new work on Guidelines for the Control of

Nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. in Beef and Pork Meat and Guidelines on the Application of

General Principles of Food Hygiene to the Control of Foodborne Parasites.

7.6 Viet Nam: (Fish and Fishery Products)

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47. The Meeting took note of Viet Nam’s updates on the meeting on Codex Committee on

Fish and Fishery Products which appears as ANNEX 15.

Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP)

48. The Meeting was informed that the 33rd CCFFP (17-21 February 2014, Bergen, Norway)

has proposed several matters for adoption by the Commission:

Performance Criteria for Reference and Confirmatory Methods for Marine Biotoxins

(Section I-8.6 Determination of Biotoxins) in the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve

Molluscs (Codex Stan 292-2008) at step 8;

Draft Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop Products at step 8;

The amendments to the food additives provisions in several standards for fish and fishery

products at step 8, and

The Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Processing of Fish Sauce at step 5.

49. The Meeting also informed that other draft standard related to CCFFP will be discussed

under agenda 8.

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AGENDA ITEM 8: MATRIX OF JOINT ASEAN POSITION ON CODEX ISSUES RELATED TO TRADE IN COMMODITIES AND

AGRICULTURE

50. The Meeting reviewed and updated on the development on 35 issues carried over from the 13th Meeting of the ATFC that needed

consultation and following-up for Joint ASEAN Position, pending consultation/ decision by relevant agencies/ bodies and Codex

Committees. The follow-up Matrix on Joint ASEAN Position on Codex Issues Related to Trade in Commodities and Agriculture appears as

follows:

Agenda

Subject

Issue and Proposal

Discussion

Progress/Decision of the

14th ATFC

General Subject Committee

CCCF

8.1 Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Arsenic in Rice (CCCF)

Thailand

Issue:

The 6th CCCF agreed that the CCMAS should be requested to identify suitable methods of analysis for the determination of inorganic arsenic in order to assist the Committee in the establishment of MLs. The Committee encouraged member countries, especially rice- producing countries provide occurrence data on inorganic arsenic contamination of rice to GEMS/Food.

The Committee agreed to retain the proposed draft MLs for arsenic in rice at Step 4 until the Committee resumed the consideration of this

matter at its 8th Session and to inform the Executive committee.

The 8th CCCF adopted the ML of 0.2 mg/kg inorganic arsenic for polished rice. For husked rice, committee agreed to return ML for inorganic arsenic in husked rice to step 2/3 for further elaboration in the EWG, circulation for comments at step 3 and consideration at the next session of the Committee. Thailand request AMSs to support the ML of 0.2 mg/kg inorganic arsenic in polished rice to be adopted at step 5/8 by the CAC 37 and request the AMS to submit occurrence data for inorganic arsenic in husked rice to GEMS/Food for the CCCF consideration in the next session.

The Meeting supported Thailand‟s proposal on the ML of 0.2mg/kg inorganic arsenic for polished rice to be adopted at step 5/8 by the CAC 37. The Meeting also encouraged AMS to submit occurrence data of inorganic arsenic in husked rice to GEMS/Food for CCCF consideration at the next session, and AMS are also encouraged to participate actively in e-WG.

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Agen

da

Subject

Issue and Proposal

Discussion


14th ATFC

Thailand has received the information from MAFF Japan. They volunteer to initiate the collaborative study on a method of analysis for inorganic in rice by HPLC-ICP-MS. Also, Thailand informed primarily information to Codex Contact Point of each ASEAN countries to join this work. More details, please directly contacts Dr. Yukiko Yamada, MAFF, Japan, as e-mail: [email protected].

During 12th ATFC Meeting, Indonesia supported Thailand‟s recommendation on ML on rice due to no available international validated method of analysis currently available. It was informed that Indonesia has conducted study in 2011 to collect data of arsenic content in rice in the country.

The ATFC Meetings :

agreed to support Thailand‟s proposal on the postponement of consideration for ML establishing on arsenic in rice

until the 8th CCCF (2014).

requested AMS to submit occurrence data of inorganic arsenic in rice

to join the collaborative study on method of analysis

Malaysia indicated that they will participate in the eWG. Singapore had submitted ocurrence data on arsenic in rice to the Codex eWG. Indonesia had submitted the data to GEMS/Food and has joined collaborative studies on method and analysis.

mailto:[email protected]

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Agen

da

Subject

Issue and Proposal

Discussion


14th ATFC

Thailand would like to request all ASEAN member countries to resume the consideration of

this matter prior the 8th Session of CCCF.

The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to request AMS to participate in the eWG and submit the data.

8.2 Proposed draft maximum levels for lead in fruit juices and nectars, ready-to-drink; canned fruits; and canned vegetables (CCCF)

Thailand

Background The 6

th CCCF agreed to establish an electronic Working Group (WG) led by the United States of America to revise the maximum levels (MLs) for lead in fruit juices, milk and milk products, infant formula, canned fruits and vegetables, fruits, and cereal grains (except buckwheat, cañihua and quinoa) in the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed (GSCTFF). The Committee also agreed to consider consolidating the MLs for canned fruit and vegetable products. The 35th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission approved this work as new work for the CCCF.

The United States of America requested that WG members submit data on lead levels in the listed foods from the last 10 years to the GEMS/Food database of the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The paper was to assess the occurrence data of lead in the selected commodities to determine what percentage of samples could meet the revised MLs thus the proposals were not based on levels of exposure or consumption.

The 36th CAC adopted draft maximum levels for lead in fruit juices and nectars, ready-to-drink; canned fruits; and canned vegetables at step 5. The 8th CCCF, requested countries to submit new or additional data on lead contamination in fruit juices and nectars, canned fruits and canned vegetables to GEMS/Food no later than 31 July 2014. Thailand informed that there is lack of data on lead contamination in fruit juices and nectars, ready-to-drink; canned fruits; and canned vegetables in the 8th CCCF Meeting. Thailand request AMSs to summit the data to GEMS/Food. Indonesia is currently in the process of collecting data on lead levels in the listed food.

The Meeting encouraged AMS to submit the data to CCCF by 31 July 2014.

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Agen

da

Subject

Issue and Proposal

Discussion


14th ATFC

The 7th CCCF considered the revised MLs for lead in selected commodities in the GSCTFF. The delegate of Thailand indicated that Thailand, principally, has no objection to the review of the existing MLs for lead in fruit juices, milk, infant formula, canned fruits and vegetables, and cereal grains in the GSCTFF concerning consumer health protection. However, the criteria for selecting percentage cut-off value in document CX/CF 13/7/5 is not sufficiently clear. Moreover, the current occurrence data used to determine the proposed draft ML fall heavily on few regions. Therefore, geographical weighted basis is used to manage the occurrence data before it can be used to determine the ML and adequate risk assessment is needed to determine the protectiveness of MLs before they can be finalized.

However, the Committee agreed to retain the current MLs of 0.02 mg/kg for milks, 0.2 mg/kg for cereals, and 0.05 mg/kg for juices and nectars from berries and other small fruits, ready-to-drink and to inform the Commission accordingly.

The Committee also agreed to advance the proposed draft ML of 0.03 mg/kg for fruit juices and nectars, ready-to-drink (excluding juices from berries and other small fruits); the proposed draft ML of 0.1 mg/kg for canned fruits, including canned mixed fruits (excluding canned berry and other small fruits); and the proposed draft ML of 0.1 mg/kg for canned vegetables, including canned mixed vegetables (excluding canned

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brassica vegetables, canned leafy vegetables andcanned legume vegetables) to the 36th

Session of the Commission for adoption at Step 5/8. Issue As the proposed new MLs of lead in fruit juices and nectars, ready-to-drink; and canned fruits and canned vegetables are lower from 0.05 mg/kg to 0.03 mg/kg and 1.0 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg, respectively. Thailand would like to raise concern on the specific issues as follows:

New proposed MLs are very challenging as occurrence data are not come from all geographic distributed data. Consequently, they can mislead to interpretation of statistical analysis including mean, min, max and also normal distribution curve.

Thailand also have a question on current ML for small fruits and berries juice which are maintained at 0.05 mg/kg while other new ML for fruit juices were lower. We considered that ML for both fruit juice should be the same pattern.

Picking up Indonesia‟s concern from the

7th Session of CCCF that Indonesia does not agree to revise the ML of 0.05 mg/kg in fruit juice because the revised MLs to 0.03 mg/kg will be difficult for small industries in

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Indonesia to fulfill the requirement. In addition, Thailand is of the view that whether laboratories‟ performance are supported these lower MLs.

Thailand presented information on the summary

of the occurrence data submitted by Codex

Members to GEMS/Food which, showed the

lack of data from some regions. In this view, AMS requested Thailand to circulate written comments to AMS for National consultation on their position during the informal Asia Meeting as well as the Informal Meeting of Interested Parties during the 36th

CAC 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support Thailand‟s proposal to have this standard adopted at step 5 only.

CCFICS

8.3 Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems (Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems - CCFICS)

The Proposed Draft Principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems were developed through the leadership of Australia and have undergone two (2) physical Working Group (pWG) and two (2) committee, the first was held in United States of America (USA) in 2008 and Brazil in 2011, the latest being the result of

the 19th Session of the Committee and was held in Australia

At the 19th CCIFCS, the proposed draft

The 36th CAC adopted the Principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems at Step 8.

Thailand proposes to drop this item from agenda of future ATFC meeting.

The Meeting agreed to drop this item from the agenda in view that the 36th CAC had adopted the Principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems at Step 8.

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(Para 15-46, Appendix II REP 12/FICS) (CCFICS)

Thailand

presented during the 19th Session of the meeting had undergone considerable revisions as result of the Working Group meetings. The Committee agreed to forward the Introduction and principles of the draft principle and guideline for National

Food Control System to the 35th Commission, 2-7 July 2012, for adoption at Step 5. The Committee also agreed to re- convene the Physical Working Group chaired by Australia and hosted by the European Union, open to all Codex members and observers and working in English, to prepare a revised Section 4 : Framework of the Proposed Draft Principle and Guideline in light of the discussion and written comments from 19th CCFICS, comments received at Step 3 and further consideration at the its 20th Session in 2013. The meeting of the pWG was tentatively scheduled to be held in Grange (Ireland) in the second quarter of 2012.

RECOMMENDATIONS Thailand consider that the Proposed draft Principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems play a very important element in food safety control systems. Therefore, we would like to invite ASEAN Members to keep abreast and actively participate in the physical Working Group to be held in Grange (Ireland). Thailand also encourage AMSs to submit your comments on new subsection of continuous improvements in Section 4 Framework for the Design and Operation of the National Food Control System proposed by the insession working group.

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Indonesia supported the recommendation from Thailand. The 12th ATFC Meeting agreed to support Thailand‟s proposal and requested AMS to provide comments on new subsection of continuous improvements in Section 4 Framework for the Design and Operation of the National Food Control System proposed by the insession working group. Malaysia has no objection to the adoption but has minor comments which will be submitted to the 36th CAC. The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support the adoption by the 36th CAC at step 8.

CCFL

8.4 Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods Annex 1: Inclusion of Ethylene for Other Products

(CCFL)

The 37th CCFL considered other uses of ethylene, namely: ripening of tropical fruits (other than kiwis and bananas); de-greening of citrus fruit as a strategy to prevent fruit fly damage; sprouting inhibitor for onions and potatoes; and inducing flowering in pineapples to allow growers to produce marketable size and sufficient quantity from the same field at the same time. However, the CCFL noted that there is a need for a stronger scientific justification for the inclusion of other possible uses of ethylene in section 5.1 of the Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods and returned the document at Step 6 for

During the 41st Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling held in Canada on 14-17 May 2013, the Committee further considered the use of ethylene as sprouting inhibitor for Onions and Potatoes.

The delegation of the United States of America which co-chaired the EWG together with Cameroon introduced the report of the EWG, which had elaborated three options for the use of ethylene as sprouting inhibitor for onions and potatoes. One delegation objected to the use of ethylene as in their opinion the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) risk assessment had been non-conclusive because

The Meeting agreed to drop this agenda from the next ATFC Meeting as the draft amendment had been adopted at the 36th CAC.

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(Philippines) comments.

The 38th CCFL agreed to establish an eWG, coordinated by Ghana to develop a justification regarding the use of ethylene for the ripening of fruits for consideration at the 39th

Session and for EU and Costa Rica to prepare the justification against the criteria in Section 5.1, particularly for the induction of flowering in pineapples shall be coordinated by the European Union with the assistance of Costa Rica. CCFL agreed to hold other possible use of ethylene at Step 7 for consideration at the next CCFL.

Issue: The Philippines supports the expansion of the use of ethylene for other tropical fruits like mango labelled as “Organically Produced”. The use of Ethylene is important to achieving better quality in produce like mangoes in terms of uniformity in color and degree of ripeness.

The Philippines submitted its position based on compliance with the general criteria for permitted substances (Section 5.1 of CAC GL 32-1999 on the Guidelines for the production, processing, Labelling and marketing of organically produced foods) particularly:

i) They are consistent with principles of organic production (since ethylene has been previously approved for kiwis and bananas);

ii) The use of the substance

of a data gap. Another delegation was of the view that a data gap should not be interpreted as evidence of adverse effects because ethylene has a long history of safe use in conventional and organic agriculture. Additionally it was noted that the decision on this matter should be consistent with previous decisions of the committee on the use of ethylene for organic agriculture.

The Committee agreed to use option A:

“Use allowed under the condition that: Need recognized by the certification body or authority for sprout inhibition of stored potatoes and onions where varieties that have long dormancy characteristics are not available, or these varieties are not suited to local growing conditions. Must be used in a manner that minimizes exposure to operators and workers” The Committee agreed to advance the draft amendment to Step 5/8 for adoption by the 36th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Appendix IV). The Philippines would like to drop this agenda for the next ATFC Meeting.

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is necessary/essential for its intended use; and

iii) the approved alternatives are not available in sufficient quantity or quality of life in which these substances are found in nature and may have undergone mechanical/physical processes (e.g. extraction, precipitation), biological/enzymatic processes and microbial processes (e.g. fermentation),

Similarly, the Philippines also voiced out her support with EU‟s proposal on the use of ethylene for flower induction in pineapple during

the 38th CCFL.

