The 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission addressed all the topics on its agenda and covered three more topics as other businesses (e.g., high quality cassava flour and related products, cashew kernels, and food classifications based on the intensity of processing, so-called highly- or ultra-processed). CAC48 approved about eight hundred new or revised standards (including maximum levels for residues or for regulated substances), guidelines and recommended codes of practice. Areas covered ranged from spices and culinary herbs to pesticide residues, food additives and flavorings, contaminants (e.g., lead, aflatoxins), adapted cross-references to the labelling provisions of non-retail containers for several existing regional standards, a new international standard on fresh dates, as well as a new regional standard for Latin America and the Caribbean for Castilla lulo; new international Codex Guidelines for monitoring the stability and purity of reference materials and related stock solutions of pesticides during prolonged storage; new and revised Maximum residue limits (MRLs) for different combinations of pesticide/commodity(ies). CAC48 agreed to start new work on liquid pasteurized camel milk by the Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP), working by correspondence, under New Zealand lead. CAC48 decided to reactivate formally the Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP), working by correspondence, under the lead of Norway to work on laver products. CAC48 also agreed with the proposal of South Korea to host (and chair) the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV) from the USA which hosted it since 1964. CAC48 held intense discussions on new ‘food protein sources – food production systems’ (NFPS). CAC48 also adopted proposed amendments to its Procedural Manual resulting from the work of the Codex Committee on General Principle (CCGP) and proposals from the Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR), with a few more editorial amendments and corrections proposed by the Codex Secretariat. CAC48 approved the monitoring tool and its key indicators for an effective implementation of its Strategic Plan 2026-2031.1
See more information available about CAC48 working documents quoted in this article2, as well as in the official report of the CAC48 meeting.3 Codex standards, guidelines, codes of practices and related miscellaneous texts quoted in this article are readily and freely available.4
Approval of new or revised Codex Standards and related texts
CAC48 adopted all the provisions brought forward to its approval by the Codex Committees, including the Codex Regional Coordinating Committees. Several texts were subject to some discussions and, for only a few of them, some countries expressed some reservations. CAC48 adopted the inclusion of labelling provisions for non-retail containers in the Regional standards for the Near East for canned humus with tehena (CXS 257R), canned foul medames (CXS 258R), tehena (CXS 259R), harissa (red hot pepper paste) (CXS 308R); halwa tehenia (Near East) (CXS 309R), and date paste (CXS 314R); a new Regional standard for Latin America and the Caribbean for Castilla lulo; new international Codex Guidelines for monitoring the stability and purity of reference materials and related stock solutions of pesticides during prolonged storage; new and revised Maximum residue limits (MRLs) for different combinations of pesticide/commodity(ies) (see WFFR October 2025 issue); a revised Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts (CXC 55); two new MLs for lead in dried culinary herbs at 2.0 mg/kg (with the reservations of Egypt, India, and the Russian Federation) and in dried bark spices at 2.5 mg/kg (with the reservations of China, Egypt, India, and the Russian Federation); addition of the collection of existing “Nitrogen to protein conversion factors” in existing Codex texts, as an Annex to CXS 234 (with some amendments) (see WFRR July 2025 issue); various methods of analysis, performance criteria, sampling plan for provisions in Codex standards (with amendments) (see WFRR June 2025 issue); a large number of new or revised MLs for food additives in foods with corresponding amendments in several commodity standards as well as addition to compilation of specifications of identity and purity of food additives for inclusion in CXA 6 and of food additives functional classes and technological purposed for inclusion into CXA 6 and new ‘INS’ numbers allocated to food additives for inclusion into CXG 36 (see WFRR April 2025 issue); and a standard for fresh dates. On the latter, the European Union and its Member States (EUMS), plus Norway and Switzerland, expressed their reservations on the inclusion of a 1% tolerance