LATEST DESICION ON FOOD ALIMENTARY

[maria angelica sassone]

Protecting public health is one of the main commitments of the Codex Alimentarius food standards setting . The result of this work, representatives from 130 countries have recently adopted new guidelines to improve food security. One of the most important has been the establishment of new maximum levels of melamine (1 mg / kg for milk powder for infants and 2.5 mg / kg feed) . This measure coincides with the detection of dairy products in China contaminated with this substance, two years after the last food alert detected in that country. Plants, aflatoxin and seafood have also focused much of the attention of the Codex Alimentarius Commission .

- Image : Zsuzsanna Kilian -

Melamine is a chemical used to make plastic kitchen utensils and other applications. In 2008, a jump in China food alert derived from the detection of the substance in contaminated baby milk products. The result of the concern which then generated the incident, the authorities responsible for food safety work began to analyze causes and safe levels. As part of this monitoring activity , the Codex Alimentarius Commission has just adopted new ceilings to help countries to distinguish safe levels . Although this measure is not binding from a legal standpoint , it can help control the presence of this substance food.

In April 2010 , in response to concerns generated by the cases of melamine poisoning in China, from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA ) adopted a 60 % reduction in the presence of the substance in food . Although experts believe that the exposure of humans through the food is below what is considered safe , they recognize that they must take into account other sources of exposure, such as utensils, cups and plates.

A global control

The points discussed during the meeting held in Geneva include foods such as :

• Vegetables. The measures in this area have focused on the phases of production and the cultivation , storage , distribution and marketing. The way in which these foods are handled throughout the food chain directly influences to prevent contamination by pathogens such as salmonella, E.coli and hepatitis A. Water also plays an important role and should ensure that the irrigation is potable.
• Shellfish. One of the specific advice, as established by the World Health Organization (WHO ), is to control bacteria in seafoodAnd more so considering that in recent years have seen an increase in outbreaks of food poisoning caused by Vibrio, associated with consumption of this product , especially oysters raw.
• Aflatoxins in nuts. The Codex Alimentarius Commission has set a maximum level of 10 micrograms per kilo for Brazil nuts, shelled and ready to eat , and 15 migrogramos / kilo for walnuts . In addition to these limits , experts have adopted a code of good practices to prevent this contamination.
• Analysis. The food control should be based on the realization of analysis to identify which technique has been applied to foods ( such as biotechnology , an area that receives special attention because of its powerful) and potential allergens containing foods such as fish.

Risk assessment

Decisions taken in food safety the Codex Alimentarius are not alone . The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA, in the acronym ), in particular the Assessment Methodology Unit , has launched a guide for decision making in this area. The tool, aimed at those responsible for managing risk, provides the next steps to respond to global food security . Through these reviews, is expected to assess the risk of certain substances and foods such as flavorings used in food processing . It is important to identify the font used and the manufacturing process and to assess dietary exposure and toxicology data .

The EFSA has a database designed to provide support in scientific risk assessment , with extensive information on the various fields of science and experts such as food security , nutrition , toxicology , chemistry and welfare animal.

Objective : consumer protection

The Codex Alimentarius includes standards for general and specific aspects of food safety. Created by the United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture (FAO ) and World Health Organization (WHO) in the 60's, aims to harmonize the various regulations governing the control of food around the world . From consumers to producers, the range of choices is extensive. Although the implementation of standards is not mandatory, Codex makers bet on a general acceptance by various countries to unify the various international food standards. The Codex act more decisively in the food trade , but does not disparage other issues such as labeling , hygiene , contaminants , additives or veterinary drug residues