Recommendation: Philippines would like to request that AMSs to support this proposal and to submit available scientific data for use as justification and submission to the working groups established by the CCFL for consideration of the extended use of ethylene.

Malaysia supported the proposal for the extension of the use of ethylene for other tropical fruits, such as for ripening.

At the 39th CCFL agreed to hold the extension of uses of ethylene for ripening of other fruit at Step 7. Philippines informed that the Inclusion of new substances into the Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and

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Marketing of Organically Produced Foods was approved as new work by the 34th CAC.

Thailand supported the proposal to include ethylene for tropical fruits but realize that no scientific data on its uses have been submitted to Codex. Indonesia regulation on organic food does not permit the use of ethylene. However, currently Indonesia is reviewing the regulation as recommended by the national experts group.

At 12th ATFC Meeting, AMS were requested to follow the discussion in CCFL and to submit data. Philippines suggested to put the issue on hold until sufficient scientific data is gathered

Indonesia expressed her concern on the use of the term „organic‟. At 13th ATFC Meeting, AMS agreed to retain this issue .

CCGP

8.5 Amendments to the Terms of Reference of Codex Committee on General Principles

(CCGP)

During The 25th CCGP, Japan proposed to amend the terms of reference (TOR) of CCGP to avoid confusion relating to the acceptance procedure, which had been abolished in 2005. The Committee agreed to propose to the Commission an amendment to its TOR to delete the second sentence. The Delegation of Malaysia expressed its opposition to this decision, as the deletion has

In the 28th CCGP, the Secretariat recalled that the present Terms of Reference (TOR) of the CCGP contained only one point: “To deal with such procedural and general matters as are referred to it by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.”, which was supplemented by a list of examples. The Secretariat further recalled that the Committee at its 26th Session had proposed to amend its TORs by adding three additional points and removing

The Meeting agreed to drop this item from agenda as it has been adopted at the 36th CAC.

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(Malaysia and Philippines)

reference to economic impact statement.

The 32nd CAC requested CCGP to review its

TOR and the 26th CCGP agreed to circulate TOR with the paragraph on economic impact in square brackets for further consideration at the

27th CCGP.

Issues: The task of examining economic impact statements has long been an imperative role assumed by the Committee in ensuring standards developed by Codex does not create unnecessary burden and barrier to trade.

The Philippines also agreed that this task is relevant and will ensure fair practices in food trade. As such, this provision should be included in the TOR of CCGP in order to highlights its importance.

Malaysia proposed that the square brackets around the provision „to develop a mechanism for examining any economic impact statements submitted by governments concerning possible implications for their economics of some of the individual standards or some of the provisions thereof‟ be removed and be retained in the TOR of CCGP.

Recommendation: Malaysia would like to request AMSs to provide comments in response to CL 2010/11-GP (deadline 30 November 2010), by proposing

the list of examples. The last point, related to the outcome of the discussion on issues related to the economic impact statements (Agenda Item 5), had been put in square brackets as there had been no consensus to remove it. Several delegations supported the deletion of the point in square brackets as the previous three points gave the Committee with sufficient flexibility to undertake such work if needed. The Representative of the WHO, speaking on behalf of FAO and WHO, stated that the parent organizations had a particular interest in making sure that the Codex system, as a whole, worked efficiently. He was of the opinion that the Committee had provided good services to the Commission with its present TOR and that the list of examples could be deleted. Referring to the proposed amendments and reiterating the point made earlier (Agenda Item 1), the Representative noted that the proposed amendments could result in CCGP becoming a self-tasking Committee and, as clarified by the Representative of the Legal Counsel of WHO, working without passing through the Commission. A number of delegations supported the deletion of the point in square brackets. Other delegations said that although they

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that the square brackets be removed. The 11th ATFC supported the proposal by Malaysia and took note of the discussion on the issue at the 26th CCGP.

Malaysia had submitted comments in response to CL 2010/11-GP, proposing that the square brackets around the provision „to develop a mechanism for examining any economic impact statements submitted by governments concerning possible implications for their economics of some of the individual standards or some of the provisions thereof‟ be removed and that the text be retained in the TOR of CCGP.

At the 27th CCGP (2-6 April 2012) there were several proposals from delegates:

To reformulate the sentence in square brackets in a more general way as follows: “To study economic impact within the CAC context with a view to assess the statements on this issue presented by Codex members.”

The first three paragraphs of the revised TOR offered unlimited possibilities for general and procedural work of the Committee and that including the statement in square brackets rather limited the work being undertaken under Mechanism for Examining Economic Impact Statements

had been prepared to adopt the TOR as proposed, the point raised by WHO merited further reflection. Several other delegations were of the opinion that the additional points were meant to allow for more flexibility and to describe current practice, without broadening the competence of the Committee. The Representative of WHO further explained that the second point of the proposed TOR could oblige the Committee to meet regularly in order to provide the necessary endorsement, which was presently flexibly handled by the Commission in the years when the CCGP did not meet. In his view, the third point of the proposed TOR contained the risk of being interpreted in such a broad way that CCGP could initiate revision of any text in the Procedural Manual on its own, including those texts developed by other committees to guide their work.

The Committee concluded its discussion and agreed to delete the last bullet in square brackets and retain the other three points. The Committee noted that there was no intention to expand its authority through its revised TOR and agreed to forward the proposed amendments to its TORs to the 37th Session of the Commission for adoption.

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No decision should be taken on the statement in square brackets until the discussion paper on mechanism for evaluating economic impact statements had been examined

To move part of the sentence in square brackets to the first sentence of the revised TOR

As there was no consensus in the Committee on any of the proposals, it was decided to leave the TOR unchanged and to continue discussions on the proposed next session when the discussion paper from Australia and Malaysia would be available. Thailand and Philippines supported the discussion in the 27th CCGP while retaining the text in square bracket for finalization in the next CCGP. Malaysia is working on the discussion paper with Australia and hopes to submit it to the Codex Secretariat for circulation to members by early 2014.

The 13th ATFC Meeting supported the Malaysia‟s proposal to retain the statement in square brackets until the discussion on mechanism for examining economic Impact statements is concluded.

Malaysia proposes to drop this item from agenda of future ATFC meetings.

8.6 Procedure for Standards and

The 26th CCGP noted that the Commission had the possibility to hold texts at Step 8 but that the

At the current session of the CCGP (28), the delegations of the USA and the EU reported

The Meeting agreed to drop this item from agenda for future ATFC

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Related Texts at Step 8

(CCGP)

(Philippines)

Procedural Manual contained no further guidance on this matter. Although, only few Codex standards are held at Step 8 of the Codex procedure, many delegations believe that it is important to have guidance in cases where text(s) are held at Step 8 and there is no n e w scientific information available.

The Committee agreed that a discussion paper needs to be developed by an eWG to be headed by Netherlands and co- chaired by Canada. The proposed Terms of Reference of the eWG are as follows:

(1) To clarify the rationale for the Commission to have the possibility to hold texts at Step 8;

(2) If benefit was seen to have this option what should be the conditions under which the Commission may decide to hold a text at Step 8; and

(3) The procedure following a decision to hold a text at Step 8.

The 26th CCGP agreed to establish an eWG led by Netherlands and Canada and working in English only.

The eWG released the 1st Draft of the Discussion Papers on Issues Related to Standards held at Step 8.

The 27th CCGP discussed the 7 recommendation that emanated from eWG. The Committee agreed to hold a facilitated discussion

the outcome of the facilitated discussions. Many delegations expressed that the report of the facilitated discussion was useful in providing member countries better understanding on values, consensus mechanisms and discussion making process of Codex. The recent development of a Guide for Delegates and Chairs on Consensus Building was also reported by the EU and US delegations. On this, it was notable to mention that the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) confirmed that once the Guide is finalized, it would be part of the FAO/WHO suite of capacity building tools. It was also envisaged that side events will be organized in conjunction with the upcoming FAO/WHO Coordinating Committees meetings and the Guide will be used as training reference. In conclusion, the Committee agreed to conclude the discussion on this item and invited the Commission to take note of the document presented.

Meetings.

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group with the following TOR:

The discussion group will be conducted in English, French and Spanish

The discussion group will identify and consider the root causes for holding the standards at Step 8. The purpose of the discussion is to enhance

awareness and understanding of these issues amongst members

The discussion group will prepare a summary report of the discussion, but

will not make any specific recommendations to the CCGP.

This in conjunction with the 36th CAC (2013)

8.7

Discussion Paper On Mechanisms For Evaluating Economic Impact Statements (CCGP) –

Malaysia

BACKGROUND At the 26th CCGP (April 2010), the Committee considered proposed amendments to its Terms of Reference (TOR) and had agreed on three points to be included in the TOR. However, there was no consensus on the inclusion of a paragraph on development of a mechanism for examining economic impact statements in the TOR, which was maintained in square brackets.

The Committee had agreed that independently of the decision on the inclusion of the paragraph in its TOR it would explore work in this area through an electronic working group (eWG) co-chaired by Malaysia and Brazil, with the mandate of developing a mechanism for examining any economic impact statements submitted by governments concerning possible implications for their economies of some of the

At the 28th CCGP, the Delegation of Malaysia introduced the discussion paper prepared jointly with Australia, recalling the history of the discussion in the CCGP, general considerations of economic implications in development of standards, existing provisions in Codex as well as three case studies showing where Codex committees had balanced economic impact of measures with food safety issues and other elements and where economic impact was the main concern. The delegation stated that the case studies showed that early recognition of economic impact could provide the relevant Committee with clear data to help make decisions whereas failure to recognise such impact could delay agreement

The meeting agreed to drop this item from the agenda of future ATFC meetings.

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individual draft standards or some of the provisions thereof, including the development of a template or harmonized format for the submission of such economic impact statements.

The 27th CCGP (April 2012) considered the report of the eWG and options that were put forward by the Delegation of Malaysia. After some discussion, the Committee agreed that it was premature to propose any amendments to the procedural manual at this stage or harmonized templates for the submission of economic impact statements. The 13th ATFC Meeting supported the proposal presented by Malaysian so as to pursue the original proposal to develop a mechanism for evaluating economic impact statements.

The Meeting took note that Malaysia and Australia are currently preparing a paper on the above proposal.

amongst members. For this reason the Delegation was of the opinion that guidance on how and to what extent economic impact statements should be considered in the development of a standard could be beneficial to members and that Codex should continue to acknowledge the differences in interests, expectations, views and concerns including potential economic implications of a standard being elaborated which could avoid suspension or delay of work. Several delegations, while acknowledging the importance of consideration of economic implications were of the opinion that the guidance contained in the Procedural Manual was sufficient to allow Codex members to provide such information at the early stages of standard development. They were also of the opinion that there was no need for a template for the submission of information as all cases were different and that there was a need for flexibility. It was mentioned that the evaluation of economic impact could be very expensive, complex and difficult, in particular for developing countries. It was also mentioned that the focus of Codex, FAO and WHO was more on consumer protection and health and thus the food safety risk considerations should take

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precedence over economic considerations. Other delegations were of the opinion that the case studies showed that CCGP should look into the development of guidance document for delegations and chairs specifying the criteria and process that could be followed in examining the economic impact of standards as well as a harmonized template for submitting such information. The Observer from WTO commented that economic impacts could be positive or negative. The adoption of Codex standards normally had overwhelming positive economic impacts, as they permitted many countries to move their food products into international markets. It was possible, however, that proposed Codex standards could create requirements that would be costly for developing countries to meet, and these economic concerns should be taken into consideration in the development of standards. A third type of economic concern, which was that the adoption of Codex standards might result in increased international trade and competition amongst producers, should not be a reason to block adoption of standards. The Codex Secretariat proposed to include the option to provide comments on economic implications in the template used by the Codex Secretariat when requesting

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comments while clarifying that the provision of such comments was not mandatory

The Committee agreed that the current provisions in the Procedural Manual were sufficient to take into consideration the economic implication of a new or revised Codex text in the Codex standards development process. The Committee also agreed that the issue could be revisited when more experience with comments related to economic implications of standards had been obtained based on voluntary contributions of members.

Malaysia proposes to drop this item from agenda of future ATFC meetings.

CCMAS

8.8 Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in International Food Trade (Explanatory Note) (CCMAS)

Thailand

The 32nd CCMAS in 2011 agreed to develop “the Proposed Draft Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in International Food Trade”. And an electronic working group (chaired by New Zealand, with the assistance of the Netherlands and the United States) was assigned to prepare a draft document for circulation at step 3 and consideration in the next session.

It was further agreed that the proposed principles would not provide detailed guidance to governments but would provide a framework for

The 34th CCMAS agree to advance the Draft Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in International Food Trade at step 8 for adoption by the 36th CAC, in addition for the explanatory note section, committee agree to return for redrafting by eWG chair by Germany and New Zealand. The 35th CCMAS agree to return the explanatory note to step 2/3 in to the Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in International Food Trade and attach to it practical examples for sampling plans as an annex section

The Meeting agreed to keep abreast on the discussions and development of the explanatory note.

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the development of guidance on the selection of an appropriate sampling and testing procedure.

During t h e recent 33rd CCMAS in March 2012, the meeting considered the draft document which consists of two main sections namely “principles” and “commentary”. It was decided to

forward the principle section to the 35th CAC for adoption at step 5 in July 2012. Meanwhile, it was agreed to return the commentary to step 2/3 and to develop examples at a later stage. It was consequently agreed to elaborate an electronic working group, to develop draft explanatory notes and consider what examples might be useful, for consideration at the next session.

The working group would be chaired by Germany with assistance of New Zealand (especially as regards the availability of a web-based work space), the United States, the Netherlands and Japan.

Issues Following the adoption, “The Proposed Draft Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in International Food Trade” will be internationally recognized recommendations for Codex members‟ government to select the proper sampling and testing procedure (based on scientific principles) to determine product compliance with particular specifications. This will allow consistent assessment and

Thailand request AMSs to pay high attention and actively participation in the development of the explanatory note.

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decision as well as prevention of disputes which lead to trade facilitation.

Whereas the principle section was already advanced to further step, the retained commentary section which received diverse points of view from the meeting is still continuously discussed and considered in Codex.

Recommendations Following the adoption, “the Principles for the Use of Sampling and Testing in International Food Trade” will be international guidance used to prevent potential disputes, between trading partner, both importer and exporter. Besides, this consistent approach can also ensure fair practices and facilitate worldwide food trade.

