Background Paper
SUMMARY OF CODEX ALIMENTARIUS ISSUES
VI. CODEX COMMITTEE ON FOOD HYGIENE (CCFH)
1. Priority Issues in Relation to the Risk Assessment of
Microbiological Hazards in Foods
A Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Microbiological Hazards
in Foods decided that FAO and WHO would convene a series of ad hoc
Consultations to address requests for risk assessment of microbiological
hazards in foods until a more formal body can be established. CCFH
identified the following pathogen-commodity combinations as the
priority issues for consideration by the new ad hoc Expert Consultation
on Microbiological Hazards in Foods:
- Salmonella in eggs, poultry and pork
- Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat food
- Campylobacter jejuni in poultry
- Enterohemorrhagic E. coli in sprouts and ground beef
- Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shellfish.
2. Other Legitimate Factors in the Framework of Risk Analysis
CCGP is considering the use of "other legitimate factors"
in addition to science in the framework of risk analysis, and requested
relevant Codex Committees to provide information as to how they
have used other legitimate factors in their work. Without prior
planning or discussion, CCFH developed a list consisting of the
following: economic factors, technical feasibility, practical aspects
of measures (especially for small businesses), the availability
of expertise, sampling, consumer information, environmental impact,
good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices, and good
hygienic practices. The Committee could not reach agreement at this
time on cultural aspects and consumer concerns. The U.S. government
and industry believe that this action sets an unfortunate precedent,
and that these issues should be discussed fully before establishing
any list.
3. Listeria monocytogenes
CCFH will continue work on Listeria monocytogenes. Several
countries support numerical limits depending on the type of food;
however, the U.S. supports a zero tolerance.
4. Proposed Draft Guidelines for the Hygienic Reuse of
Processing Water in Food Plants
The Committee will proceed with the elaboration of these guidelines,
drafted by the USA.
5. New Work
CCFH agreed to develop guidelines on validation to ensure the effectiveness
of food hygienic control measures and guidelines for evaluating
the presence of objectionable matter in food. The USA will prepare
discussion papers on both issues for consideration at the next CCFH
Session.
6. Next Meeting
October 23 – 28, 2000.
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