FSIS Issues Draft U.S. Positions for Codex Processed Fruit & Vegetable Session

Standards Developed by Codex Committees May Become Int’l Standards

FSIS has previously explained that Codex may finalize standards developed in its Committees and publish them as regional or worldwide standards.

Should Drop Sampling Plan on Drained Weight of Canned Fruit/Vegetables

The U.S. strongly recommends discontinuing the development of a proposed draft sampling plan, which includes metrological provisions for controlling minimum drained weight (MDW) of canned fruits and vegetables in packing media. The U.S. wants to discontinue development of this document for several reasons, including (partial list):

• the existing MDW standards are simple, easily understood, work well and have not created any problems in international trade;
• the AQL value of 6.5 is internationally accepted and there is no justification for reducing it to 2.5;
• the limited resources of the committee would be more effectively applied to other work of more importance, such as developing new standards.

Recommends Following GSFA in All Food Additive Provisions

In response to a request for comments on “Food Additive Provisions for Processed Fruits and Vegetables: Additive Provisions in Selected Standards,” the U.S. strongly recommends that the Committee always adhere to the Procedural Manual and strive to reference the General Standards for Food Additives (GSFA) in the food additive provisions of standards. (The U.S. notes that certain food additives were selectively omitted in the food additive sections of three standards currently being revised by the Committee without the technological justification required by the Procedural Manual.)

Specific Comments on Coconut, Olive, Mushroom, Bamboo Shoot Standards

The U.S. draft document includes numerous comments on proposed revisions to the standards for:

• Grated Desiccated Coconut;
• Table Olives;
• Canned Mushrooms; and
• Canned Bamboo Shoots.

Should Only Revise & Simplify Standards When Necessary

In response to a request to systematically revise and simplify CCPFV standards, the U.S. states that such work should only be done “as needed.” The U.S. adds that if any revision work is to be undertaken, the prescriptive nature of the standard should be lessened, the text should reflect potential application to a wider array of tastes, preferences and trade practices, and the revisions must be carried out expeditiously.

Regarding two specific proposed revisions, the U.S. states that the proposed revision of the Canned Vegetable Standard is more difficult for consumers, industry and regulators to understand than the current version, and the Quick Frozen Fruit and Vegetable standard should remain “as is” since no members have noted any deficiencies with it.

¹The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC or Codex) was established in 1963 by two United Nations organizations, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Through adoption of food standards, codes of practice, and other guidelines developed by its committees, and by promoting their implementation by governments, Codex seeks to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in food trade; and promote coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

Draft U.S. positions available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com