As one of the world‟s large food importer and exporter, ASEAN should pay high attention and closely involved in the elaboration of the document, both the principle and commentary section of the document. The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support the adoption by the 36th CAC at step 8.

CCNFSDU

8.9

Proposals for Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling Purposes (CCNFSDU)

Issue:

At the 28th CCNFSDU, an eWG coordinated by the Delegation of ROK was requested to revise the discussion paper on Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) for Labelling purposes by addressing the following issues: to set up principles for the establishment of NRVs, and the need to establish NRVs for different

The 36th Session of the CAC adopted the draft NRVs (for Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenate, Biotin, Calcium and Iodine) at Step 5/8, with the addition of the word “only” before “supporting information” and with the removal of the last part of the note at the bottom of the conversion factors so as to end

The Meeting agreed to keep abreast on the progress of the Proposals for Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling Purposes, and actively participate in the discussion at the 36th Session of the CCNFSDU.

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population groups, which would be sent for comments and subsequent consideration by the next session of CCNFSDU.

The 31st CAC approved new work on additional or revised vitamin and mineral NRVs for Labelling purposes.

The 33rd CAC adopted the General Principles for Establishing Nutrient Reference Values of Vitamins and Minerals for General Population at Step 5.

The 34th CAC adopted Annex to the Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling: General Principles for Establishing Nutrient Reference Values of Vitamins and Minerals for General Population at Step 8 (REP11/CAC, Appendix III)

The 34 th CCNFSDU agreed to advance to Step 5/8 the Proposed Draft Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) for Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenate, Biotin, Calcium and Iodine with the conversion factors for Folate and Niacin and related footnote

The other values were returned for further consideration in the working group, comments at Step 3 and consideration at the next session. (REP 13/NFSDU, para 103). The eWG has been established, chaired by Australia. Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have joined the eWG.

with “the application of NRVs at national level”. (REP 13/CAC, para 57, Appendix III) The 35th Session of CCNFSDU agreed to establish an eWG, chaired by Australia and working in English, with the following terms of reference: 1) Recommend revised or additional NRVs-

R for vitamin C, Zinc, Iron, Selenium, Manganese, Molybdenum, and Fluoride, in accordance with the revised definition of RASB and the General Principles for establishing NRVs for the General Population.

2) Recommend relevant supporting information for the vitamins and minerals in Terms of Reference 1.

3) As appropriate, recommend amendments to the General Principles arising from consideration of Terms of Reference 1.

The 35th Session of CCNFSDU also agreed to recommend the Commission that the current NRV-R for protein (50 g per day based on 0.83 g/kg bw/day) should be retained, and agreed to return the other NRVs for further consideration in the eWG as described above, circulation for comments at Step 3 and consideration at the next session. (REP 14/ NFSDU, para 32, 35 and 36) Indonesia invited AMSs to keep abreast the progress of the Proposals for Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling Purposes and actively participate

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The eWG has circulated the Proposed Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling Purposes for Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc, Iron, and relevant conversion factors, for the first round (of the two planned rounds).

The 13th ATFC Meeting supported the Proposal for “Additional or Revised Nutrient Reference Values for Labelling Purposes” for adoption by 36th CAC at step 5/8.

.

in the discussion at the 36th Session of the CCNFSDU.

8.10 Review Standard for Follow-Up Formula (CCNFSDU)

- Indonesia

At the 32nd CCNFSDU, Delegation of New Zealand proposed to prepare a discussion document for the Committee to consider the revision of part or the entire Standard for Follow-up Formula (CODEX STAN 156-1987). The Committee agreed with this proposal and will further discuss it at the next Session.

The 33rd CCNFSDU discussed the proposal from

New Zealand to revise the Standard for Follow-up Formula (CODEX STAN 156-1987). Delegation from New Zealand noted that the current standard was developed over 20 years ago and required updating to take into account technological developments and the diversification of follow- up formula in several countries. Due to the time constraint, the Committee agreed to consider the matter at its next session. At the 34

th CCNFSDU, the Committee a greed

The 36th Session of CAC approved the Proposal to Review the Codex Standard for Follow-up Formula as New Work. (REP13/CAC, Appendix VI) At the 35th Session of the CCNFSDU, New Zealand as the Chair of the eWG reported that the scope of work included five terms of reference, and that labelling and advertising as well as the necessity of follow-up formula were excluded from this scope. After discussion, the 35th Session of the CCNFSDU agreed to establish an eWG group, led by New Zealand and co-chaired by Indonesia and France, working in English and with the following Terms of Reference: 1) Continue to review the nutritional

requirements of the older infants and young children talking into Account recent scientific developments and global data;

The Meeting agreed to keep abreast on the progress of the eWG on the Review of Codex Standard for Follow up Formula and actively participate in the discussion at the 36th Session of the CCNFSDU.

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to propose new work to undertake a full review of the Codex Standard for Follow-Up Formula (CODEX STAN 156-1987). Subject to the approval of the Commission, the Committee further agreed to establish an eWG, chaired by New Zealand and co-chaired by France and Indonesia. Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand were participated in the eWG. New Zealand, France and Indonesia already identified key issues to include in the questionnaire based on the Terms of Reference and current follow-up formula standard and circulated the questionnaire. Currently, New Zealand, France and Indonesia is preparing draft discussion document based on the responses of the eWG.

The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support with the review of the Standard for Follow-up Formula to be approved as a new work by the 36th Session of CAC.

Malaysia and Thailand indicated that they will participate in the eWG and provide information on the role of follow-up formula in the diet in the countries.

2) Compare the requirements identified under the Terms of Reference (1) above with current compositional requirements of the existing infant formula and follow-up formula standards, taking into account dietary intakes and the role of the follow-up formula products as covered by the existing standard in the diet of the older infants and young children

3) Develop a discussion document outlining the findings of the eWG.

The 35th Session of the CCNFSDU also agreed to retain the Proposed Draft Review at Step 4 pending consideration of the discussion paper mentioned above. (REP 14/NFSDU, para 108, 109) Following the decision of the Committee, the eWG has been established. The eWG consists of 33 Codex member countries, 1 member organisation and 17 Codex Observers. Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam are participated in the eWG. The eWG has circulated the first Consultation Paper, and 23 responses were received from the member of eWG. Currently, the eWG is preparing the second circulation paper based on responses from first circulation. Indonesia invited AMSs to keep abreast the

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progress of the eWG on the Review of Codex Standard for Follow up Formula and actively participate in the discussion at the 36th Session of the CCNFSDU.

8.11 The General Principles for Establishing Nutrient Reference Values Associated with Risk Diet- Related Non- Communicable Diseases For General Populations (NRVs-NSD) (Malaysia)

The 33rd CAC, in 2010, had approved new work to develop general principles for establishing NRVs-NCDs for the general population in an Annex to the Guideline for Nutrition Labelling and to undertake an eWG to prepare the draft document to be tabled at the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU). The eWG was led by USA co-chaired by Thailand and Chile.

The CCFL had earlier identified sodium and saturated fatty acids (SFA) as the two nutrients to be declared in nutrition labelling and referred to CCNFSDU for consideration and establishment of NRV-NCD.

The 33rd CCNFSDU (2011) deliberated the proposed draft principles for establishing NRVs-NCD. A point for discussions was the text that addresses the strength of the scientific evidence of the relationship between a nutrient and risk of diet-related NCDs. In addition CCNFSDU proposed draft NRVs of 20 g for SFA and 2000 mg of sodium at Step 5/8 for adoption by

the 35th CAC (2012, REP 12/NFSDU, para 76), with Malaysia‟s reservation on the NRV for SFA. At the 35th

CAC, Malaysia did not support the adoption of the NRV-NCD at Step 5/8, in view that the draft

The 36th Session of the CAC adopted the Proposed Draft General Principles at Step 5/8 and the consolidated text as proposed by CCNFSDU with amendments made by CCFL, including consequential amendments (see CCFL section). The Delegation of Malaysia expressed their reservation on this decision. Malaysia proposes to drop this item from agenda of future ATFC meetings.

The Meeting agreed to Malaysia‟s proposal to drop this item from agenda of future ATFC meetings.

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general principles should be fully resolved before the adoption of these NRVs. The 35th CAC agreed to adopt the proposed draft NRVs for these two nutrients only at Step 5 (REP12/CAC, paras 30).

At the 34th CCNFSDU (2012), the eWG presented a revised document that focused on pending issues and in addition proposed to consolidate the Annexes on general principles for establishing NRVs for vitamins and minerals and NRVs- NCD.

During the discussion on the square brackets of Section 3.1 and in response to the questions raised on the methods for assessing the quality of evidence, the Representative of WHO explained that the categorisation and criteria for “convincing, probable, possible or insufficient” evidence were used for the 2002 Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation and the 2008 Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation. However, since the implementation of the new guideline development process in WHO in 2009, WHO has employed the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach to assess the quality of a body of evidence. GRADE categorizes the quality of evidence as “high, moderate, low or very low”. The Representatives of WHO and FAO informed the Committee that JEMNU will also use GRADE methods for its work.

At that session, several delegations were of the

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view that they needed time to study the proposal as the method of assessing the quality of evidence was only made known in the present session. Despite this, the CCFSDU agreed with the newly introduced proposal. Brazil and Malaysia expressed their reservation because there was no time for consideration and consultation with national stakeholders.

As for the square bracket in Section 3.1, CCNFSDU agreed to remove square brackets in the first bullet point in Section 3.1 with Brazil‟s view that the text should be retained in square brackets for further consideration. The Delegation of Malaysia did not agree with the second part of the text in para. 3.1 and proposed its deletion.

The Commitee then agreed to advance the Proposed Draft General Principles to Step 5/8 for

adoption by the 36th CAC. Malaysia expressed objection to the decision.

The proposed draft general principles for establishing NRVs-NCDs for the general population will be tabled to be adopted at Step 5/8 at the 36th CAC.

ISSUE

The General Principles had been discussed

beginning from the 31st CCNFSDU in 2009, and the strength of the scientific evidence required (i.e. convincing, probable, possible or insufficient) had remained

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unresolved until the

33rd CCNFSDU. However, at the 34th

CCNFSDU, a new concept of evidence was introduced (i.e. the GRADE system). Despite the

interventions by several delegations at this (34th

) session of the CCNFSDU that they needed more time to study the proposal, the Committee

decided to advance this text to the 36th CAC, for adoption at Step 5/8.

Thailand informed the Meeting that, as the Co- Chair of the eWG under CCNFSDU, Thailand supports the adoption of this document. However, Thailand will not oppose to the Malaysia‟s

proposal during the 36th CAC.

Indonesia will bring forward the information from Malaysia to be consulted to the related parties at the National level. The 13TH ATFC Meeting agreed to further the discussion to the informal ASIAN Meeting as well as The Informal Meeting of Interested Parties during the 36th CAC in Rome.

Malaysia informed that for those AMS who are not able to join the informal ASIAN Meeting as well as The Informal Meeting of Interested Parties during the 36th CAC in Rome to submit their position in writing to the Codex Secretariat in support of Malaysia‟s position not to adopt the draft at step 5/8.

8.12 Draft Nutrient The 33rd Session of the Codex Alimentarius The 36th Session of CAC adopted the NRVs The Meeting agreed to Malaysia‟s

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Reference Values (NRVS) (Malaysia)

Commission (CAC), in 2010, had approved to develop general principles for establishing NRVs-NCDs for the general population in an Annex to the Guideline for Nutrition Labelling as a new work and to undertake an eWG to prepare the draft document to be tabled at the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU). The eWG was led by USA co-chaired by Thailand and Chile.

The Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) had earlier identified sodium and saturated fatty acids (SFA) as the two nutrients to be declared in nutrition labelling and referred to CCNFSDU for consideration and establishment of NRV-NCD.

The 33rd CCNFSDU (2011) proposed draft NRVs of 20 g for SFA and 2000 mg of sodium at

Step 5/8 for adoption by the 35th CAC (2012, REP 12/NFSDU, para 76), with Malaysia‟s

reservation on the NRV for SFA,. At the 35th

CAC, Malaysia did not support the adoption of the NRV-NCD at Step 5/8 in view that the draft general principles should be fully resolved

before the adoption of these NRVs. The 35th

CAC agreed to adopt the proposed draft NRVs for these two nutrients only at Step 5 (REP12/CAC, paras 30-32), and returned the levels to the CCNFSDU for further consideration.

The 13 ATFC Meeting agreed to further the discussion to the informal ASIAN Meeting as well as The Informal Meeting of Interested Parties

at Step 8. The Delegations of the Philippines and Malaysia expressed their reservation on the NRV for saturated fatty acids. The Chairperson noted that the NRVs should be reviewed when new scientific evidence became available. Malaysia proposes to drop this item from agenda of future ATFC meetings.

proposal to drop this item from agenda of future ATFC meetings.

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during the 36th CAC in Rome.

Malaysia informed that for those AMS who are not able to join the informal ASIAN Meeting as well as The Informal Meeting of Interested

Parties during the 36th CAC in Rome to submit their position in writing to the Codex Secretariat in support of Malaysia‟s position not to adopt the draft at step 8.

CCPR

8.13 Revision of the Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the CCPR (CCPR)

Thailand

Issue: The 31st CAC approved the revision of the “Risk Analysis Principles” applied by the CCPR and the establishment of an eWG led by Argentina to carry out this revision as agreed to by the 40th CCPR. The current periodic re-evaluation procedure required complete toxicological and residue data to be submitted to JMPR to support retaining or revising of existing MRLs. If no, or inadequate, data is submitted, the related MRLs will be proposed for deletion. Some countries would like to delete all periodic re-evaluation procedure, however, CCPR, considering the importance of the procedure, agreed to retain this procedure and recommended reviewing of this procedure. The 42nd CCPR returned the Risk Analysis Principles Applied for redrafting by the eWG, led by Argentina. Singapore supported the current Codex practice of re-evaluation of CXLs by JMPR, due to the old

At the 46th Session of CCPR, the Committee agreed to forward the proposed Revision of the Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the CCPR to the 37th CAC for the adoption and inclusion for the procedure manual. Thailand request the AMSs to support the Revision of the Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the CCPR to be adopted by 37th CAC.

