The Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods is inviting member countries and observer organizations to participate in a working group to prepare a discussion paper and project document for new work on guidelines for the establishment of Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) or other residue limits of veterinary medicines in honey. The goal of the working group is to have several rounds of comments, with the final document to be circulated by the Codex Secretariat by the end of April 2013. Member countries and observer organizations interested in participating in the working group should provide the name(s), official title, and email address of their representative(s) to Dr. Jack Kay (j.kay@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk) by Oct. 15.
A working group of the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables on food additives associated with desiccated coconut, table olives, and certain processed fruits and vegetables is requesting any further comments on the Food Additive Provisions for Processed Fruits and Vegetables: Additional Provisions, said the Food Safety and Inspection Service. The provisions will be included in selected adopted standards and standards under development, prior to the upcoming session next month. Member countries and observer organizations interested in submitting comments should send them to the U.S. Secretariat for CCPFV (ccpfv@fsis.usda.gov) and USCodex@fsis.usda.gov), with a copy to the Codex Secretariat (codex@fao.org) by Sept. 30.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued emails Sept. 12 announcing changes to Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) electronic manuals. While some changes are minor, other changes may affect the admissibility of the plant products, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) extended the deadline for Member countries and observer organizations interested in joining the electronic Working Group on the revision of maximum levels for lead for various foods in the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed to Sept. 15, said the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Member countries and observer organizations interested in participating in this working group should provide the name(s), official title, and email address of their representative(s) directly to lauren.robin@fda.hhs.gov with a copy to the USCodex@fsis.usda.gov.
The Agricultural Marketing Service is asking for nominations for three producer and four industry representatives to the Peanut Standards Board, which advises the Secretary of Agriculture on quality and handling standards for domestically produced and imported peanuts. Nominations must be received by Oct. 12.