Codex establishes task force on biotech foods

Food & Drink Weekly, July 19, 2004

Delegates at the 27th meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission have agreed to establish a new adhoc intergovemmental task force on foods derived from biotechnology with a mandate to develop standards, guidelines or recommendations for biotech foods. Codex, established in 1963 by the UN, develops science-based international food safety standards designed to protect human health, while facilitating trade in food, feed and agricultural products.

The Commission postponed decisions on two issues that proved divisive among members, however. They include the need to undertake new work on the issue of country-of-origin labeling for food products and the establishment of an international Codex standard for Parmesan cheese. U.S. officials and food industry groups opposed a proposal by Australia calling for further work on country-of-origin labeling, which also had the backing of countries in Europe, Africa and some non-governmental organizations.

Codex already has existing provisions addressing this issue, but some countries view those provisions as vague and even misleading, thus prompting the call for further work. The existing rules set out two conditions under which county-of-origin labeling may be required: 1) if authorities deem that the omission of such labeling may mislead consumers; and 2) when a food is exported and substantially changed during processing in a second country.

The issue will be taken up at the next meeting of the Commission in May 2005, where input from members on whether the regulations adequately address their concerns also will be evaluated.