The meeting agreed to support the adoption of the proposed Revision of the Risk Analysis Principles Applied by the CCPR, at the 37th CAC.

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CXLs may not reflect current GAP and the old toxicological studies may not meet the current standards.

The 44th CCPR held during 23-24 April 2012, agreed to re-establish the eWG chaired by Argentina and Co-chaired by Costa Rica to continue the work especially on the periodic review procedure taking into account the

concept agreed by the 43rd CCPR and JMPR‟s clarification on toxicological and residue data requirement Thailand informed that JMPR will provide clarification on toxicological and residue data requirement and the eWG will work on this. Thailand viewed that Pesticide MRLs should not simply be deleted just because manufacturers do not support the data such as toxicological data. Other sources of data e.g national data to support the MRLs is required.

At the 13th ATFC meeting, Thailand notified the meeting on the result of the revision of the Risk Analysis Principles document used in CCPR and request AMS to support the work and actively

8.14 The Establishment of additional Codex MRLs for Beta- cyfluthrin in Cabbage

Issue: The 41st CCPR decided to return the draft MRLs for broccoli and cabbages head to Step 6 and to consider their withdrawal at its next Session if there is no data for an alternative GAP available by then. A Supervised Pesticide Residue Trial (SPRT) of beta- cyfluthrin for

The 36th Session of the CAC adopted Maximum residue limits for pesticide/commodity combinations, included MRLs for Beta-cyfluthrinin Cabbage at 0.08mg/kg. (REP 13/CAC, Appendix III)

The Meeting agreed to drop this item from future ATFC Meetings as the MRLS for Beta-cyfluthrinin in Cabbage had been adopted at the 36th CAC.

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(CCPR) (Indonesia)

cabbage is being done by Indonesia to come up with a proposed MRL.

As cabbage is one of the important export commodities from AMSs and highly consumed by the population in ASEAN, Indonesia requested cooperation from AMSs to prepare data on an alternative GAP of Beta-cyfluthrin for submission to JMPR. The 42nd CCPR agreed to return the draft MRL for cabbage head to Step 6 awaiting the evaluation of additional data to be submitted by Indonesia by the 2012 JMPR, and decided to withdraw the two draft MRLs for broccoli (ALINORM 10/33/24 para 54).

The 45th CCPR decided that MRLs for Beta-cyfluthrin in Cabbage is 0.08 mg/kg. (REP13/PR, Appendix III).

The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed with Indonesia proposal and support for adoption MRLs for Beta- cyfluthrin in Cabbage by the 36th Session of the CAC at step 5/8.

Indonesia proposes to drop this issue as agenda.

8.15 Guidance to facilitate the establishment of MRLs for pesticides for minor crops and specialty crops

(CCPR)

Background 1. The 44th CCPR considered a discussion paper prepared by an EWG chaired by United States and Co-chaired by Thailand and Kenya. The paper was on the proposed criteria for use by CCPR and JMPR to determine the minimum number of field trials necessary to support the establishment of MRLs for

At the 46th Session of CCPR, the Committee further agreed to that the eWG (led by France and co-chaired India Kenya and Thailand) would continue indentify issue and fine solution to facilitate the establishment of MRLs for minor crops base on establishment of codex schedule and priorities list of pesticides.

The Meeting supported the development of the guidance for establishment of MRLs for pesticides for minor crops and specialty crops, and agreed to actively participate in the EWG discussion.

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Thailand minor crops/specialty crops in order to facilitate data submission to JMPR.

2. The committee agreed to the criteria proposed by the EWG and agreed to use the criteria to classified minor crops into 3 categories as:

Categories 1– No worldwide diet in

FAOSTAT and GEMS/Food cluster diet data = 3 trials

Categories 2 – consumption <0.5% of

daily diet worldwide and <0.5% of daily diet in all of the cluster = 4 trials

Categories 3 – consumption <0.5%

of daily diet worldwide and >0.5% in one or more clusters = 5 trials

the committee generally agreed to the list of minor crops correlated to each of the 3 categories. However, there were some unresolved issues that needed further consideration eg. Crops that the consumption were in „borderline of 0.5%‟ or crops for processing (Oil crops, sugar cone, tea, coffee).

3. The committee agreed to re- establish the EWG chaired by France and Co-chaired by Thailand and Kenya to provide further consideration to unresolved issues related to the development of criteria for clarifying commodities according to consumption and to establish a list of commodities and number of residue trials for use by CCPR and JMPR.

The 13th ATFC Meeting requested AMSs to to participate in and support the work of the EWG

Thailand would like to request the AMSs to pay attention for Guidance to facilitate the establishment of MRLs for pesticides for minor crops and specialty crops prepared by the eWG. Thailand would also like to request AMS to submit the data on minor crops.

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by providing information and comments on the refining of the criteria and the list of commodities (minor crops).

Commodity Committee

CCFFP

8.16 Discussion paper on the procedure for the inclusion of additional species in standard for fish and fishery products

(CCFFP)

(Thailand and Indonesia)

Issue: Information on fish stocks should not be one of criteria for spices inclusion in Codex Standard.

The revised procedure for the inclusion of additional species covers the main aspects, including:

Fish species identification methods; sensory evaluation methods; data availability and validation by

recognized scientific bodies; contents of the evidentiary dossier; Codex procedural matters.

The 30th CCFFP agreed to return the Proposed Draft Revision to Step 3 for further comments and consideration at the next session (ALINORM 10/33/18 para 123 Appendix VIII).

Indonesia maintained the proposal that the molecular data is only conducted if any consciousness on the prior data in terms of morphological, anatomical characteristics and taxonomical position of the candidate species.

The 31st CCFFP agreed to return the Proposed

The 36th Session of CAC adopted the procedure for the inclusion of additional species in standard for fish and fishery products at Step 8. Thailand proposes to drop this item from agenda of the future ATFC.

The Meeting agreed to drop this item as the procedure for the inclusion of additional species in standard for fish and fishery products had been adopted at the 36th CAC.

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Draft Revision to Step 2/3 for redrafting by the eWG, led by Chile and France, for submission and consideration of the next session. (REP 11/FFP para 109).

The eWG has circulated the revised Proposed Draft Revision of the procedure for the inclusion of additional species in standard for fish and

fishery products for 1st round comments at step 2-3 of the Procedure.

The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support

Proposed Draft Revision for adoption by the 36th

CAC at step 5/8.

8.17 Proposed Draft Standard for Smoked Fish, Smoked- Flavoured Fish and Smoked- Dried Fish (CCFFP)

(Philippines)

The Philippines informed the Meeting that the 29th CCFFP (2008) had agreed to return the Proposed Draft Standard to Step 3 for comments and consideration by the 30th

Session (2009) and to establish a eWG led by The Netherlands. The 30th CCFFP confirmed that reference to “further processing” covered cooking of raw smoked fish prior to consumption and that “direct consumption” included ready-to- eat product.

The Committee agreed to advance the Proposed Draft Standard to Step 5 for adoption

by the 33rd CAC and the section on hygiene for endorsement by the CCFH.

Issue: The Philippines had sent comments supporting the

This standard was adopted by the CAC during its last meeting in 36th meeting in 2013. Only the section on food additives was returned to step 6 and also forwarded to the CCFA for endorsement. The CCFFP considered the comments of the CCFA during its discussion and the following conclusions were reached:

1. to refer only to tartaric acid [L+]; 2. to replace the provisions for dextrin

roasted starch (INS 1400) and polyoxyethylene (INS20), Sorbitanmonooleate (INS 433) by a reference to the Guidelines for the Use of Flavourings (CAC/GL 66-2008) and sodium erythrobate (INS 316) with sodium isoascorbate as recommended;

The meeting agreed to drop this particular standard from the agenda of the ATFC, due to its adoption by the 36th CAC but agreed to keep abreast of the development of the section on food additives, which was returned to Step 6.

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elaboration of the said draft standard and recommends some necessary editorial corrections in the text and as to the clarification on the rejection level for histamine as this varies in Sections 3.4, 6.6 and 10 (10 mg/100g and 20 mg/100g).

Malaysia informed the Meeting in the various standards for fish and fisheries products, the maximum level for histamine is 10mg/100g. The one proposed in the last CCFFP is consistent with the existing standards. Malaysia participated in the preparation of the standard and further supported the proposed draft standard.

Thailand supported the adoption of the draft standard at Step 5.

Philippine informed that the CCFFP has agreed to hold the Draft Standard at Step 7 and to return Section 4 Food Additives for Step 4.

The 11th ATFC requested the AMSs to participate actively in the eWG (food additive section of the standard on smoked fish, smoked-flavored fish and smoked- dried fish).

The Meeting requested AMS to follow the discussion on the CCFFP on 1-5 October 2012.

The 13 th ATFC Meeting agreed to support for adoption by the 36th CAC at step 8.

and 3. to request CCFA to remove Brilliant Blue

(INS 133) for use in smoked fish. The Philippines would like to encourage the AMSs to keep track on the progress of the section on food additives for this particular standard.

8.18 Proposed Draft The 11th ATF Meeting took note of information At the 33rd Session of CCFFP, the Committee The Meeting supported the

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Standard for Alive Abalone and for Raw Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone for Direct Consmption or for Processing

(CCFFP) –

Philippines

from Philippines on the work undertaken by South African on the development of the draft document.

Philippines recommended the revision on sect I-2.1 Product definition (only editorial revision); Sect I-8.1 Sampling, and Sec I-9.1 Foreign Matter.

The 11th Meeting of ATFC supports the adoption of the proposed Standard at Step 5. Philippines was requested to further discuss in the next CCFFP on the editorial issue.

The 34th Session of CAC adopted the draft Standard for Fresh/Live and Frozen Abalone at Step 5.

The 13 t h ATFC Meeting agreed to support for adoption by the 36th CAC at step 8.

agreed not to proceed with developing sampling plans for the moment and to request CCMAS to provide guidance on what CCFFP is expected to include or consider in sampling plans for quality parameters or for CCMAS to proposed sampling plans for consideration by the CCFFP.

recommendation from Philippines that AMS keep track on the progress and development of the sampling plans for Raw Fresh Chilled or Frozen Abalone at both CCMAS and CCFFP meetings.

8.19 Proposed Draft Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop (Pectinidae) Adductor Muscle Meat for adoption at Step 5/8)

Philippines informed the 11th ATFC Meeting on the work undertaken by Canada in spearheading the in-session elaboration of the draft Standard for Fresh and Quick Frozen Raw Scallop (Pectinidae) Adductor Muscle Meat.

The Philippines would like to recommend the revision of the text under Sec. 9.4 Parasite to the following revision:

The draft standard has been renamed to Draft Standard for Raw, Fresh and Quick Frozen Scallop Products and considerable amendments have been made to arrive at a consensus. The Committee agreed to advance the draft standard to the 37th CAC for adoption at step 8. However, the provisions on food additives and food labeling will be sent to the relevant committees for endorsement.

The Meeting agreed to support the adoption of the Draft Standard for Raw, Fresh and Quick Frozen Scallop Products at Step 8 at the 37th CAC.

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(CCFFP)

Philippines

„the presence of any visible parasite in the scallop meat is not permitted”

The 11th ATFC agreed to the proposal for adoption of the standard at Step 5, while the Philippines to submit its position at the next CCFFP meeting The 34th Session of CAC adopted the draft Standard for Quick Frozen Scallop Adductor Muscle Meat at Step 5. The 13th ATFC meeting agreed to retain and for Philippines to bring forward this issue to 14th ATFC.

8.20 Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Processing Fish Sauce (CCFFP) – Thailand and Viet Nam

The 34th CAC in 2011 decided to endorse a Standard for Fish Sauce prepared by Vietnam and Thailand with support from the AMS.

The 31st CCFFP agreed to the proposal of Vietnam and Thailand to develop a Code of Practice for Fish Sauce to provide additional guidance to support compliance with the standard. .

Vietnam and Thailand have already prepared a project document for proposal of new work for the development of Code of Practice for Fish Sauce.

The 11th ATFC Meeting agreed to support Thailand‟s proposal for approval of the new work on elaborating the Code of Practice for Processing Fish Sauce at the 32nd

CCFFP in October 2012 in Bali and at the 36th

The 36th Session of CAC approved new work for elaboration of a Code of Practice for Processing Fish Sauce as requested by the last session of the CCFFP. The WG was established and claimed by Vietnam and Thailand to draft the proposed draft of Code. The 33th CCFFP Committee agreed to forward the proposed Code of Practice for Processing Fish Sauce to the 37th CAC for the adoption at step 5.

Thailand and Vietnam requested the AMSs to support the Code of Practice for Processing Fish Sauce to be adopted by 37th CAC at step 5 and requested AMS to participate in the eWG.

The Meeting agreed to support the adoption of the Code of Practice for Processing Fish Sauce at Step 5 at the 37th CAC.

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CAC in 2013.

The 32nd CCFFP (Bali, Indonesia from 1-5 October 2012) agreed to submit the new project document to the 36th CAC for approval. Vietnam and Thailand had a face to face meeting in Ho Chi Minh City 22-26 April 2013 to prepare ad Draft Code of Practice for processing fish sauce and the processing figure. Vietnam and Thailand propose the AMCs to support the new work at the 36th CAC. The Proposed Draft Code of Practice will be circulated by the Codex Secretariat for comments at step 3 after approval by the 36th CAC.

The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support the adoption of new work for the elaboration of a Code of Practice for Processing of Fish Sauce at the 36th CAC and requested AMS to participate in the eWG.

8.21 Proposed Draft Performance Criteria for Reference and Confirmatory Methods for Marine Biotoxins in the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs (REP 11/FFP, Appendix IX)

The 30th CCFFP (2009) considered the methods for the determination of biotoxins in the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs and decided to develop performance criteria, however could not decide whether specific methods would be included in the standard. It was also agreed to establish an eWG on the Draft List of Methods for the Determination of Biotoxins for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs (led by Canada)” to address the issues related to the determination of biotoxins.

The 33th CCFFP agreed to forward the Proposed Draft Performance Criteria for Reference and Confirmatory Methods for Marine Biotoxins in the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs to the 37th CAC for the adoption at step 8. Thailand requested the AMSs support the Proposed Draft Performance Criteria for Reference and Confirmatory Methods for Marine Biotoxins in the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs to be adopted by 37th CAC at step 8.

