FSIS Seeks Input on Food Safety Standards for Codex Consideration

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced the 33rd Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission slated for July 5-9, 2010, in Geneva, Switzerland. FSIS seeks public comments before the meeting on “those standards that are currently under consideration or planned for consideration and recommendations for new standards.” The standards that will be put forward for approval during the commission meeting include those concerned with food contaminants, additives, pesticide residues, analysis and sampling methods, import and export inspections, labeling, hygiene, fish and fishery products, milk and milk products, fats and oils, and processed fruits and vegetables.

Also slated for consideration in Geneva is the status of the Codex Strategic Plan, the impact of private standards and the management of the “Trust Fund for the Participation of Developing Countries and Countries in Transition in the Work of the Codex Alimentarius.” Before the general commission meeting, the Codex Executive Committee will meet June 29 to July 2 to conduct a “critical review” of Codex standards, review a study on the speed of the Codex standard-setting process and evaluate issues appearing in Codex committee reports. Information about current U.S. government positions on pending Codex standards can be obtained from FSIS. See Federal Register, June 4, 2010.