for decay in the Extra class of fresh dates, by recalling that CAC41 had confirmed that such a tolerance might not be necessary depending on the nature of the product. These countries reaffirmed accordingly that an Extra class represented an exceptionally high quality and it should not be allowed any tolerance on the level of decay, and that would be in line with the provisions of the relevant UN/ ECE standards. Other codex Members expressed the view that the 1% tolerance for decay in the Extra class reflected current trading practices and had been used in other fresh fruit and vegetable standards similarly. Otherwise, the CAC48 expressed its broad support for the adoption of the standard for fresh dates acknowledging the nutritional, economic, and cultural importance of the commodity and emphasizing the value of harmonizing trade practices. The standard was recognized as scientifically sound and inclusive, reflecting longstanding trade traditions and relevant technical requirements. It was further noted that the standard would contribute to enhancing product quality, facilitate trade, and support sustainable agricultural development. CAC48 noted that the standard had been extensively discussed, and its finalization was a significant achievement. Also, in response to a suggestion to refer the matter of cold chain maintenance for fresh dates to the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH), the Codex Secretariat clarified that Section 6.2 (Packaging) of the standard required fresh dates to be packed in accordance with the Code of practice for packaging and transport of fresh fruits and vegetables (CXC 44), which included provisions for refrigerated transport. Furthermore, Section 10 (Hygiene) contained cross-references to the General principles of food hygiene (CXC 1), the Code of hygienic practice for fresh fruits and vegetables (CXC 53), and other relevant Codex texts. The Secretariat emphasized that the inclusion of such cross-references was a well-established practice in the development of Codex commodity standards and could be used to address this matter.5
Approval of amendments to existing Codex standards and related texts
Editorial amendments were made to the General standard for contaminants in food and feed (CXS 193) to remove an outdated content from Annex X about the scientific justification for the guideline levels for radionuclides in foods contaminated following a nuclear or radiological emergency; and the inclusion of the MLs for marine biotoxins contained in Section 5 of the Standard for live and raw bivalve molluscs (CXS 292) into CXS 193 and requested CCFFP to consider the removal of the MLs for marine biotoxins from that CXS 292 standard and replace them with a cross-reference to CXS 193 reinforcing that CXS 193 remained the single authoritative reference for the safety levels for contaminants in foods and feeds, as per the Codex Procedural Manual provisions (see WFRR July 2025 issue). CAC48 also noted corrections made to five Codex standards (CXS 199, CXS 234, CXS 322R, CXS 60 and CXS 236) and one Codex guidelines (CXG 98) and noted the ongoing alignment of published Codex texts with the FAO standards for official publishing.6
Approval of new work
CAC48 agreed to start new work on (a) a Regional standard (for Africa) for braised or boiled, salted and unsalted, dried fish; (b) two Regional standards (for North America and the South West Pacific) for galip nut (from Canarium indicum, also called “Pili nut”) and for breadfruit flour; (c) two standards for fresh turmeric and for fresh broccoli under the CCFFV; (d) substances for evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and a new work on proposed draft food additive provisions of the General standard for food additives (GSFA, CXS 192), as proposed by CCFA55; (e) the revision of the Codes of practice for weed control to prevent and reduce pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination in food and feed (CXC 74) and for the reduction of Aflatoxin B1 in raw materials and supplemental feeding stuffs for milk-producing animals (CXC 45); and a new Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of tropane alkaloids in food and feed; by CCCF; (f) the priority list of pesticides for evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) as proposed by CCPR56; (g) the conversion of the Regional standard (for Asia) for laver products (CXS 323R) into an international standard, under the remit of the reactivated CCFFP working by correspondence; (h) a standard for pasteurized liquid camel milk by reactivating the CCMMP, working by correspondence with the flexibility given to convene an EWG as appropriate, and by following the Section 2.6 of the Codex Procedural Manual on “Format for Codex commodity standards” and with cross-references to relevant Codex texts including, in due course, the guidelines on prevention and control of food fraud currently under development in CCFICS; and consulting CCMAS on the identification and/or development of methods of analysis to support the implementation of quality parameter provisions; and complete the work within no more than three sessions of CCMMP.7