The Meeting agreed to support the adoption of the Proposed Draft Performance Criteria for Reference and Confirmatory Methods for Marine Biotoxins in the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs at Step 8 at the 37th CAC.

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(CCFFP) – Thailand

At the 31st Session of the CCFFP (2011), “performance criteria/principles for methods for the determination of biotoxins for inclusion in the standard” was proposed by the eWG. As the working document had not been circulated for comments due to lack of time, and some delegations indicated that they needed to consult with their experts at the national level. The meeting, therefore, agreed to return the Proposed Draft Section I-8.6 in the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs to step 3 for comments and consideration by the next session.

The 12th ATFC Meeting requested AMS to pay high attention and closely involve in considering “the Proposed Draft Performance Criteria for Reference and Confirmatory Methods for Marine Biotoxins in the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Molluscs” and provide comment. Vietnam requested AMS to pay attention on the use of mouse bioassay (MBA) method because developing countries find easy in using this method. Vietnam proposes the AMSs to support the movement of this document.

Thailand invited member to support the adoption at Step 5 at the 36th CAC.

The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support the adoption by the 36th CAC at step 5 .

CCFFV 8.22 Designation of Issue: At the 14th ATFC, Philippines updated that The Meeting agreed to

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Numerical or Alphabetical System in Size Codes of Adopted Codex Standards

(CCFFV) (Philippines)

Philippines sought AMSs support to make a proposal to CCFFV on the use of numerical system arranged in descending order, and to reduce the number of size codes as much as possible.

The proposed layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables is a guidance document for use by the committee to ensure consistency in the application of those general provisions applying across Codex Standards for CCFFV.

The draft had been prepared by France. The final document was presented to Codex Secretariat for circulation to CCFFV members by 30 August 2009. Proposed Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

The 15th CCFFV, 19-23 October 2009 was not able to have detailed discussion on the individual sections of the Proposed Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

due to time constraint. The 15th CCFFV agreed to have general discussion on the approach to be taken on the development of this document to facilitate its consideration at later sessions.

(Glossary of Terms Used in the Proposed Layout for Codex Standards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables) The Committee noted that the development of the glossary was linked to the provisions applied in the proposed Layout. However, in view of the

The proposal for new work for the designation of numerical or alphabetical has not been prepared by the Philippines for consideration by the CCFFV. The Philippines recommended that this agenda item be dropped from the current agenda item of the ATFC and proposed that this be revisited once the proposal for new work at the CCFFV has been submitted for consideration.

Philippines‟ suggestion to drop this item from the ATFC agenda until after the proposal for new work has been submitted to CCFFV for consideration.

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discussion held on the approach, in particular as per the essential quality provisions that should be addressed in the Layout, the Committee agreed to suspend the development of the glossary pending further development and eventual finalization of the provisions in the Layout.

The 11th ATFC agreed to support the Philippines‟ proposal for CCFFV to study the current coding system for discussion in the 17th Session of CCFFV on September 3-7, 2012.

The 13th ATFC Meeting d id no t d iscuss th is i ssue but agreed to retain this issue and to be brought forward to the 14th ATFC due to the absence of Philippines

8.23 Proposed Draft Codex standard on Durian. (CCFFV) (Thailand)

Issue: The ASEAN Standard for Durian had been endorsed by the 28th AMAF Meeting (2006) and Durian was in the priority list of CCFFV since 2002. As there is significant trade in the international market, the endorsed ASEAN Standard for Durian should be forward to 31

st CAC as new

work and elaborated as worldwide standard.

The 31st CAC agreed with the proposal from Thailand to refer back the proposed standard to CCFFV for further consideration. The 17th CCFFV agreed to develop a worldwide standard for durian and to return the text for further elaboration, comments and consideration

The 18h CCFFV agreed to forward the proposed Codex standard on Durian to the 37th CAC for the adoption at step 5/8. Thailand requested the AMSs to support the Proposed Draft Codex standard on Durian to be adopted by 37th CAC at step 5/8.

The Meeting agreed to support the adoption of the proposed draft Codex standard on Durian at step 5/8 at the 37th CAC.

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(eWG chaired by Thailand)

At the 17th CCASIA considered the project document and agreed to include the missing information in points: (b), (d), (e) and (f) of Section 4. Data were also added on durian imports in Japan and Section 5 was amended to make reference to specific actions of the Strategic Plan of the CCASIA (2008-2013) and the Codex Strategic Plan 2008-2013. The Coordinating Committee then agreed to propose to the Commission new work on the development of a regional standard for durian. Subject to the approval of the Commission, an electronic working group, led by Thailand, would prepare aproposed draft for circulation for comments at Step 3 and consideration at the next session.

At the 11th ATFC, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Viet Nam supported the development of the Standard

The 34th CAC approved new work on a standard

for durian and requested the CCFFV to consider this task at its next session. However, if the CCFFV (September 2012) considered that the development of a worldwide standard for durian was not possible, work could be continued as a regional standard in the CCASIA (November 2012).

Thailand also informed the Commission that Thailand would prepare a proposed draft Standard for Durian for consideration by the 17th CCFFV in

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2012. (REP11/ASIA, para. 142, Appendix V) (REP11/CAC). The 12th ATFC Meeting agreed to Thailand‟s proposal to urge the 17th CCFFV to start the new work of elaboration of the Draft Codex Standard on Durian as a worldwide standard. During the 13th ATFC, Thailand requested AMSs to submit data before June 2014. Malaysia indicated that they will join the eWG. The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to request AMS to participate in eWG.

8.24 Draft Standard for Avocado

(CCFFV)

(Thailand)

The 15th Session of the Codex Committee on

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (CCFFV)

(Mexico,2009) and The 33th Session of the

Codex Alimentarius Commission (Geneva,2010)

adopted Draft Standard for Avocado at step 5.

The 15th Session of the Codex Committee on

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables (CCFFV) agreed

to forward the draft Standard for Avocado

(revision of CODEX STAN 197-1995) including

draft provisions for uniformity rules and other

size- related provisions (sections 5.1 – uniformity

and 6.2.4 – commercial identification) for adoption

at Step 8

After some discussion in PROVISIONS

CONCERNING QUALITY TOLERANCES, the Committee agreed to include tolerances for decay

for Class I and Class II. However, the Committee

could not reach agreement to include similar

tolerances for Extra Class. In this regard, it was

Thailand proposed to drop this item from agenda of the future ATFC.

The Meeting agreed to drop this from agenda as the Draft Standard for Avocado had been adopted at the 36th CAC.

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noted that Extra Class produce constituted a

small segment of the market, i.e. premium quality, and that the incorporation of decay tolerances in

this class would have economic implications for

the private sector. It was also noted that this was

a very special small market where trade operators

provided for special transportation (e.g. means,

speed, etc.) to deliver the produce at the destination point. It was further noted that if the lot

failed to comply with the 5% non- compliance

with the requirements for Extra class the lot

would not be rejected but downgraded to the

subsequent or relevant class. The delegation of the United States of America expressed its

reservation for the exclusion of decay tolerances

for Extra Class.

One delegation noted that quality tolerances for Extra Class specified that 5% by number of weight of produce may not comply with the requirements of the class but met those of Class I which allowed tolerances for decay consequently, some allowance for decay were already allowed in Extra Class. Another delegation noted that allowances for decay in the quality tolerances should be held in the framework of the discussion on general provisions for fresh fruits and vegetables in the proposed Codex layout.

Based on the above considerations and in the

spirit of compromise, the Committee agreed to

include tolerances for decay for Classes I and II

only. The Delegation of Colombia and Thailand

expressed their reservations to this decision.

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Issue: Thailand is of opinion that of all 33 standards adopted by CCFFV, only 2 standards on Apple and Avocado that allow decay present in quality class 1 and 2. In principal, Thailand does not agree with this inclusion. Nonetheless, if this decision is remained, it would affect the other FFV Standards, hence CCFFV may need to consider its standard format in the framework of all FFVs for consistency.

During the 13th ATFC, discussion was raised on the term „decay‟ and on this regard the Meeting agreed to seek further clarification from the CAC. Thailand was also requested to bring this matter forward to the ASIAN Meetings and the Informal Meeting of Interested Parties

during the 36th CAC for consideration. CCFO

8.25 Draft Amendment to the Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils: Inclusion of Rice Bran Oil

(CCFO) (Thailand)

Issue: At the 21st CCFO, the Committee considered the Draft Amendmentand agreed to make some amendments for several sections and advance the Draft Amendment to Step 8 for adoption by the 32nd CAC.

The Draft Amendment identifies the level of the other desmethylsterols as “ND” in which Thailand expressed her concerns and submit

comments on this matter to the 32nd CAC.

In order to avoid the delay of the advancing of the Draft Amendment to Step 8 for adoption

by the 32nd CAC.

The 36th CAC adopted the Draft Amendment to the Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils: Inclusion of Rice Bran Oil at Step 5/8. Thailand proposed to drop this item from agenda of the future ATFC.

The Meeting agreed to drop this from future ATFC meetings as the Draft Amendment to the Codex Standard for Named Vegetable Oils had been adopted at the 36th CAC.

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Thailand proposed that the level of other desmethylsterols would not be set at this stage with the understanding that further consideration could be given on setting this level, if required, in the light of additional scientific data submitted to the next CCFO meeting.

Recommendation: Thailand requested AMSs to support the proposal to adopt the standard without the level of other desmethylsterols for the time being with the understanding that further consideration could be given on setting this level, if required, in the light of additional scientific data submitted to the next CCFO meeting. Recommendation: Thailand requested AMSs to support the proposal to adopt the standard without the level of other desmethylsterols for the time being with the understanding that further consideration could be given on setting this level, if required, in the light of additional scientific data submitted to the next CCFO meeting. Indonesia informed that she does not have experience in identification in the trade of rice bran oil as such could not submit any data. However, Indonesia support Thailand‟s proposal. Malaysia, Singapore and Viet Nam also supported the above proposal.

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Thailand updated that the 32nd CAC adopted the Amendment to the Standard for Named Vegetable Oil: Inclusion of Rice Bran Oil at Step 8 and agreed that the CCFO should reconsider the level of other desmethylsterols if new data became available. (ALINORM 09/32/17, Appendix II and Para 34-36.

At the 22nd CCFO, Thailand presented further study of the composition of fatty acids in rice bran oil from a total of 30 rice bran oil samples. The results shown that C14:0 and C16:0 levels are found deviated from the composition shown in Table 1. Then the Committee agreed to forward this proposal to the 34th Session of CAC to approve as new work on an amendment to the desmethylsterols levels and fatty acid composition of rice bran oil in the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils.

The 12th ATFC Meeting requested AMS to share data on desmethylsterols level and Fatty acid composition of rice bran oil to Thailand by July 2012 for further development of revised Table 1 of the Standard for Named Vegetable Oils; Rice Bran Oil for the forthcoming 23rd CCFO meeting.

The 13 th ATFC Meeting agreed to support the adoption by the 36th CAC at step 5/8.

8.26 Amendments to List of Acceptable

BACKGROUND The Draft and Proposed Draft List of Acceptable

On September 20, 2013 the chair circulated an invitation via the Codex

The Meeting agreed to actively participate in both the electronic

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Previous Cargoes and Consideration on How to Review the Lists of Acceptable Previous Cargoes in Response to the Request from the Commission (CCFO) –

Malaysia

Previous Cargoes were finally adopted at step 8 and 5/8 respectively, at the 34th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) in 2011 after 20 years of discussion. This adopted List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes is inserted in Appendix 2 of the Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Edible Oils and Fats in Bulk. At that session the Commission had directed the CCFO to review the lists against the four criteria adopted at the present session as a matter of priority to identify the most critical substances for review by JECFA, taking into account the limitations of JECFA resources and the availability of data.

Based on the directives of the 34th CAC, the 23rd CCFO discussed on how to proceed with the review of the lists and decided as follows:

a. To have a standing agenda item in

every session of the CCFO to consider the review of the Acceptable List.

b. To establish an eWG chaired by Malaysia, with specific TOR as prescribed in the REP13/FO

c. To convene a physical Working Group to consider the report of the eWG and additional comments/proposals received and prepare a report with recommendations to the CCFO. This physical WG will meet immediately prior to CCFO Sessions, to be chaired by Malaysia.

Secretariat requesting member governments and observers to submit contact particulars if they were interested in participating in the electronic working group (eWG). The deadline for submission of participants‟ names was October 18, 2013. On January 24, 2014 the instructions, two (2) flowcharts and two (2) matrixs for substances currently on the List and new substance to be proposed to be added to the List were circulated. Participants are invited to fill up the matrix guided by the instructions and flowcharts given.

The deadline for submission of input and comment was March 24, 2014. As a next step, using the comments that were submitted, Malaysia is currently analyzing the comments and is preparing the draft report for the second circulation to the member of eWG. Malaysia urged AMS to actively participate in both the electronic and physical WG to review the list against the criteria.

and physical WG to review the list against the criteria.

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As for the review of the substances in the Acceptable List, CCFO agreed on the following:

a. To forward to the eWG, to

evaluate, Calcium Lignosulphonate Liquid, Carnauba Wax, Montan Wax, Silicon Dioxide and Mineral oil.

b. To request for information on substances (e.g. Candelilla wax, bees wax white /yellow, etc.) that appear not to be transported as previous cargoes.

c. To restrict the term “molasses” to those obtained

from citrus, sorghum, sugar beet and sugar cane only and to delete the additional condition for potable water "only acceptable where the immediate previous cargoes also on the list" to be forwarded to 36th CAC for approval.

d. To request the Commission to reiterate its directive to the Committee to review the Codex List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes against the Criteria and to direct the Committee to carry out the review

on a continuous basis with the view to facilitate the review process of the List.

ISSUES In responding to the directives of the 34th CAC (2011), the 23rd CCFO agreed to have a standing agenda item in every session of the CCFO to consider the review of the Codex List

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of Acceptable Previous Cargoes. Prior to every session an eWG (with Terms of Reference as agreed by the 23rd CCFO) and physical WG will be convened to review available data of each substance on the ability to be adequately cleaned between cargoes as required by criterion 1 and to compile available information for each substance against criteria 2, 3 and 4. Report of the physical WG will be tabled at the CCFO. Both the electronic and physical WG will be chaired by Malaysia. This is to ensure that the list are current or constantly updated, serves as a reference for Member countries and would not hinder international trade.

