JOINT FAO/WHO FOOD STANDARDS PROGRAMME

The Thirty-fifth Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants
and its Ad Hoc Working Groups
will be held at the Arusha International Conference Centre, Arusha, Tanzania,
as follows:

Agenda Item 1 – Adoption of the Agenda (CX/FAC 03/1): The Committee will be invited to adopt the Provisional Agenda as the Agenda for the Session.

Agenda Item 2 – Appointment of Rapporteur: The Committee will be invited to appoint a Rapporteur to the Session.

Agenda Item 3 – Matters Referred from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and other Codex Committees (CX/FAC 03/2): The document is an information paper prepared by the Codex Secretariat concerning matters referred and/or of interest from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and other Codex Committees.

Agenda Item 4a – Summary Report of the 59th Meeting of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): The FAO and WHO Joint Secretaries to JECFA will present a summary of the results of the 59th JECFA Meeting (Geneva, 4-13 June 2002).

Agenda Item 4b – Action Required as a Result of Changes in ADI Status and other Toxicological Recommendations (CX/FAC 03/3): Document prepared by the Codex Secretariat in regard to action required by other Codex Committees as a result of recommendations arising from the 59th Session of JECFA.

Agenda Item 5 – Comments Submitted on the Proposed Draft Risk Assessment Policy Statement for the Application of Risk Analysis Principles to the Standard Setting Activities of the CCFAC in Conjunction with the Risk Assessments Performed by the JECFA (CX/FAC 03/4): The 34th CCFAC agreed to circulate the proposed draft Risk Assessment Policy Statement for the Application of Risk Analysis Principles to the Standard Setting Activities of the CCFAC in Conjunction with the Risk Assessments Performed by the JECFA for comments and further consideration at its next Session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 30).  Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in document CX/FAC 03/4.

Agenda Item 6 – Endorsement and/or Revision of Maximum Levels for Food Additives in Codex Standards (CX/FAC 03/5): As per the Codex Alimentarius Procedural Manual, the Codex Secretariat will make a report to the Committee concerning the endorsement of provisions for food additives in Codex Standards on the basis of proposals arising from other Codex Committees and in the context of the Codex General Standard for Food Additives.

AGENDA ITEM 7: CONSIDERATION OF THE CODEX GENERAL STANDARD FOR FOOD ADDITIVES

Agenda Item 7a – Report of the ad hoc Working Group on the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (CRD 1): The 34th CCFAC decided to reconvene the ad hoc Working Group on the Codex General Standard for Food Additives prior to its 35^th Session under the Chairmanship of the United States (ALINORM 03/12, para. 41). The report of the ad hoc Working Group on the Codex General Standard for Food Additives will be present to the Committee under Conference Room Document 1.

Agenda Item 7b – Proposed Draft Revised Preamble to the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (CX/FAC 03/6): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that a drafting group under the direction of France/USA would elaborate a proposed draft revision to the Preamble of the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (ALINORM 03/12, para. 51). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/6 are contained in document CX/FAC 03/6-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 7c – Proposed Draft Revised Food Category System of the Codex General Standard for Food Additives (CX/FAC 03/7): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that a drafting group under the direction of the United States would review the written comments submitted and the Committee’s discussions with a view towards elaborating an amended version of the Food Category System for circulation, comment and further consideration at its next meeting (ALINORM 03/12, para. 54). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/7 are contained in document CX/FAC 03/7-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 7d - Comments Submitted on the Proposed Draft and Draft Revisions to Table 1 of the Codex General Standard for Food Additives in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC and CL 2002/44-FAC (CX/FAC 03/8): The 34^th CCFAC agreed to hold food additive provisions with specific numeric levels at Steps 3 and 6 and to request additional information, including technological need and justification, for their use (ALINORM 03/12, para. 60 and Appendix III). The Committee also agreed that a revised Table 1 of the GSFA with all food additive provisions, including final provisions as well as those that are in the step process, should be circulated for the information of the Committee well in advance of the 35^th CCFAC (ALINORM 03/12, para. 39). Comments submitted on the proposed draft and draft food additive provisions in response to CL 2002/10-FAC and CL 2002/44-FAC are contained in document CX/FAC 03/8.

Agenda Item 7e – Comments Submitted on the Draft Revisions to the Annex to Table 3 of the Codex General Standard for Food Additives Submitted in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/9): The 34^th CCFAC agreed to revisions to the Annex to Table 3 and decided to request additional comments for further consideration at its next meeting (ALINORM 03/12, para. 64 and Appendix IV). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in CX/FAC 03/9.