On the proposal for new work for the development of guiding Principles for the Risk Analysis of New Food (Protein) Sources and Production Systems (NFPS), the European Union explained that such guidelines would help countries to develop national regulatory frameworks covering risk assessment, risk management and risk communication about NFPS and would mirror the goal and approaches set in the existing Codex Principles for the Risk Analysis of Foods Derived from Modern Biotechnology (CXG 44). CAC48 noted the interest in NFPS and highlighted the need for a review and further development of the new work proposal, in particular with regard to the scope and definition of NFPS and noted that a gap analysis should be first conducted on existing Codex texts and experiences of Members in this area should be sought to clearly identify the gaps in the risk analysis of NFPS and avoid duplication and inconsistencies. CAC48 requested the European Union to revise the new work proposal taking into consideration the comments made at CCEXEC89 and CAC48 and, in line with an inclusive approach, CAC48 requested the Codex Secretariat, upon receipt of the revised new work proposal, to issue a CL to seek comments from all Codex Members and Observers to facilitate the further consideration of the new work proposal. CAC48 further highlighted that consideration of the new work proposal should not delay consideration of other work on NFPS in other Codex subsidiary bodies (such as CCFA).8
Approval of amendments to the CAC Procedural Manual
CAC48 noted that the 30th edition of the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s Procedural Manual had been published in six official languages, and contained the updates adopted by CAC47 and several editorial changes made by the Codex Secretariat. CAC48 adopted the amendments forwarded by the CCGP34 and the CCPR56 for inclusion in the 31st edition of the Procedural Manual.9
CAC48 also noted the willingness of the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC) to monitor the implementation of the revised Section 2.1, Part 7 on the “Guide to the procedure for the amendment and revision of Codex standards and related texts”. CAC48 also requested CCGP to review and revise paragraph 23 (b)(ii) in Section 2 of the Codex Procedural Manual and review other sections as appropriate, in light of recent experiences and practices in reactivating committees that had been adjourned sine die to work by correspondence, in order to identify and address any other potential inconsistencies within the Procedural Manual. Finally, CAC48 expressed its appreciation to the outgoing chairperson of CCGP (Jean-Luc Angot) for his commitment, neutrality and achievements and looked forward to working with the incoming chairperson (Loïc Evain) (see also WFRR May 2025 issue).
CAC48 noted the revocation of existing maximum limits (for food additives by CCFA) or maximum residue limits (for pesticides residues by CCPR), or of specified methods of analysis for provisions in Codex standards (with amendments) by CCMAS, consequential to the adoption or the revision of other limits in the same food and food commodities, or of more recent methods of analysis.10
Discontinuation of on-going subsidiary work on Codex standards and related texts
CAC48 noted the discontinuation of work on draft and proposed draft maximum limits (for food additives by CCFA or for lead in dried culinary herb by CCCF) or maximum residue limits (for pesticides residues by CCPR), consequential to the adoption or the revision of other limits in the same food and food commodities or lack of justification for such uses. CAC48 also noted the discontinuation of the work on an ML for total aflatoxins (AFT) in ready-to-eat (RTE) peanuts, and its associated sampling plans as decided by the CCCF. In view of the concerns expressed by Members about discontinuing the work on an ML for AFT in RTE peanuts and associated sampling plan, CAC48 noted that CCCF had agreed on a definition for RTE peanuts, which would assist with future data collection and data processing and in differentiating data for RTE peanuts from data for peanuts for further processing (FFP) and requested Members to generate data on RTE peanuts, based on the implementation of the revised Codex Code of practice on the prevention and reduction of aflatoxins in peanuts (CXC 55) and submit the data to GEMS/Food to support a future consideration of MLs for aflatoxin in RTE peanuts.11