Additionally, the 23rd CCFO, agreed to forward

to the 36th CAC for approval on the proposal to amend the acceptable list, to restrict entry "Molasses" (CAS No57-50-1) to molasses obtained from citrus, sorghum, sugar beet, and sugar cane ; and to delete the additional condition "only acceptable where the immediate previous cargo is also on the list" with regard to potable water.

At the 13th ATFC, Malaysia requested AMS to support the proposed amendments to the acceptable list and establishment of the WG. With regard to the latter, Malaysia would like to urge AMS to actively participate in both the electronic and physical WG to review the list against the criteria.

The 13th ATFC Meeting supported and agreed with the proposal.

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8.27 Code Of Practice For Storage And Transport Of Edible Fats And Oils In Bulk : Draft And Proposed Draft List Of Acceptable Previous Cargoes

( CCFO)

The 23rd CAC (1999) had adopted the Recommended “International Code of Practice for the Storage and Transport of Edible Fats and Oils in Bulk” and agreed on the development of a Codex List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes and a Codex List of Banned Immediate Previous Cargoes to be incorporated as Appendixes 2 and 3 of the Recommended International Code of Practice respectively.

The Draft List of Banned Immediate Previous Cargoes was adopted at Step 5/8 by

the 24th Session of CAC in 2001. However, the issue regarding the development of the Acceptable List is still not finalized.

The term “Acceptable List” consists of a list of substances which are acceptable as previous cargoes in tanks into which the subject cargo is to be loaded as they are considered an unlikely contamination risk.

The Acceptable List is still under development with two outstanding matters:

- Draft List1 of Acceptable Previous Cargoes

- Proposed Draft List 2 of Acceptable Previous Cargoes.

The discussions of both lists are long standing issues since 1999. The 22nd CCFO (2011) agreed to advance the Draft List for adoption

The 36th CAC agreed to the request the CCFO to review the List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes against the Criteria and to carry out the review on a continuous basis with the view to facilitate the review process of the List. On September 20, 2013 the chair circulated an invitation via the Codex Secretariat requesting member governments and observers to submit contact particulars if they were interested in participating in the electronic working group (eWG). The deadline for submission of participants‟ names was October 18, 2013. On January 24, 2014 the instructions, two (2) flowcharts and two (2) matrixs for substances currently on the List and new substance to be proposed to be added to the List were circulated. Participants are invited to fill up the matrix guided by the instructions and flowcharts given.

The deadline for submission of input and comment was March 24, 2014. As a next step, using the comments that were submitted, Malaysia is currently analyzing the comments and is preparing the draft report for the second circulation to the member of eWG. Malaysia proposed to drop this item

The Meeting agreed to drop this item from meeting agenda in view that the item has been discussed in agenda item 8.26.

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at Step 8, and the Proposed Draft List at Step 5/8 with the exclusion of four (4) substances, namely: 2,3 butanediol (2,3-butylene glycol), cyclohexanol, cyclohexanone and vegetable oil-epoxidised. USA and Japan expressed their reservation on this decision.

Malaysia supported the advancement of both lists together with many member countries including the European Union (with the exclusion

of the four substances 3 mentioned above) and The Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Associations (FOSFA) supported the decision of the Committee.

ISSUES The development of both of these Lists is necessary to facilitate international trade of fats and oils as they are currently being practiced by international trade. Furthermore, these Lists would exclude the possibility for dedicated transport for fats and oils.

It is important to support the advancement of both the Draft List and Proposed Draft Lists ofAcceptable Previous Cargoes to Step 8 and Step 5/8 respectively, for the following reasons:

- the lists are necessary for developing countries who are unable to carry out the required risk assessment or do not have the technical competence and resources for such evaluation at the national level and therefore, have to rely on Codex for

from agenda of future ATFC meetings in view that the item has been discussed in agenda item 8.26.

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guidance; - a national trade list is limited to

national participation compared to a Codex list which involves international participation by member countries. Hence, the absence of international harmonization could result in barriers to trade.

The 11th ATFC noted that in the 22

nd

CCFO (2011) agreed to advance the Draft List for adoption at Step 8, and the Proposed Draft List at Step 5/8.

The 34th Session of CAC (4-9 July 2011) adopted the Draft List at Step 8 and the Proposed Draft List at Step 5/8 and directed the CCFO to review the lists against the criteria adopted at the present session as a matter of priority, to identify the most critical substances for review by JECFA, taking into account the limitations of JECFA resources and the availability of data.

The 23rd CCFO (25 February-1 March 2013) agreed to the following:

(a) To have a standing agenda item in every session of the CCFO to consider the review of the list.

(b) To establish an electronic working group chaired by Malaysia, working between sessions, with a specific TOR to deliberate on this issue.

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(c) To convene a physical working group chaired by Malaysia immediately prior to CCFO sessions (d) To retain the four (4) substances namely Calcium Lignosulphonate Liquid, Carnauba Wax, Montan Wax and Silicon Dioxide in the list.

(e) To forward to the 36th CAC for approval, the proposals:

v. to restrict entry "Molasses" (CAS No 57-50-

1) to molasses obtained from citrus, sorghum, sugar beet, and sugar cane.

vi. to delete the additional condition "only

acceptable where the immediate previous cargo is also on the list", with regard to potable water.

(f) To forward the following items to the eWG:

i. Calcium Lignosulphonate Liquid, Carnauba Wax, Montan Wax, Silicon Dioxide and Mineral oils.

ii. To request for information on substances (e.g. candelilla wax, bees wax white /yellow, etc.) that appear not to be transported as previous cargoes.

(g) To request the Commission to reiterate its directive to the Committee to review the Codex List of Acceptable Previous Cargoes against the Criteria and to direct the Committee to carry out

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the review on a continuous basis with the view to facilitate the review process of the List.

The 13th ATFC agreed to support proposals forwarded by the 23rd CCFO, for approval by the 36th CAC.

1

Draft List consists of substances in the EU, NIOP and FOSFA Lists 2

Proposed Draft List consists of combination substances either in FOSFA or NIOP list with addition of substances proposed by the CCFO ( proposed by Malaysia e.g. fructose, fatty acid methyl esters include methyl laurate (methyl dodecanoate), methyl oleate (methyl octadecenoate) , methyl palmitate (methyl hexadecanoate) , methyl stearate ( methyl octadecanoate))

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Agenda

Subject

Issue and Proposal

Discussion at 13th ATFC

Decision of the 13th ATFC

CAC, Executive Committee, CCASIA, Task Force

8.28 Proposed Draft Standard for Tempe

(CCASIA)

(Indonesia)

Issue: Indonesia‟s proposal to develop a

Codex Standard for Tempe

Recommendation Indonesia requested AMSs to support the proposal on the development of a draft Codex standard for tempe.

Indonesia had introduced a proposal for new work on the development of a standard for tempe and tempe products at the 16th CCASIA. It was agreed for Indonesia to prepare a comprehensive discussion paper for consideration at the next 17th CCASIA to justify the need for new work.

The 17th CCASIA agreed on the new work on the development of a regional standard for tempe (see Appendix IV).

The 34th CAC approved a new work of regional Standard for Tempe (REP11/CAC).

The 18th CCASIA agreed to forward the proposed draft Regional Standard for Tempe

to the 36 th CAC for adoption at Step 5/8, with the recommendation to omit Steps 6 and 7 (Appendix II) and to forward the relevant sections to CCFA, CCMAS and CCFL for endorsement (REP13/ASIA para 117)

The 34th CCMAS agreed to ask CCASIA to

The 36th Session of the CAC adopted Proposed Draft Standard for Tempe at Step 5/8 (with omission of 6 and 7) (REP13/CAC Appendix III)

Indonesia proposes to drop this issue as agenda

The Meeting agreed to drop this item from future ATFC meetings as the Proposed Draft Standard for Tempe had been adopted at the 36th CAC.

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review: - the use of factor 5.71 (para. 30) for the

determination of protein content; and - to encourage CCASIA to consider

replacing the method of analysis for lipid content in the Standard for tempe with ISO 1211|IDF 1:2010 and to clarify whether the provision should be “lipid content” or “fat content” (para. 31)

Related to this, Indonesia informed that: - Based on the FAO‟s publication (FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 77) and Food Scientist Journal, factor 6.25 for the determination of protein content is for general purposes. In fact, not all nitrogen in foods is found in proteins, it is also contained in variable quantities of other compounds, such as free amino acids, nucleotides, creatine and choline, where it is referred to as non-protein nitrogen (NPN). Only a small part of NPN is available for the synthesis of (non-essential) amino acids. In other sides, the nitrogen content of specific amino acids (as a percentage of weight) varies according to the molecular weight of the amino acid and the number of nitrogen atoms it contains (from one to four, depending on the amino acid in question). Based on these facts, and the different amino acid compositions of various proteins, the nitrogen content of proteins actually varies from about 13 to 19 percent. This would equate to nitrogen conversion factors ranging from 5.26 (1/0.19) to 7.69 (1/0.13). In response to these considerations, Jones (1941) suggested that N x 6.25 be abandoned and replaced by N x a factor specific for the food. These specific factors, now referred to as “Jones factors”, have been widely adopted. Jones factors for the most commonly eaten foods range from

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5.18 (nuts, seeds) to 6.38 (milk). Specific (Jones) factors for the conversion of nitrogen content to protein content for soybean is 5.71.

Related to this, Indonesia proposed to still use factor 5.71 for the determination of protein content for tempe. Indonesia agreed to replace method of analysis for lipid content in the Standard for tempe with ISO 1211|IDF 1:2010. Related to use term for “lipid content” or “fat content”, we noted that Lipids are the generic names assigned to a group of fat soluble compounds found in the tissues of plants and animals, and are broadly classified as: a) fats, b) phospholipids, c) sphingomyelins, d) waxes, and e) sterols.

Fats are the fatty acid esters of glycerol and are the primary energy depots of animals.

Based on these facts, scope of lipid is more widely than fat, so Indonesia proposes to use term “lipid content” on tempe.

The 45th CCFA endorsed food additive provisions in Proposed draft Regional Standard for Tempe as proposed by CCASIA. The 45th CCFA also endorsed processing aid provisions as proposed by CCASIA and recommended inclusion of a reference to the Guidelines on Substances Used as Processing Aids (CAC/GL 75-2010). (REP13/FA, para 36-37).

The 41st CCFL endorsed the labeling provisions in Proposed draft Regional

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Standard for Tempe. (REP13/FL, para 7). The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support the proposed draft Regional Standard for Tempe for adoption by the 36th CAC at step 5/8.

8.29 Proposed Draft Standard for Non Fermented Soybean Products (CCASIA) (Indonesia)

Issue: At the 15th CCASIA, the Committee recognized that it was not possible to review the standard at the present session and agreed to establish an eWG chaired by China and Thailand with the mandate of redrafting the standard on the basis of the below classification. 1. Soybean milk / beverages 2. Soybean curd

2.1 Soft soybean curd 2.2 Freeze dried curd

3. Compressed soybean curd/ Tofu Gan 4. Soybean film

Since it will be difficult to create a standard with such broad scope, Indonesia recommended to make a series of standard for every product that are included in this proposed standard.

The 17th CCASIA agreed to return the proposed draft Standard to Step 2 for redrafting by eWG.

The eWG on the proposed draft Standard for non-fermented soybean products is chaired by China. Japan, Thailand and Indonesia have joined the eWG.

China will report the proposed draft regional standard to Codex Secretariat to be circulated for comments at Step 3 and

The 36th Session of the CAC adopted the proposed draft Regional Standard for Non Fermented Soybean Products at Step 5, with the recommendation that the CCASIA should review the standard in the light of the advice from the CCFL. (REP13/CAC, para 95, Appendix III) Following the decision of the Commission, the eWG on Draft Standard for Non-Fermented Soybean Products has been established, led by China. The eWG consist of 19 members and observers. Indonesia and Malaysia are participated in the eWG. The eWG worked only on (i) the classification of “compressed soybean curd”; and (ii) the food additive provisions for “composite/ flavoured soybean milk”.

Indonesia invites AMSs to keep abreast the progress of Draft Standard for Non Fermented Soybean Products and actively participate in the discussion at the 19th

Session of the CCASIA.

The Meeting agreed to keep abreast on the progress of Draft Standard for Non Fermented Soybean Products particularly on (i) the classification of “compressed soybean curd”; and (ii) the food additive provisions for “composite/ flavoured soybean milk”. Indonesia shared that during the eWG, IDF had proposed to place the word “milk” in square brackets in the draft standard. The meeting agreed to support the use of the term “soybean milk” as this term is widely used in the ASEAN region, and that the standard is intended to be a Regional Standard for Asia. The Meeting also agreed that AMS to participate actively in the discussion at the 19th Session of the CCASIA.

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for further consideration at the 18th Session of CCASIA.

The 18th Session of the CCASIA agreed to forward the proposed draft regional Standard for Non Fermented Soybean Products to the Commission for adoption at Step 5 (Appendix III) and to forward the relevant sections to Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) and CCFL for endorsement. (REP18/ASIA, para 109)

The 34th CCMAS agreed that for moisture content, the equivalent AACCI method was inserted in addition to the AOAC method. For protein content, alternative methods were inserted in view of the decision taken for protein content determination in tempe (REP13MAS, para 33)

The 41st CCFL did not endorse the labelling provisions provisions in the proposed Draft Standard for Non Fermented Soybean Products, and proposed revising section 8.2 and deleting section 8.3. Concerning section 8.4 the Committee noted that section 2.2 of the proposed draft standard needed further consideration in the CCASIA taking into account the relevant provisions in GSUDT and relevant discussions in other Codex committees such as CCFA and CCMMP. (REP13MAS, para 26).

Indonesia proposed to keep abreast the progress of the Proposed Draft Standard for Non Fermented Soybean Products and actively participate in the discussion at the

19th CCASIA.

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Thailand informed the Meeting that at the

18th CCASIA there were concerns on the use of term soybean milk including soybean milk with sugar added and request AMS to follow the discussion in the eWG and CCASIA.