Agenda Item 8 – Comments Submitted on the Discussion Paper on Processing Aids and Carriers (CX/FAC 02/9) in response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/10): The 34^th CCFAC decided to request comments on the paper as presented for further consideration at its next meeting (ALINORM 03/12, para. 68). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in CX/FAC 03/10.

Agenda Item 9 – Discussion Paper on the Use of Active Chlorine (CX/FAC 03/11): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that a drafting group led by Denmark should revise the Discussion Paper on the Use of Active Chlorine for circulation, comment and further consideration at its next meeting (ALINORM 03/12, para. 73). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/11 are contained in CX/FAC 03/11-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 10a – Draft Revised Codex General Standard for Irradiated Foods (CX/FAC 03/12): The 34^th CCFAC requested a drafting group led by the Philippines to revise the Codex General Standard for Irradiated Foods based on the written comments submitted and the Committee’s discussions for circulation, additional comment and further consideration at its next meeting (ALINORM 03/12, para. 81). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/12 are contained in CX/FAC 03/12-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 10b – Consideration of a Revision or Amendments to the Guideline Levels for Radionuclides in Foods Following Accidental Nuclear Contamination for Use in International Trade (CAC/GL 5-1989), Including Guideline Levels for Radionuclides for Long-Term Use (CX/FAC 03/13): The 50^th Session of the Executive Committee considered a request arising from the International Atomic Energy Agency to broaden the Guidelines for Radionuclides in Foods Following Accidental Nuclear Contamination to other radionuclides and to consider the establishment of guideline levels for radionuclides for long-term use as new work (CX/EXEC 02/50/7, Annex 1). The Executive Committee did not approve the elaboration of guideline levels but referred the issue to the CCFAC for consideration along with further input from the IAEA in regard to the scope of the work (ALINORM 03/3A, para. 67 and Appendix III).

Agenda Item 11a – Report of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Specifications (CRD 2): The 34^th CCFAC reestablished the ad hoc Working Group on Specifications to meet prior to the 35^th CCFAC under the Chairmanship of the United States (ALINORM 03/12, para. 92). The report of the ad hoc Working Group on Specifications will be presented to the Committee under Conference Room Document 2.

Agenda Item 11b – Specifications for the Identity and Purity of Food Additives Arising from the 59^th JECFA Meeting (CX/FAC 03/14): Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/14, which includes specifications arising from the 59th JECFA Meeting (FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 52 – Add. 10), are contained in document CX/FAC 03/14-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 12a – Comments Submitted on Revisions to the International Numbering System in Response to CL 2002/29-FAC (CX/FAC 03/15): The 34^th CCFAC forwarded various amendments to the INS numbers for Mineral Oil to the Executive Committee for preliminary adoption at Step 5 (ALINORM 03/12, para. 97 and Appendix VII). The 50^th Session of the Executive Committee adopted the proposed draft amendments to the INS numbers for Mineral Oil at Step 5 (ALINORM 03/3A, Appendix II). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/29-FAC are contained in document CX/FAC 03/15.

Agenda Item 12b - Discussion Paper on the Harmonization of Terms Used by Codex and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives for Sub-Classes and Technological Functions (CX/FAC 03/16): The 34^th CCFAC requested the Codex Secretariat to prepare a Discussion Paper on the Harmonization of Terms Used by Codex and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives for Sub-Classes and Technological Functions for consideration at the next meeting (ALINORM 03/12, para. 97). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/16 are contained in CX/FAC 03/16-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 13 – Endorsement and/or Revision of Maximum Levels for Contaminants in Codex Standards (CX/FAC 03/17): As per the Codex Alimentarius Procedural Manual, the Codex Secretariat will make a report to the Committee concerning the endorsement of provisions for contaminants in Codex Standards on the basis of proposals arising from other Codex Committees and in the context of the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods.

Agenda Item 14 – Consideration of the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods

Agenda Item 14a – Report of the ad hoc Working Group on Contaminants and Toxins (CRD 3): The 34^th CCFAC decided to reconvene the ad hoc Working Group on Contaminants and Toxins prior to its 35^th Session under the Chairmanship of Denmark (ALINORM 03/12, para. 102). The report of the ad hoc Working Group on Contaminants and Toxins will be presented to the Committee under Conference Room Document 3.

