ALINORM 03/26/1 - codex - BSN

REP12/CAC 39
274. It was clarified that the Codex Committee on Sugars was hosted by Colombia and it was noted that the
Procedural Manual on the web should be amended accordingly.
OTHER BUSINESS (Agenda Item 16)
Proposal for establishment of a subsidiary body of the Codex Alimentarius Commission 52
275. The Delegation of India referring to the proposal in CX/CAC 12/35/19 requested the Commission to
consider the establishment of a Codex Committee on spices, aromatic herbs and their formulations. The
Delegation pointed out that trade in these products, in particular spices, was increasing internationally; that
the main producers of spices were in developing countries and that due to the lack of harmonized standards,
these countries were increasingly finding it difficult to comply with the various existing standards, which
could create trade barriers. The Delegation noted that harmonization would unify classification of spices and
aromatic herbs and that such harmonization could take advantage of all other international standards
available in this regard. Furthermore this would also contribute to ensuring transparency, fair trade practices
and health of consumers worldwide, and lead to better consultation and cooperation among producing
countries. The Delegation pointed out that although spices were of plant origin that they were not classified
as fruit or vegetables and could not due to their nature be considered in either of the Codex committees for
fruit and vegetables. The Delegation further noted that spices and aromatic herbs were quite specific products
that might deserve tailor-made requirements that should be laid down in separate standards for different
spices and aromatic herbs.
276. Several countries, both producers and importers of spices, supported the proposal to establish a
Committee on Spices taking into account international trade in these commodities and their importance for
developing countries. However, several other delegations, while not opposed to work on spices, noted that
due to the short time for consideration of the proposal, more time was needed for consideration and analysis
of the proposal. These delegations also stressed that it was important for the scope to be more clearly
defined; that an analysis was needed on what could be addressed through the existing Committees and the
relations between the work of a new committee and other committees in Codex; and that consideration
should be given to the necessary human and economic resources if a new Committee was established, both as
regards participation of member countries and providing the secretariat.
277. Some of the delegations also pointed out that new work did not necessarily imply the need for a new
committee, but that consideration should be given to the establishment of a time-limited task force, which
was recommended by the first Codex Evaluation under Recommendation 16. Consideration could also be
given to the use of other mechanisms, in particular work by electronic means, such as was currently the case
for the work on panela. Also, consideration should be given to the development of horizontal standards in
line with the current approach of the Commission.
278. Noting the merits and general support for work on spices, but also that further analysis was needed, the
Commission agreed to request the Delegation of India to prepare a discussion paper for consideration at the
next session of the Commission, taking into account comments made at this Session, in particular the need to
better clarify the scope of work; an analysis of the gaps in terms of work in the Commission; and the
mechanism to undertake this work. Interested delegations were invited to provide their contribution to India
in the preparation of the paper. The Commission also agreed to ask the Coordinating Committees for their
views on the proposal for the establishment of a Committee on spices, aromatic herbs and their formulations.
The next session of the Commission would further consider the proposal based on the abovementioned
discussion paper as well as the views of the Coordinating Committees.
Celebrating the 50 th Anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission 53
279. The Chairperson introduced the Discussion Paper (CRD 25) and also recalled the discussions held on
this item at the 67 th session of the Executive Committee. He noted that the CCEXEC had supported the
celebrations to mark the 50 th Anniversary of the Commission and that the CCEXEC had established an
organising committee, on an informal basis, led by Vice-Chair Mrs Awilo Ochieng Pernet, and including
Representatives of the FAO and WHO and the Codex Secretariat, to identify priorities and time-lines and to
steer activities to be carried out in consultation with regional coordinators. The Chairperson then invited
Vice-Chair Mrs Awilo Ochieng Pernet to provide additional information on this item.
52 CX/CAC 12/35/19 Rev.
53 CAC35/CRD25.