The 13th ATFC Meeting agreed to support the proposed draft for adoption by the 36th CAC at step 5 and requested AMS to actively participate in the discussion in the next CCASIA.

AGENDA ITEM 9: NEW PROPOSALS FOR JOINT ASEAN POSITION ON CODEX ISSUES RELATED TO TRADE IN

COMMODITIES AND AGRICULTURE

51. The Meeting discussed and decided on 9 new proposals for Joint ASEAN position on Codex issues related to trade in

commodities and agriculture. The compiled decisions appear as follows. All related discussion papers appear as ANNEX 16.

Agenda Item

Subject Issue and Proposal Discussion in ATFC 14/ action line

Referred documents (under Annex 16)

General Subject Committee

9.1 Proposed Draft amendments to the Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods: organic aquaculture –

Background

1. The 40th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Labelling agreed to establish an electronic working group (eWG), chaired by the European Union, open to all Members and Observers and working in English only, with the following terms of reference: “to revise the Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods (GL 32-1999) to include aquaculture animals and seaweed.”

2. The outcome of the eWG on the inclusion of aquaculture animals and seaweed is circulated for comments at Step 3 to all Codex Member and Observers.

3. The Step 3 comment paper was considered by a physical working group, working in

Indonesia kept interest on the proposal and will actively participate in the WG discussion.

Thailand informed the meeting that the proposed ASEAN Standard for Organic Agriculture developed by the Special Task Force on ASEAN

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Thailand English, French and Spanish. This took place immediately before the 41st session of the CCFL, chaired by the EU.

4. The 41st session of the CCFL considered the report of the physical working group including the draft revision of the Guidelines for the Production, Processing, Labelling and Marketing of Organically Produced Foods (GL 32-1999) to include Aquaculture and seaweed. Issue

1. Thailand has joined the e-WG and also attended the physical working group. In these working groups, we share some comments and information for drafting this document especially “Annex 2, Table 1B the list of agricultural inputs used for fertilizers and conditioners of aquaculture pond”.

2. Since there are some items that required further discussion or required more information in particular the nutrition and the lists of substances in Annex 2, the 41st session of the CCFL agreed to return the text to step 3 for circulation to all members and observers and discuss at the 42nd Session at Step 4. Recommendation

1. Thailand would like to request all ASEAN member countries to support the inclusion of the list of agricultural inputs used for fertilizers and conditioners of aquaculture pond proposed by Thailand.

2. Thailand would like to encourage all ASEAN member countries to share the comments or information for supporting the revision of this document.

Standard for Organic Agriculture (TF-ASOA) will be endorsed by the Special SOM 35th AMAF. The Meeting noted the proposed draft highlighted by Thailand and agreed to participate in the eWG so as to keep abreast of the development at CCFL.

9.2 Proposed Amendment To The Terms Of Reference Of The Committee (CCGP) – Codex / OIE Collaboration - Philippines

Background

Dr. Vallat, Director General of the World Health Organization (OIE) presented the report of

the Physical Working Group that met prior to the 28CCGP. The PWG was able to come up

with the revised Proposed Draft Guidance Document for Codex/OIE Cooperation. The

recommended measures to promote collaboration between two (2) organizations are

provided for by three (3) themes.

Regarding the relationship of Codex with other international organizations, the Committee

was reminded by the WHO representative that Codex operates under FAO and WHO rules

The Meeting noted the significance of collaboration between OIE and CAC and encouraged AMS to keep abreast on the discussion on this item. In supporting Philippines proposal, the Meeting

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and that the management of the relations of CAC with other organizations is primarily the

prerogative of the FAO and WHO Directors-General.

With this guidance, the Committee considered the proposed draft guidance document

section by section and made the necessary revisions. To highlight, the notable changes are

as follows:

i. Recommended format for cross referencing of Codex documents and OIE

documents;

ii. Continuation of information exchanges between Codex and OIE;

iii. Listing of areas of mutual interest on the respective websites of the organizations;

iv. Strengthened collaboration at the national and regional level by promoting dialogue

between their Codex Contact Point and OIE focal points; and

v. Share information, coordinate and align national positions on issues of mutual

interest.

The Committee further noted that the above guidance is not intended for use in, or

incorporation into any legally binding agreements.

The Chairperson concluded the discussion noting that the Committee was able to agree on

guidance for strengthening cooperation between Codex and OIE.

Recommendation

The ASEAN Member States (AMSs) might want to take note of the discussions considering

that both CAC and OIE will now endeavour to promote collaboration between the two

organisations.

requested Philippines to provide updates at the next ATFC Meeting.

9.3 Role of the Chair and the Vice-Chairs of the Codex Alimentarius Commission for the Purpose of Rule V.1 of the Rules of Procedure (CCGP) - Philippines

Background

The Representative of the Legal Counsel of the WHO presented the conference room

document that discussed the role of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Commission and its

correlation to the term „delegate‟ when they attend CCEXEC meetings. It can be recalled

that Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons during the conduct of meetings act as presiding

officers and do not in any way represent their countries during the proceedings. However,

this does not prevent the Chairs and Vice-Chairs to maintain a relation with their respective

delegations. According to the WHO Legal Counsel, the issue is still unsettled and has to be

The Meeting noted on the proposal and agreed to actively participate in the discussions at the 37th CAC.

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considered by the Committee.

Essentially, two (2) major issues were presented during plenary that are (a) role and

responsibility of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons as compared to role and

responsibility of other members of the Executive Committee; and (b) issue of the

representatives of the Executive Committee.

Rule V.1 of the Codex Procedural Manual provides the rule that „not more than one delegate

from any one country shall be a member of the Executive Committee‟ and that there is a

need to apply this rule in view of the growing membership of the Commission. It was

discussed during the meeting that one of the interpretation of Rule V.1 will exclude the

Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson from the restriction of overlapping country representation

or membership, and that this rule should apply equally to other members of the Executive

Committee.

Due to the fact that the document was only made available during the session, most

delegations are of the position that comments cannot be made on the matter. Attention was

also drawn to the relevant section of the Codex Procedural Manual (Section: Preparation

and Distribution of Papers) regarding the timely availability of working documents prior to a

Codex session.

The Chair concluded the item by noting that the above discussions will be considered under

Matters Referred of the 37th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and any other

action of the CCGP on the matter will emanate from the Commission.

Recommendation

The ASEAN Member States (AMSs) might want to take note of the discussions on this

particular issue and to participate in the discussions of the 37th Session of the CAC where

this agenda item will be discussed in plenary

9.4 Discussion Paper on Performance Criteria for Suitability Assessment of

Background During the 43rd session of the CCPR, the revocation of CODEX STAN 229-1993 was proposed. The said standard included old methods employing the use of some hazardous and banned solvents for clean-up and semi-quantitative methods that are no longer used in many residue-monitoring laboratories. Based on the above considerations, the Delegation

The Meeting agreed that AMSs participate actively in the eWG discussion and provide the inputs on the draft Guidelines on

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Methods of Analysis for Pesticide Residues (CCPR) - Philippines

of Australia proposed to develop criteria instead of preparing a list of methods of analysis for pesticide residues. The committee agreed to establish an electronic working group chaired by Australia and co-chaired by China to prepare a discussion paper on the development of performance criteria for suitability assessment of methods of analysis with consideration given to the working document CX/RVDF 12/20/10 (Appendix to CAC/GL 71-2009-Guidelines for the Design and Implementation of National regulatory Food Safety Assurance Programme Associated with the Use of Veterinary Drugs in Food Producing Animals) and associated Codex and other relevant documents to meet CCPR method needs. In the 44th session of the CCPR, the US delegation, chair of the in-session WG on Methods of Analysis, informed the committee that the in-session WG had considered the information and recommendation to revoke CODEX STAN 229-1993 and agreed to recommend the committee to consider a proposal for new work on criteria specific for methods for the determination of pesticide residues. The committee further agreed that the task would be carried out by an EWG chaired by the USA and co-chaired by China and India. In the 45th session of the CCPR, the project document was presented with the aim to facilitate fair trade practices and ensure the safe use of foods. As no Codex Guidelines for method performance criteria exists at present for regulatory and trade purposes, the development of such criteria is beneficial for the member countries to facilitate international trade in food commodities. The discussion paper on the “Proposed Draft Guidelines on Performance Criteria Specific for Methods of Analysis for Determination of Pesticide Residues in Food” was developed and circulated prior to the 46th session of the committee. Recommendation The Philippines would like to seek the support of the AMSs for the development of a guidance document on the “ Proposed Draft Guidelines on Performance Criteria Specific for Methods of Analysis for Determination of Pesticide Residues in Food-Summary of Performance Parameters to be Characterized and Defined for Analytical Methods; On the use of correlation coefficient, the Philippines would like to seek further support on its

Performance Criteria Specific for Methods of Analysis for Determination of Pesticide Residues in Food. In response to request from AMS on capacity building needs on methods of analysis for detection of pesticide residues, Singapore informed the meeting that, under its capacity as the ASEAN Reference Laboratory on Pesticide Residue, the Pesticide Residues Lab of AVA will be sending a survey form to AMSs for identifying the areas of need for capacity building of AMSs through ASEAN Secretariat. The Meeting welcomed the offer from Singapore and encouraged each AMS to respond to the survey so that capacity building on methods of analysis for pesticide residues of concern to AMS may be planned and carried out more effectively.

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use together with an additional parameter like “relative standard deviation of residuals “may be used as an indication of goodness of fit. A value for the relative standard deviation of residuals could be set together with the value of correlation coefficient and could be used as method development criteria on linearity.

9.5 Proposed Draft Risk Management Recommendations for Chloramphenicol, Malachite Green, Carbadox, Furazolidone, Nitrofural, Chlorpromazine, Stilbenes and Olaquindox (CCRVDF) - Philippines

Background

During the 21st Session of the Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

held on 26-30 August 2013 in the United States of America, the Committee discussed the

Proposed Draft Risk Management Recommendations for above-mentioned veterinary drugs.

It was recalled that the decision to endorse work on these were based on the project document which was forwarded to the 35th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission by the 20th Session of the CCRVDF. Approval for new work was sought specifically on the development of risk management recommendations (RMRs) for veterinary drugs for which no ADI and/or MRL has been recommended by JECFA due to specific human health concerns. The Committee agreed to forward the proposed draft RMRs for chloramphenicol, malachite green, carbadox, furazolidone, nitrofural, chlorpromazine, stilbenes and olaquindox to the 37th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission for adoption at Step 5/8 (Appendix IV) and to hold the proposed draft RMRs for dimetridazole, ipronidazole, metronidazole and ronidazole at Step 4 for consideration at the 22nd CCRVDF.

Recommendation

The Philippines would like to seek the support of the AMSs in advancing the proposed draft

risk management recommendations for the above-mentioned veterinary drugs at Step 5/8 of

the Codex Procedures during the 37th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The

following are the justifications:

1. These are banned drugs in some AMSs and thus should not be used in food producing

animals as the reasons for banning these drugs are reinforced by human health

concern. It is basically based on genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and other significant

health risks that the drug may cause to humans.

2. That genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and other significant health risks cannot be

compromised. Some AMSs with the regulations in place for this banned drugs do not

support the use of alternative approaches like long withdrawal period and margin of

Indonesia and Malaysia required national consultation prior to the 37th CAC Meeting on this issue.

Singapore, Philippines and Thailand supported the proposal to advancing the proposed draft at Step 5/8 at the 37th CAC.

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exposure.

9.6 Discussion Paper to Review Mycotoxins in Spices (CCCF) -Indonesia

Background

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) or fragrant nutmeg is an important commodity widely used

in Food Industry and medicine and one of the oldest traded commodity in the world. Nutmeg

is used in oleo-chemical industry, natural food flavoring in breads, syrups, beverages, and

candy. It is used extensively in the form of whole, crushed, powdered and essential oils for

the food industry, medicine, and cosmetics.

Nutmeg is native to the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia, but it is also grown in Penang Island

of Malaysia, the Carribean (particularly Grenada), southern state of Kerala in India, Sri

Lanka and the island of Zanzibar. Consumption and total import of Nutmeg are expected to

increase along with the increase of world population and economic. Nutmeg is widely

consumed in the United States as meat sauce, flavoring for candies, cakes and seafood

sauce. In India, the Middle East, Japan and Europe nutmeg is used for flavoring in cooking

meat or fish and sauce.

At the 1st session of the Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), the Committee

discussed the proposal for new work on nutmeg and agreed to request Indonesia to revise

and resubmit the project documents for consideration at its next session.

In line with the proposal for new work on standard for nutmeg submitted to the CCSCH, at

the 8th session of Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF), Indonesia proposed

a Project Document Proposal on the Establishment of a Maximum Levels for Aflatoxin B1

and Total Aflatoxins in Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) and Associated Sampling Plan to

be considered as a new work by the 8th session of the CCCF. The Committee had a general

discussion on how best to approach the establishment of MLs in spices and considered

aproposal by the Chairperson that a review of mycotoxins in spices first be conducted to

allow the Committee to understand which mycotoxins to address and in which spices. Such

a study could allow for a possible prioritization of the work on spices for the Committee.

Issues

The Committee agreed to establish an EWG, led by India and co-chaired by the European

In introducing the discussion paper, Indonesia clarified that although the title of the paper refers to “spices”, the EWG would have to prioritise on the specific spices and mycotoxins to be discussed. As Co-Chair of the eWG, Indonesia would like to request the meeting to support the proposal to list nutmeg as a priority spice, and specifically on Aflatoxin B1 and total Aflatoxin, in the eWG discussions. Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand will try to gather data and information on the production and trade of nutmeg whenever possible.

The Meeting supported the development of the work and agreed to participate actively in the eWG.

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Union and Indonesia, and working in English only, to prepare a discussion paper to review of

mycotoxins in spices to allow the Committee to understand which mycotoxins to address

and in which spices. Such a study could allow for a possible prioritization of the work on

spices for the Committee.

