The 55th session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) wrapped up with strong commitments to global food safety, highlighting the power of international cooperation. With key agreements on food additive standards and a call for continued collaboration, the session set the stage for future advancements in food safety and regulatory practices.
- KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The committee revised food additive specifications and endorsed new levels for additives in Codex standards.
- 18 commodity standards were aligned, and related sections of the GSFA were updated.
- Proposals to revise Class names and the international numbering system (CXG 36-1989) will be forwarded to CAC48 for adoption.
- Discussions on baker’s yeast concluded, with plans for a redraft addressing technical issues.
- India strongly advocated for the responsible use of food additives throughout the industry.
In concluding the first co-hosted session of the Food Additives Committee, co-Chairperson Professor Hae-Jung Yoon from the Republic of Korea expressed her gratitude to all participants. “As we conclude this session, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for your dedication, expertise, and constructive discussions. Your commitment to global food safety standards is truly commendable. We have engaged in in-depth dialogues that have provided valuable insights,” she remarked.
Professor Yoon went on to emphasize, “Our progress is a testament to international cooperation and our shared responsibility for ensuring food safety worldwide. While this session concludes, our work continues. The recommendations and conclusions we’ve reached will form the foundation for future discussions. I encourage everyone to maintain this momentum in advancing food safety and to continue embodying the spirit of collaboration that has defined this session.”
Dr. Yongxian Fan, CCFA Chairperson, then delivered his closing remarks, thanking all Members and Observers. “During the report adoption, we witnessed a strong spirit of compromise, which is crucial,” he said. He also acknowledged the efforts of the physical working group (PWG) and in-session working group meetings leading up to the plenary discussions. “It is essential to have multiple working groups, and I want to extend special thanks to the working group leaders. Your contributions enabled us to have efficient and productive discussions.”
Dr. Fan also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of the Republic of Korea for their excellent organization. “You made us feel warmly welcomed,” he added. Finally, Dr. Fan thanked co-Chairperson Yoon and her assistant. “We’ve become good friends this week, and such friendships are vital in enhancing communication and understanding between China and the Republic of Korea.”
Throughout the week, the Committee reached agreements on a wide range of topics, including revised and new specifications for the identity and purity of food additives, as well as the endorsement and revision of maximum levels for food additives and processing aids in Codex standards. Additionally, the Committee agreed on the alignment of provisions in 18 commodity standards and revised relevant provisions of the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA). Further alignment work was planned, and the establishment of an electronic working group (EWG) was also agreed upon.
The 55th session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA55) also reviewed 22 recommendations on various issues, including those resulting from the United States of America-chaired PWG and the EWG’s work on the GSFA. Proposals for new food additive provisions, as well as revisions to the Class Names and International Numbering System for Food Additives (CXG 36-1989), will be forwarded to the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) for adoption. Additionally, additions and changes to the priority list of substances proposed for evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) were also discussed.
Discussions surrounding the new draft standard for baker’s yeast concluded with an agreement to redraft the text after addressing several technical issues. The Committee also reviewed a paper on working practices and an engagement plan to avoid discrepancies between the GSFA, commodity standards, and other Codex texts. New work on the development of guidelines for food safety assessment of cell culture media components in cell-based food production is also ongoing.
Food additives play a crucial role in food processing by serving various functions, including extending shelf life (preservatives), enhancing organoleptic properties (flavoring agents), and improving the appearance of food (coloring agents and stabilizers).
India, actively participating in the 55th session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, raised concerns over the excessive use of food additives. The Indian delegation advocated strongly for the judicious use of additives, ensuring they are applied only at necessary levels for their intended purposes, while also seeking recognition of national limits.
India played an influential role in the decision-making process, submitting over 90 comments on various agenda items, with more than 60 of these comments being accepted. This recognition underscores India’s significant role in regulating food additives and ensuring their responsible use globally.
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