Codex maximum level (ML) defined standards limits for Cd, Pb and Hg in fish. It is worth to find the permissible limits for other metals and metallic elements too. (As, Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn)
New UN food safety and quality standards to protect consumers
Codex Alimentarius approved new hygiene standards and maximum allowable concentrations of carcinogens in food products
WHO/FAO joint news release
8 JULY 2013 | RIM - The International Food Standards Body Codex Alimentarius has approved new standards for fruits, vegetables, fish and fish products, as well as animal feed, to protect the health of consumers around the world.
Other measures taken by the Codex include regulations to prevent and reduce the carcinogenic substance ochratoxin A in cocoa and guidelines to prevent microbiological contamination of berries, as well as requirements for the use of 'no sodium salt addition' labelling, including 'no salt addition', on food packaging to help consumers maintain a healthy diet.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and WHO, develops common international food standards and guidelines, norms and regulations to protect consumer health and ensure compliance with food trade rules.
This year, Codex celebrated its 50th anniversary. The Commission meeting was attended by 620 delegates from 128 member states and one member organization, one observer state and 41 international governmental and non-governmental organizations, including UN agencies.
Maximum levels of contaminants
Foods may contain heavy metals, fungal toxins or bacteria and viruses. One of the most important activities of the Code is to establish safe levels of contaminants in food.
This year, the Commission adopted two important regulations: preventing the introduction and reducing the carcinogenic substance ochratoxin A in cocoa and hydrocyanic acid in cassava. Both products are important food commodities in developing countries.
Fresh berries are part of a healthy diet, but they are easily microbiologically contaminated and associated with certain outbreaks of alimentary diseases caused by viruses (Hepatitis A and Norovirus), bacteria (E.coli) and protozoa.
The new Code provides guidance to producers and consumers on preventing contamination and reducing the risk of disease.
Fair trade in food products and consumer health protection
The Commission has adopted a number of food standards designed to protect consumers from fraud and ensure fair practices in the trade in food products: fresh and canned fruits and vegetables (e.g. avocado, chanterelle mushrooms, pomegranates, table olives, date paste, tempera) and fish and fish products (smoked fish, sea ears). The standards will help buyers and sellers to enter into contracts based on Codex recommendations and to ensure that consumers are provided with adequate quality food.
The Commission also approved references to the nutritional value of sodium salt and saturated fatty acids, nutrients associated with non-communicable diseases, to be included in the Nutritional Labelling Guidelines. These efforts should promote healthy eating practices and address the increase in non-communicable diseases related to unhealthy diets.
The Commission also adopted and revised the infant and young child formula guidelines to ensure healthy nutrition for this vulnerable group.
This year, the Commission again adopted hundreds of standards on maximum allowable concentrations of pesticide residues, veterinary drugs and nutritional supplements.
Guidelines for Food and Animal Feed Control
As animal feed can cause contamination of eggs, meat and milk, the Commission has adopted guidelines to help countries check animal feed and assess the risk of contamination. To help countries implement food quality control, the Commission approved guidelines for National Food Control Systems.
Looking to the future
In view of the importance of maintaining trade and the need to harmonize national spice standards, the Commission approved the establishment of a Code Committee on Spices and Cooking Herbs to be hosted by India.
The Commission endorsed the Strategic Plan 2014-2019, which would define a work plan to protect consumers' health and ensure fair practices in food trade over the next five years.
For more information, please contact us:
Mr Gregory Härtl
Tel.:+41 22 791 4458
Mobile phone: +41 79 203 6715
E-mail: [email protected]
https://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2013/codex_alimentarius_20130708/ru/
Toxic heavy metals in aquatic lives like fish harvested from marine environment have limits, check WHO 1985 and any other more recent version
very useful paper for you Heavy metal concentrations in some commercially important fishes and their contribution to heavy metals exposure in Palestinian people of Gaza Strip (Palestine
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