Recommendation

1. Indonesia would like to invite AMS to participate actively in the eWG to further discuss

the review of mycotoxin in spices

2. Indonesia would like to invite AMS to provide data and information regarding

production and trade of nutmeg in ASEAN from member countries

Commodity Committees

9.7 Proposal for New Work on Codex Standard for Black, White and Green Pepper (BWG Pepper) (Piper Nigrum L) - Indonesia

Background

World consumption for pepper is likely to increase in line with food safety issues to other synthetic materials (pesticides and fertilizers) and the demand for safety pepper as a spice for food, especially in developed countries. Domestic consumption of pepper has increased with increasing human population and industrial food that use pepper as raw material (example: instant noodles, snacks, etc.). Due to many standards on pepper, it needs to be harmonized into a single standard that includes quality, consumer protection and to promote fair trade. Issues

At the 1st Session of CCSCH, Indonesia and several countries proposed a proposal for new work on codex standard for pepper. The Committee agreed to the proposal of the Working Group on new work on the development of a Standard for black, white and green pepper (BWG Pepper) and to submit the project document to 37th Session of the Commission for approval. The Committee agreed to establish, subject to the approval of the Commission, an electronic Working Group, led by India and co-chaired by Cameroon and Indonesia and working in English only, to prepare the proposed draft standard for circulation for comments at Step 3 and consideration at its next Session (REP 14/SCH, para 62-63).

The meeting supported Indonesia’s proposal for approval of development of a Codex Standard for Black, White and Green Pepper (BWG Pepper) as new work at the 37th CAC, and encouraged AMS to actively participate in the eWG.

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Recommendation

1. Indonesia would like to request all ASEAN member countries to support the development of a Standard for black, white and green pepper (BWG Pepper) to be approved as a new work by the 37th Session of CAC.

2. Indonesia would like to invite all ASEAN member countries to participate in the electronic Working Group.

CAC, Executive Committee, CCASIA, Task Force

9.8 Revised Draft Report of the Electronic Working Group – Processed Cheese (Project document: General Standard for Process Cheese) – Thailand

Background

1. The 36TH Session of the CAC decided to make a further effort to determine if it is possible to develop a Codex Standard for process cheese. The Commission agreed to establish an electronic working group (eWG) led by New Zeland and Uruguay to undertake this further work and report back to the 37th session of the CAC. The CAC agreed that the eWG:

Would conduct a study on the possibility to develop standard(s) for processed cheese and, depending on the outcome of the study, prepare project document(s) for new work on standard(s) for processed cheese that would clearly define: (i) the scope of the standard(s) and the products to be covered: (ii) the compositional aspects of these products, i.e. minimum cheese content; and (iii) acceptability of use of gelatine, starches and stabilizers in the manufacture of processed cheese; and

Could also consider the possibility of developing a standard covering products analogous to processed cheese where cheese and milk products have been substituted by non dairy ingredients.

2. The eWG has reported and summarized that a total of 43 member countries, 1 member organization (EU) and 3 non-governmental observer organizations registered to participate in the working group. A questionnaire covering the main issues was circulated to all participants (see Annex 2). Responses were received from 32 countries and 1 observer organization. The issues from the responses on: 1) Scope and product coverage, 2)Composition of the products and minimum cheese content, 3)Acceptability of gelatine, starch and stabilizers, 4)Alternative names, 5)Labelling of Processed Cheese, 6)Other comments, and 7)Products analogous to Processed Cheese; was analyzed and made conclusion.

3. The eWG has made recommendations to the Commission:

Thailand requested for AMS to pay attention to this new standard as this product has been imported and consumed increasingly in the ASEAN region. The meeting agreed with Thailand’s recommendation, and encouraged AMS to monitor the developments, and participate actively at the 37th CAC.

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a. Note the analysis and conclusions of the electronic working group on the issue of developing an international standard for processed cheese;

b. Agree that the divergent national requirements and preferences with regard to the core issues of cheese content, use of other dairy ingredients and acceptability of use of gelatine, starch and stabilizers remain significant impediments to forging international consensus unless members were open to considering alternative and more flexible approaches (along the lines set out in paras 29 to 35) to constructing a more general standard that provides a framework for such products while recognizing the differing national preferences particularly with respect to product composition;

c. Note that a draft Project Document (see Annex 3) has been prepared in line with Terms of Reference of the eWG and provides a possible basis for any new work that may be agreed;

- One member did not accept recommendation (c) and instead proposed that it should be written as follows:

c. Agree to petition member countries for their level of commitment to compromise on the core issues, i.e. cheese content, use of other dairy ingredients, and use of stabilizers, gelatine and starch, before any new work is agreed to.

d. Agree that any new work needs to be time limited; and e. Note that there was no clear consensus in the eWG on the need for developing any

Codex standards covering products analogous to processed cheese.

Issue

The eWG will report the outcome to the 37th CAC session to consider such an approach to any future work on processed cheese there may be a pragmatic basis to move forward on this issue and go some way to meeting members‟ expressed need for international guidance. It might also be that a general standard for processed cheese may provide a framework to consider the possible development of more detailed product parameters at some point in the future. A draft Project Document proposing the development of a generic standard for processed cheese is set out in Annex 3 of the report.

Recommendation

Thailand is of the opinion that ASEAN has consumed these products increasingly. Therefore, Thailand would like to inform the progress on this matter and request all AMS to pay attention regarding new work on general standard for process cheese which will be

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considered in the 37th CAC session.

9.9 Election of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons and Other Members of the Executive Committee - Election of Geographic Representative (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)

[Thailand] Background

1. The Executive Committee shall act as the Executive organ of the Commission. Its composition should ensure an adequate representation of the various geographical areas of the world to which the Members of the Commission belong.

2. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons of the Commission are respectively the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons of the Executive Committee.

3. In accordance with Rule V.1 of the Commission‟s Rules of Procedure, the Executive Committee has, in addition to the Coordinators appointed on the basis of Rule IV of the Rules of Procedure together with seven further members elected by the Commission from among members of the Commission, one each coming from the following geographic locations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, South-West Pacific.

4. The term of office of these Members is equal to two (regular) sessions of the Commission and they are eligible for re-election if they have not served for more than two years in their current term, but after having served two consecutive terms shall be ineligible for the next succeeding term.

5. At its 36th Session (2013), the Commission elected geographic representatives for a second term Kenya, China, France, Jamaica, Tunisia, and for a first term Canada, and New Zealand, to serve until the end of the second succeeding regular session of the Commission (i.e. the 38th Session).

6. Rule V.1 of the Rules of Procedure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission further prescribes that not more than one delegate from any one country shall be a member of the Executive Committee.

7. With this regard, the Commission, at its 38th Session, will have to appoint seven Members of the Executive Committee, one from each of the above mentioned geographic regions to serve until the end of the second succeeding regular session.

Issue

1. The Commission, in its 38th Session (2015), will elect seven members based on geographical basis to act as members of the Executive Committee.

The Meeting appreciated the offer of candidature from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand for the post of Members elected on a Geographic Basis in CCEXEC; and agreed that AMS will need internal consultation on this item. The Meeting also noted that currently there is no country nomination from AMS for the post of Regional Coordinator for Asia.

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2. With this regard, the members elected on geographical basis for a second term, Kenya, France, Jamaica, Tunisua, including China, cannot be re-elected at that time due to the fact that those delegates have served for more than two years in their current term.

3. The 19th FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia (CCASIA) (November 2014) will appoint a member to be a new geographic representative for Asia and then will propose to the 38th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).

4. Thailand would like to apply for the geographic representative for Asia replacing China.

Proposal

Thailand welcomes ASEAN members‟ consideration of and potential support for Thailand, as the geographic representative for Asia, which the issue raising in the 19th Session of CCASIA and for the election in the 38th Session of CAC.

[Malaysia]

Background In accordance with Rule V of the Commission‟s Rules of Procedure, the Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and three Vice-Chairpersons of the Commission, and six Coordinators appointed on the basis of Rule IV from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America and South West Pacific together with seven further Members elected by the Commission at the regular sessions from among the Members of the Commission, one each coming from the following geographic locations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, South West Pacific. Not more than one delegate from any one country shall be a member of the Executive Committee. Members Elected on a Geographic Basis shall hold office from the end of the session of the Commission at which they were elected until the end of the second succeeding regular session and shall be eligible for re-election if they have not served for more than two years in their current term, but after having served two consecutive terms shall be ineligible to hold such office for the next succeeding term. Members Elected on a Geographic Basis are expected to act within the Executive Committee in the interest of the Commission as a whole. At its 34th Session, the Commission elected seven members from the respective geographic

Annex 16 Appendix 10

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locations as Members Elected on a Geographic Basis, of which China was elected as the Members Elected on a Geographic Basis for Asia. China and the rest of the Members Elected on a Geographic Basis were re-elected for the second term at the 36th Commission, to serve until the end of the second succeeding regular session of the Commission (i.e. the 38th Session). Issues Malaysia would like to offer its candidature for the post of the Members Elected on a Geographic Basis for Asia, of which the election will be held at the 38th Session of the Commission in 2015. Malaysia had the opportunity to hold the office as Members Elected on a Geographic Basis for Asia for two consecutive terms (1991-1995 and 1995-1999). Malaysia was elected at the 19th Commission (1991) and re-elected at the 21st Commission (1995). After two decades, Malaysia feels it is timely that we offer our services again. As Members Elected on a Geographic Basis, Malaysia will be able to put forward and be involved in discussions during the CCEXEC Meeting with regards to the strategic plan and critical review on standards put forward by various Codex Committee. Malaysia will be able to participate in these activities effectively, based on their long term experience and expertise in Codex. Malaysia will certainly take into account the interest of Asia in the discussions. Recommendation Malaysia would like to request the support of AMSs for Malaysia‟s candidature as the next Members Elected on a Geographic Basis for Asia at the forthcoming 38th Session of the Commission in 2015. [Indonesia] Background 1. Rule V.I of the Commission‟s Rule of Procedure stated that the Executive Committee shall consist of the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairpersons of the Commission, and the Coordinators appointed on the basis of Rule IV together with seven further Members elected by the Commission at regular sessions from among the Members of the Commission, one each coming from the following geographic locations: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America

Annex 16 Appendix 11

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and the Caribbean, Near East, North America, South-West Pacific. 2. At the last session of the Codex Alimenterius Commission (2011), the Commission appointed Japan as Regional Coordinator for Asia and elected China as a member of the Executive Committee on a geographic basis to hold office until the end of the regular session of the Commission held in 2015. Issue 1. Regional Coordinator for Asia shall be nominated at each session of the CCASIA to be appointed by the Commission. Japan has served as a Coordinator for two consecutive terms (2011-2013 and 2013-2015) and shall be ineligible to nominated at the next CCASIA session. 2. Members elected on a geographic basis shall hold office from the end of the session of the Commission at which they were elected until the end of the second succeeding regular session and shall be eligible for re-election if they have not served for more than two years in their current term, but after having served two consecutive terms shall be ineligible to hold such office for the next succeeding term. According to the Rule, China shall be ineligible for re-election in the 38th Session of the Commission held in 2015 and the Commission shall elect a new member from Asia. 3. Indonesia is of the opinion that ASEAN member countries should participate actively in Codex system, including by offering themselves as a Regional Coordinator for Asia and member of Executive Committee elected on a geographic basis. Indonesia has served as a Regional Coordinator for Asia for two concecutive terms before Japan (2007-2009 and 2009-2011) and has not been elected yet as a member of the Executive Committee on a geographic basis. Recommendation 1. AMSs should consider to propose one of the Member Countries for replacing Japan as the next Regional Coordinator for Asia to be nomitated at the 19th FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia (CCASIA) (November 2014). 2. Considering our recent contribution in Codex works, Indonesia would like to request

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AMSs to support Indonesia for replacing China as a new Executive Commiittee member elected on a geographic basis in the 38th Session of the Commission.

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52. A summary of the status of the Codex issues discussed under Agenda items 8 and 9 of the

14th ATFC is tabulated below:

AGENDA ITEM 10: OTHER MATTERS

10.1 ASEAN Focal Point for Codex Committee on Spice and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH)

53. The Meeting was informed on the new Codex Committee on Spice and Culinary Herbs

(CCSCH) hosted by India, had held its First Session from 11 to 14 February 2014. In order to keep

AMS updated on the development of issues under this Committee, Indonesia agreed to the request

of the Meeting to be the focal point for reporting matters from CCSCH for future ATFC Meetings.

10.2 Status of New Work Proposal for Draft Regional Standard for Edible Crickets

(CCASIA) – Lao PDR

54. The Meeting was informed by Lao PDR on the status of New Work Proposal for Draft

Regional Standard for Edible Crickets (CCASIA) which was dropped during the 13th ATFC Meeting.

55. LAO PDR informed that there is currently a lack of production/consumption data or trade

data, and that FAO is supporting this Standard development. The meeting was informed that FAO

is currently working with Thailand for data collection.

56. The Meeting agreed to request Lao PDR to seek consultation with FAO, and report the

outcome at the next CCASIA and ATFC meeting.

AGENDA ITEM 11: DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETINGS

57. Reiterating the decision made during the 13 th ATFC Meeting, the Meeting agreed to

seek confirmation from Myanmar to host the 15th ATFC Meeting. ASEAN Secretariat will follow up

with Myanmar and inform the ATFC on its exact date and venue.

58. The Meeting noted with appreciation on the readiness of Vietnam to host the ATFC

Meeting in 2016. Vietnam will confirm to ASEAN Secretariat on the date and venue of the

Meeting, pending internal clearance and approval.

Status of issues in 14th ATFC Number of issues

Supported for adoption at 37th CAC in 2014

(carried over to 15th ATFC in 2015)

6

Adopted at 36th CAC in 2013

(dropped at 14th ATFC in 2014)

8

Agreed to monitor progress at Codex discussions

(carried over to 15th ATFC in 2015)

18

Discontinued items at 14th ATFC in 2014 6

Total (14th ATFC) 38

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59. The tentative list as follows:

Year ATFC Meeting Country

2015 15th Myanmar

2016 16th Viet Nam

2017 17th Cambodia

2018 18th Indonesia

2019 19th Lao PDR

2020 20th Malaysia

2021 21st Myanmar

AGENDA ITEM 12: ADOPTION OF THE REPORT

60. The Meeting adopted the Report of the 14th Meeting of the ATFC, held on 3-5 June

2014 in Singapore.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

61. The delegations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, the

Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam expressed their sincere appreciation to the Government of

Singapore for the hospitality accorded to them and the excellent arrangements made for the

Meeting.

62. The Meeting was held in the traditional spirit of ASEAN cooperation and cordiality.

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