Agenda Item 14b – Schedule 1 of the Proposed Draft Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods (CX/FAC 03/18): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that the Netherlands should update and present Schedule 1 to the Codex General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods for consideration at each meeting (ALINORM 03/12, para. 104).

Agenda Item 14c – Proposed Draft Principles for Exposure Assessment of Contaminants and Toxins in Foods (CX/FAC 03/19): The 34^th CCFAC decided that the proposed draft Principles for Exposure Assessment of Contaminants and Toxins in Foods should be revised by a drafting group led by Australia and France for circulation, additional comment and further consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 109). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/19 are contained in CX/FAC 03/19-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 15: Mycotoxins in Food and Feed

Agenda Item 15a – Comments Submitted on the Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Patulin Contamination in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in Other Beverages in Response to CL 2002/29-FAC (CX/FAC 03/20): The 34^th CCFAC agreed to forward the proposed draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Patulin Contamination in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in Other Beverages to the Executive Committee for preliminary adoption at Step 5 (ALINORM 03/12, para. 122 and Appendix XI). The 50^th Session of the Executive Committee adopted the proposed draft Code of Practice at Step 5 (ALINORM 03/3A, Appendix II). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/29-FAC are contained in CX/FAC 03/20.

Agenda Item 15b – Comments Submitted on the Draft Maximum Level for Patulin in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in Other Beverages Submitted in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/21): The 34^th CCFAC forwarded the draft maximum level of 50µg/kg for Patulin in Apple Juice and Apple Juice Ingredients in Other Beverages to the Commission for adoption at Step 8 (ALINORM 03/12, para. 118 and Appendix X). The CCFAC also agreed to request more data on the level of patulin in apple juice and apple juice ingredients for other beverages (ALINORM 03/12, para. 119). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in document CX/FAC 03/21.

Agenda Item 15c – Comments Submitted on the Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention (Reduction) of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals, Including Annexes on Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, Fumonisin and Tricothecenes in Response to CL 2002/29-FAC (CX/FAC 03/22): The 34^th CCFAC agreed to forward the proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention (Reduction) of Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals, including Annexes on Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, Fumonisin and Tricothecenes to the Executive Committee for preliminary adoption at Step 5 (ALINORM 03/12, para. 125 and Appendix XII). The 50^th Session of the Executive Committee adopted the proposed draft Code of Practice at Step 5 (ALINORM 03/3A, Appendix II). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/29-FAC are contained in CX/FAC 03/22.

Agenda Item 15d – Discussion Paper on Aflatoxins in Tree Nuts, Including Information Submitted on Aflatoxin Contamination and Methods of Analysis for the Determination of Aflatoxins in Tree Nuts in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/23): The 34^th CCFAC decided that a drafting group led by Iran would revise the Discussion Paper on Tree Nuts for circulation, comment and further consideration at its next meeting. The 34^th CCFAC also agreed that information on aflatoxin contamination in tree nuts as well as methods of analysis for the determination of aflatoxins in tree nuts would be requested (ALINORM 03/12, para. 127). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC and CX/FAC 03/23 are contained in CX/FAC 03/23-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 15e – Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Tree Nuts (CX/FAC 03/24): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that a drafting group led by China would elaborate a proposed draft Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Tree Nuts for circulation, comment and further consideration at its next meeting, with the understanding that the proposal would be subject to approval as new work by the Executive Committee (ALINORM 03/12, para. 128). The 50^th Session of the Executive Committee approved the proposal as new work (ALINORM 03/3A, Appendix III). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/24 are contained in CX/FAC 03/24-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 15f – Discussion Paper on the Development of a Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts (CX/FAC 03/25): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that a drafting group led by South Africa would prepare a Discussion Paper on the Development of a Code of Practice for the Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts for circulation, comment and further consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, paras. 176). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/25 are contained in CX/FAC 03/25-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 16: Industrial and Environmental Contaminants in Foods

Agenda Item 16a – Comments Submitted on the Draft Maximum Levels for Lead in Fish in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/26): The 34^th CCFAC decided that the proposed level of 0.2mg/kg for lead in fish, as well as the list of certain species for which the level might not apply, should be returned to Step 6 for comments and further consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, paras. 133-134 and Appendices XIII and XX). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in document CX/FAC 03/26.

