More than 30 standards were adopted by the Codes Alimentarius Commission (Codex) at its meeting this month. Established by the United Nations and World Health Organization, Codex develops global food standards. The new standards include guidance addressing acrylamide formation in potato products and the contamination of coffee by Ochratoxin A, a fungal toxin. The first guidelines for limiting polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in food preparation were adopted, as were criteria for salmonella and other bacteria in powdered follow-up formula for children six months or older. New parameters for microbiological and environmental monitoring of Listeria monocytogenes were adopted for ready-to-eat foods. In addition, regional standards were announced for ginseng products, fermented soybean paste and gochujang. New work projects include setting a maximum level for melamine in food and feed; establishing practices to control viruses in fresh produce, mulluscan shell fish and ready-to-eat foods; and establishing maximum levels for Fumonisins in maize and maize products.

Source: Codex