Initiative on a Joint Electronic Working Group between CCRVDF and CCPR and extensive discussion on the work of JMPR for CCPR
CAC48 agreed to establish a joint electronic working group (EWG) between CCRVDF and JMPR with the following terms of reference: (a) to review work already done cooperatively between the Codex Committees on Veterinary Drugs in Foods (CCRVDF) and on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) and identify, and if possible, prioritize areas of possible further collaboration between CCRVDF and CCPR and how it may be carried out (e.g. jointly, in parallel, etc.) to facilitate the consideration of compounds with dual uses by both committees and the possible harmonization of maximum residue limits (MRLs). This may include improved synchronization of work between CCPR and CCRVDF as well as collaboration between CCPR/CCRVDF and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meetings on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) and on veterinary drugs (JECFA); (b) to provide an update on their preliminary findings to CCRVDF and CCPR; (c) to develop a list of compounds with dual use as a pesticide and veterinary drug for which no or only one Codex MRL has been established and that member countries will provide the information to populate this list; (d) to identify dual-use compounds that have different Codex MRLs for a similar edible commodity of animal origin and recommend, on a case-by-case basis, a single harmonized MRL(s) for the compound(s) and affected commodity(ies). The EWG might recommend that CCRVDF/CCPR consider selecting the higher MRL value; and (e) to consider the matter related to harmonized food descriptors to be used by JECFA/JMPR.12
STRATEGIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION, BUDGETARY MATTERS, ELECTIONS, AND CHANGE IN HOST COUNTRY FOR THE CODEX COMMITTEE ON PROCESSED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (CCPFV)
Monitoring framework for the implementation of the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan
CAC48 approved key performance indicators for the implementation of its strategic plan, as a monitoring framework.13
Budgetary matters and temporary termination of the WHO-led Codex Trust Fund
CAC48 noted the Codex budgetary progress report for the 2024-2025 biennium, the budget proposal for the 2026-2027 biennium, and the additional budget requirements; endorsed the recommendations of CCEXEC89 and confirmed the work priorities for 2026-2027; thanked FAO and WHO for their contribution to Codex, including the allocation of FAO of USD 500 000 to the CAC budget; and, noting the discussions on any potential additional contribution of FAO to Codex work, encouraged Members to advocate in FAO Governing Bodies for these to be equitably allocated across the CAC scientific advice bodies; and, encouraged WHO to adequately fund scientific advice. The WHO Representative further informed CAC48 that due to recurrent financial challenges, FAO and WHO had decided to phase out Codex Trust Fund in 2026. It was also noted that the GEMS/Food database remained an unfunded priority for WHO, but, nevertheless, remained operational. CAC48 expressed regrets regarding the phasing-out of the CTF, highlighting the excellent progress that had been achieved under CTF and reiterated the encouragement to FAO and WHO to identify alternative mechanisms that enable the continuation of the much-needed capacity development; and reiterated the critical role of scientific advice provided by the Joint FAO/ WHO scientific advisory bodies to underpin the work of Codex.
Elections and Appointment of Coordinators
CAC48 reelected its Chairperson Mr Allan Azege-le (Kenya)and its vice-Chairpersons Mrs Jing Tian (China), Mr Khalid Alzahrani (Saudi Arabia), Mrs Betul Vazgecer (Türkiye), by general consent. CAC48 re-elected Morocco (for Africa), India (for Asia), Costa Rica (for Latin America and the Caribbean), Australia (for the South-West Pacific), and elected the Netherlands (for Europe), the United Arab Emirates (for the Near East), the United States of America (for North America), as members elected on geographical basis (hence, entitled to attend CCEXEC meeting in their own capacity but in the interest of their originating region). As per regional coordinators (i.e., countries hosting/chairing the ‘Codex’ (i.e., ‘FAO/WHO’) Regional Coordinating Committees (RCC)) and based on the nominations made by the various RCCs, CAC48 reappointed Japan (as host of CCASIA), the Sultanate of Oman (as host of CCNE) and appointed Gambia (as host of CCAFRICA) and the Cook Islands (as host for CCNASWP). Germany remains the current host of CCEURO and Uruguay the current host of CCLAC.