Agenda Item 16b – Comments Submitted on the Maximum Levels for Lead in Milk and Milk Fat in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/27): The 34^th CCFAC decided that comments should be requested on the maximum levels for lead in milk (0.02 mg/kg) and milk fat (0.1 mg/kg) for further consideration at its next meeting (ALINORM 03/12, para. 137). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in document CX/FAC 03/27.

Agenda Item 16c – Proposed Draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Lead in Food (CX/FAC 03/28): The 34^th CCFAC decided that a drafting group led by United States would elaborate a proposed draft Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Lead in Food, subject to confirmation by the Executive Committee (ALINORM 03/12, para. 138). The 50^th Session of the Executive Committee approved the proposal as new work (ALINORM 03/3A, Appendix III). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/28 are contained in CX/FAC 03/28-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 16d – Discussion Paper on Tin (CX/FAC 03/29): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that Australia would revise the Discussion Paper on Tin for circulation, comments and further consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 147). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/29 are contained in CX/FAC 03/29-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 16e – Comments Submitted on the Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Tin in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/30): The 34^th CCFAC returned the proposed draft maximum levels for tin (200 mg/kg in liquid canned foods and 250 mg/kg in solid canned foods) for circulation, comments and further consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 146 and Appendix XV). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in CX/FAC 03/30.

Agenda Item 16f – Comments Submitted on the Proposed Draft Maximum Levels for Cadmium in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/31): The Committee returned the proposed draft maximum levels for cadmium in various commodities for circulation, comments and further consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 143 and Appendix XIV). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in CX/FAC 03/31.

Agenda Item 16g – Position Paper on Dioxins and Dioxin Like PCBs, Including Information Submitted on Actual Levels and Methods of Analysis for Dioxin and Dioxin-Like PCBs in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/32): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that a drafting group led by the Netherlands would revise the Position Paper on Dioxins and Dioxin Like PCBs, including Methods of Analysis for Dioxins and Dioxin Like PCBs, for circulation, additional comments and consideration at its next session. The 34^th CCFAC also agreed to request information on actual dioxin and dioxin-like PCB levels and information on inexpensive, quick and validated analytical (screening, confirmation) methods for consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 153). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC and CX/FAC 03/32 are contained in document CX/FAC 03/32-Add.1.

Agenda Item 16h – Proposed Draft Code of Practice for Source Directed Measures to Reduce Dioxin and Dioxin Like PCB Contamination of Foods (CX/FAC 03/33): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that a drafting group led Germany would revise the proposed draft Code of Practice for Source Directed Measures to Reduce Dioxin and Dioxin Like PCB Contamination of Foods for circulation, comments and consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 156). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/33 are contained in document CX/FAC 03/33-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 16i - Position Paper on Chloropropanols (CX/FAC 03/34): The 34^th CCFAC requested the drafting group lead by the United Kingdom to revise the Position Paper on Chloropropanols for circulation, comments and consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 160). Comments submitted in response to CX/FAC 03/34 are contained in CX/FAC 03/34-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 16j – Discussion Paper on Deoxynivalenol, Including Information and Data Submitted on the Occurrence of Deoxynivalenol in Cereals in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/35): The 34^th CCFAC agreed that the drafting group led by Belgium would revise the Discussion Paper on Deoxynivalenol for circulation, comments and consideration at its next session. The 34^th CCFAC also agreed to request additional information and data on the occurrence of deoxynivalenol in cereals, as well as the results of any studies on the effect of processing, for consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 163). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC and CX/FAC 03/35 are contained in CX/FAC 03/35-Add. 1.

Agenda Item 17 – Comments on the Priority List of Food Additives, Contaminants and Natural Occurring Toxicants Proposed for Evaluation by JECFA Submitted in Response to CL 2002/10-FAC (CX/FAC 03/36): The 34^th CCFAC agreed to request additional comments for additions or amendments to its Priority List for consideration at its next session (ALINORM 03/12, para. 169 and Appendix XVI). Comments submitted in response to CL 2002/10-FAC are contained in document CX/FAC 03/36.

Agenda Item 18 – Other Business and Future Work: Other business and proposals for future work will be considered.

Agenda Item 19 – Date and Place of Next Session: The Chairperson will inform the Committee that the 36th Session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants is tentatively scheduled to be held in the Netherlands in March 2004, subject to discussions between the Codex and Dutch Secretariats.

Agenda Item 20 – Adoption of the Report: The Committee shall adopt a report of its 35^th Session based on a draft provided by the Secretariat.