ABOUT
CODEX
Ad
hoc Intergovernmental Task Forces
Three
Ad hoc Intergovernmental Codex Task Forces were established
by the Codex Alimentarius Commission at its 23rd Session
held in the year 1999.
It
was noted that the establishment of such Task Forces would
lead to:
- a
more flexible structure to handle specific issues for
a time-limited period
- under
closely defined terms of reference, but
- functioning
in the same manner as established Codex Committees.
The
three ad hoc Task Forces are:
Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Foods Derived from
Biotechnology (Host Government
– Japan) Objectives:
To
develop standards, guidelines or recommendations, as appropriate,
for
- foods
derived from biotechnology or
- traits
introduced into foods derived from biotechnology,
on
the basis of
- scientific
evidence
- risk
analysis and
- having
regard, where appropriate, to other legitimate factors
relevant to the health of consumers and the promotion
of fair trade practices.
Terms
of Reference:
- To
develop standards, guidelines or recommendations, as
appropriate, for foods derived from biotechnology.
- To
coordinate, and closely collaborate, as necessary, with
appropriate Codex Committees within their mandate as
relates to foods derived from biotechnology.
- To
take full account of existing work carried out by national
authorities, FAO, WHO, other international organizations
and other relevant international fora.
Time
Frame:
The
Task Force shall complete its work within four years.
Ad
Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Animal Feeding
(Host Government – Denmark)
Objectives:
To
ensure the safety and quality of foods of animal origin
by developing guidelines or standards as appropriate on
Good Animal Feeding practices.
Terms of Reference:
- To
complete and extend the work already done by relevant
Codex Committees on the Draft Code of Practice for Good
Animal Feeding;
- To
address other aspects which are important for food safety,
such as problems related to toxic substances, pathogens,
microbial resistance, new technologies, storage, control
measures and traceability;
- To
take full account of and collaborate with, as appropriate,
work carried out by relevant Codex Committees, and other
relevant international bodies, including FAO, WHO, OIE
and IPPC.
Time
Frame:
The
Task Force shall complete its work within four years.
Ad
Hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force on Fruit and Vegetable
Juices (Host Government – Brazil) Terms
of Reference:
- To
revise and consolidate the existing Codex standards
and guidelines for fruit and vegetable juices and related
products, giving preference to general standards; and
- To
revise and up-date the methods of analysis and sampling
for these products.
Time
Frame:
The
Task Force is to complete its work prior to the 26th Session
of the Commission (2005).
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