South Korea, new host country of the CCPFV
The USA informed CAC48 that, after serving for 61 years as the host country of CCPFV, it would conclude its tenure as host to allow another country to take the lead and emphasized its ongoing commitment to the committee’s work and its readiness to provide support to the new host through the sharing of knowledge and experience. The Republic of Korea expressed their willingness to assume the role of host country for CCPFV, which was welcomed by Codex Members. It was proposed to seize this opportunity for reviewing the terms of reference of the committee. It was further proposed that such a review could be conducted and presented at CAC49. CAC48 thanked the United States of America for over 60 years of support to CCP-FV and designated the Republic of Korea as the new host country for CCPFV; and CAC48 agreed to review the terms of reference of CCPFV at CAC49.14
OTHER DISCUSSIONS
Cashew kernels
Upon a comprehensive discussion paper and revised project document presented by India, CAC48 noted the ongoing interest of members of the CAC in this area of work but, given the recent designation of a new host for CCPFV, the transition period needed to the new host country (South Korea), and that there would be further consideration of the terms of reference of the CCPFV at the next session of the CAC (CAC49, July 2026), it would be premature to take any decision to change the status of the committee at CAC48, or decide on starting new work on cashew kernel at this time. CAC48 further recommended that a circular letter be issued to seek comments from all Codex Members and Observers, to facilitate consideration of the new work proposal by the CCEXEC90 and CAC49 (June/July 2026).
Proposed Standards for High Quality Cassava Flour, Yam Flour, Sweet Potato Flour
Upon proposals from Nigeria to develop Codex commodity standards for High Quality Cassava Flour, Yam Flour, Sweet Potato Flour, CAC48 noted the strong interest in this area of work. CAC48 also noted that the proposals from Nigeria had not undergone any review, including the critical review (by the CCEXEC), and that there was an existing Codex standard for edible cassava flour and hence the relationship between the proposed and existing standards needed to be further clarified. CAC48 noted the past CCEXEC recommendation to prefer adopting an horizontal approach for new commodity standards, and therefore that a further consideration was needed to possibly group the proposed standards for these commodity’s flours into one standard with specific annexes. CAC48 recommended to Nigeria and all the interested Members to review and update the proposal for new work, noting that this could then be submitted for review to the Codex Secretariat and written comments requested from all Members and Observers via a circular letter for consideration by CCEXEC90 and CAC49 (June/July 2026).
Classification of Foods according to their level of ‘processing’ (‘super-’, ‘highly-’, ‘ultra-’; ‘mega-’, g‘iga-’, etc., processed foods)
In advance to the meeting, IUFoSt submitted a discussion paper as CRD26. The 30-minute discussion was the last substantive point discussed during the CAC48 plenary. CAC48 noted the general interest in this area of work; the ongoing work of WHO on UPFs; the relevance of this issue to several Codex committees; and that, if interested, Codex members could prepare more detailed proposals for dedicated new work for future discussion in the relevant Codex Committees.
In his intervention, Pr Samuel Godefroy, President of IUFoST, highlighted the need for Codex to provide clear guidance on how discussions related to food classification(s), particularly on ultra-processed foods (UPFs), should be initiated within the Codex structure. Pr Godefroy cautioned that parallel terminology and processes developed outside a mandate of the CAC would have the potential to create inconsistencies in definitions, methodologies, and could have regulatory implications, ultimately increasing confusion among regulators, industry, and consumers. Pr Godefroy reiterated that food classification(s) was a cross-cutting issue, intersecting within the terms of reference of multiple Codex Committees (e.g., CCNFSDU, CCFA, CCFL, CCFICS), and therefore would warrant a CAC-level direction. Such direction provided by CAC would set the stage for continued discussion across the Codex system, and help ensure that (a) classification models are scientifically substantiated and methodologically sound; (b) approaches avoid misclassification or the stigmatization of safe and beneficial technologies; and, (c) dietary guidance does not rely on processing alone as the defining parameter. IUFoST also reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with any interested Codex Member and Observer organization, to support this important and evolving area of food regulatory science.15
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