Foodlaw-Reading

Dr David Jukes, The University of Reading, UK

Report of the 16th Session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific

The report can be downloaded from the Codex website (click on image).

Responsible Party

Purpose

Text/Topic

Code

Step

Para.

CAC46

Appointment

Recommended that Fiji be re-appointed as Coordinator for North America and the South West Pacific

75

CCEXEC84 and CAC46

Adoption

Draft Regional Standard for Fermented Noni Fruit Juice

-

8

73 i App. VII Part A

CCEXEC84 and CAC46

Adoption

Amendment to the labelling provisions for non-retail containers in the Regional Standard for Kava Products for Use as a Beverage When Mixed with Water (CXS 336R-2020)

28 ii, App.II

CCMAS

Endorsement / Information / Action

SOP for the identification of kavalactones and flavokavains in fresh and dried kava products by HPTLC to CCMAS for endorsement

28 iii, App.III

Agreed to task the Regional Coordinator to work with the Members in the NASWP region to resolve outstanding issues in section 10: methods of analysis and sampling (specifically specification of the solid-phase extraction cartridge and the HPLC method to identify scopoletin and deacetylasperulosidic acid) by 1st May 2023 in order to forward section 10 and Annex A and B to CCMAS42 for endorsement

73 ii, App VII Part B

CCCF and Members of NASWP region

Information/Action

Agreed to request to keep scopoletin in the priority list for evaluation by JECFA and to provide further data as it becomes available; and encouraged Members of the region to generate and submit data to GEMS/Food

73 iii, iv

Members in the NASWP region and Observers

Information/ Action

Plan and implement activities to build awareness of Codex and to engage high level political support for Codex work on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Codex in 2023

28 iv

FAO/WHO and Members in the NASWP region

Information/ Action

Keynote address

Highlighted the reinvigoration of traditional food supply and the sense of community expressed by some Members. The importance of contingency plans for small island countries which experienced both a shortage of imported food and a lack of options to boost domestic agricultural production, was underlined. Key takeaways from the session were the importance to reinforce and expand the risk-based approach and base decisions on data and science.

13

Food safety and quality situation in the region

Agreed on the following key emerging issues expected to have an impact on food safety in region in the next 5-10 years: Limited support to manage food regulatory systems; Climate change; Innovative food technologies; NCDs; Limited NCC support mechanisms; Risk communication; Increased foodborne disease transmission; Pesticides residues on food crops; AMR; Indigenous foods; and Food Labelling (of new and novel foods).

35

Coordinator, Members in the NASWP region, FAO/WHO and Codex Secretaria

Information/ Action

Codex work relevant to the region

Encouraged Codex Members in the NASWP region to:

a) coordinate positions on topics of specific interest to the region prior to the relevant Codex meetings;

b) apply the draft guidance on Statements of Principle concerning the role of science in the Codex decision-making process and the extent to which other factors are taken into account as appropriate;

c) actively engage in the work on the future of Codex;

d) actively engage in the work on NFPS and respond to the CL that would be issued on this topic;

e) participate in informal consultations on the draft MRLs for zilpaterol hydrochloride to encourage and enable sustained efforts to build consensus in advance of CAC46;

f) take into consideration the recently adopted Codex texts on MR and further develop national policies against AMR; and

g) make the fullest use of the possibilities the CTF provides for strengthening effective participation in Codex (eligible countries), and continue providing support to CTF (donor countries).

44 ii

Implementation of the codex strategic plan 2020-2025

Endorsed the proposed possible activities to be implemented in the region in 2023-2024; and adopted the communications work plan 2022-2024

51, Apps V and VI

New work proposals

Identified breadfruit flour, Galip nut, and fish and fishery products as three possible topics for regional standards development. Some Members highlighted the need for technical support in food safety actions to complement Codex actions.

77