G/TBT/GEN/325  
 
2 May 2022 
(22-3437) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade  Original: English  
 
CODEX UPDATE TO THE TBT COMMITTEE  
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION (CODEX)  
This document contains information provided by CODEX  at the TBT Committee meeting of 
9-11 March  2022 under Agenda Item 5 (Update by Observers).  
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1  CODEX MEETINGS HELD SINCE THE LAST SESSION OF THE TBT COMMITTEE 
(10-12 NOVEMBER 2021)  
44th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC44, 8 November – 
14 Decembe  2021)  
Final adoption of more than 900 new and revised Codex standards (including numerical 
standards), guidelines and codes of practice, including (of TBT relevance)  
• General standard for the labelling of non -retail containers of foods  
• Guidelines on front -of-pack nutrition labelling (Annex to the Guidelines on Nutrition 
Labelling, CXG 2 -1985)  
• Standards for dried oregano; dried or dehydrated ginger; dried cloves; and dri ed basil  
• Revision to the Guidelines on Measurement Uncertainty (CXG 54 -2004) New and revised 
methods of analysis and  performance criteria for essential composition and quality factors 
for various commodities or commodity groups  including foods for special dietary uses (i.e. 
infant formula and follow up formula) (CXS 234 -1999)  
• >500 food additive provisions  
• Principles and guidelines for the assessment and use of voluntary third -party assurance 
(vTPA) programs and revised  Guidelines for Design, Production, Iss uance and use of 
Generic Official Certificates , which includes Guidance  on paperless use of electronic 
certificates. These texts are of particular importance in the current situation  of the 
pandemic and its impact on trade. They can contribute to more resi lient inspection and 
certification  systems in emergency situations, and to new/emerging approaches to food 
export/ import inspection  and certification mechanisms.  
Intermediate adoption  
• Standard for dried seeds - nutmeg  
• Revision to the General Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50 -2004)  
7 new work items and 3 priority lists for [the safety] evaluation [of food additives, 
pesticides and veterinary drugs] approved of which of relevant to TBT:  
• Standard for small cardamom  
• Standard for turmeric  
• Group stand ard for spices in the form of dried fruits and berries (All spice, Juniper berry, 
Star anise and Vanilla)  
• Guidance on the prevention and control of food fraud  
• Labelling information provided through technology  G/TBT/GEN/325  
 
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  Further information on the above can be found i n the report of CAC44 and relevant subsidiary bodies.  
Codex and the pandemic  
CAC44 recommended that Rule XI (7) and (8) of the Procedural Manual continue to be interpreted 
in a manner that includes a virtual setting with respect to sessions of Codex Subsidiary Bodies. Thus, 
CAC and its subsidiary bodies will continue to meet in a virtual setting in 2022.  
60th Anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (1963 -2023)  
CAC44 agreed that the celebration of the Codex 60th Anniversary would be a wonderfu l occasion to 
raise awareness about food safety and quality and encouraged all Members and Observers to use 
the opportunity of the Codex 60th Anniversary to plan and implement activities to build awareness 
of Codex and to engage high level political suppor t for Codex work.  
Monitoring the use and impact of Codex standards  
In line with Goal 3 (Increase recognition and use of Codex Standards) of the Codex Strategic 
Plan 2020-2025 the Codex Secretariat in consultation with the FAO and WHO Evaluation Offices has 
initiated a project to identify, and in due course implement, an approach to monitor the use and 
impact of Codex Standards. Following the initial review and analysis phase, a proposal for a phased 
approach will be presented for consideration by  CCEXEC82.  
42nd Session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses 
(CCNFSDU42, 19 November - 1 December 2021)  
CCNFSDU42 finalised its work on the Guidelines for Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods for final adoption 
by CAC45. The Gui delines provide a clear definition for RUTF, conditions for its use, guidance on 
suitable raw materials and ingredients, the nutritional composition, labelling and safety 
requirements. In addition, CCNFSDU continued working on the review and revision of th e Standard 
for Follow -up Formula and principles for the establishment of nutrient reference values for labelling 
purposes for persons aged 6 – 36 months and will pilot the draft principles on certain nutrients 
(vitamin B12, iodine, vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin and vitamin C ). Work on the 
aforementioned is being undertaken by an electronic working group led by Ireland.  
The report of CCNFSDU42 can be downloaded from the Codex webpage . 
2  FORTHCOMING CODEX MEETINGS OF TBT  RELEVANCE (SEE THE CODEX WEBSITE FOR 
THE FULL MEETING CALENDAR)  
• 22nd Session of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV22, Virtual, 
25 April – 4 May 2022)  
• 32nd Session of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Europe (CCEURO32, TBD, 
16-22 May 2022)   
CCEURO will not discuss any standards however will discuss issues related to the use of 
Codex standards in the region  and other issues important to the region in all  Codex 
committees which may include also TBT related matters. More  information will become 
available on the Committee homepage.  
Regular updates on the status of work of these Committees are published on their dedicated 
webpages on the Codex website . For specific questions on the status of work in Codex committees 
of interest to TBT delegates please check the dedicated webpages or send an email to 
codex@fao.org . 
The Codex Secretariat in collaboration with host secretariats are continuing to convene working 
group meetings and webinars in advance of Codex subsidiary sessions to support delegations’ 
preparations and f acilitate discussions and consensus -building. Further information is available on 
the Committee webpages and the Codex calendar . 
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