Codex adopts new food safety, quality standards

For the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) concludes with a physical report adoption, marking the end of the 60^th anniversary of the first CAC in 1963.

The 46^th session of CAC adopted a series of new food safety and quality standards including: the new Guidelines for the Control of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Raw Beef, Fresh Leafy Vegetables, Raw Milk and Raw Milk Cheeses, and Sprouts; the Guidelines for the Safe Use and Reuse of Water in Food Production and Processing; and Revisions to the Standard for Follow-up Formula (CXS 156-1986). A new Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Mycotoxins Contamination in Cassava and Cassava-based Products was also adopted, as well as Principles and Guidelines on the Use of Remote Audit and Inspection in Regulatory Frameworks and Revisions to General Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50-2004).

Report adoption was over in seven hours, with CAC chair, Steve Wearne (U.K.), commending delegates for their efforts in facilitating the adoption and for their work throughout the week.

“This was an extraordinary piece of team work.” said Corinna Hawkes, Codex secretary ad interim “From the chairperson and vice chairpersons of CAC to members and observers, they all had a role in making this meeting very successful”.

In closing the meeting, former CAC chair, Guilherme da Costa, recognized CAC chair, Steve Wearne, and the three vice-chairs, Allan Azegele (Kenya), Raj Rajasekar (New Zealand) and Diego Varela (Chile) for their contributions to Codex Alimentarius.