Codex Committee Discussions Held at CAC48 Cover Key Fishery Initiatives – Food Safety Magazine

Report on the 48th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) and its Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Aligning Global Food Standards with Sustainable Development

The 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48), convened from November 10–14, 2025, focused on advancing international food standards. The discussions and adoptions directly support the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, food security, and sustainable resource management.

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By establishing standards for products like fresh dates and dried fish, the Commission works to ensure food quality and safety, which is fundamental to achieving food security.
• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The setting of maximum levels for contaminants such as lead and marine biotoxins directly protects consumer health.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Developing standards for fish, seaweed, and other aquatic products promotes the sustainable use of marine resources.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The collaborative work of various Codex committees exemplifies the global partnership required to achieve these goals.

Advancements in Fish and Fishery Products: Supporting SDG 14 and SDG 2

The Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP) reported progress on several initiatives crucial for the sustainable management of aquatic resources and enhancing food security.

1. Global Standard for Laver Products: The committee is advancing the conversion of the Regional Standard for Laver Products into a worldwide standard, promoting the safe trade and consumption of seaweed and contributing to both SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by diversifying food sources.
2. New Work on Aquatic Species: Consideration is being given to developing new standards for other seaweed and aquatic species, further supporting sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
3. Review of Marine Biotoxins: Provisions for marine biotoxins are under review to protect public health (SDG 3) and ensure the safety of marine-based food products.
4. Standard Updates: Existing standards for fisheries and aquaculture products are being updated to align with current Codex texts, ensuring accuracy and relevance.

Enhancing Food Safety and Quality Assurance: Contributions to SDG 3 and SDG 12

Several committees introduced updates aimed at strengthening the analytical and regulatory frameworks that underpin food safety, directly contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

• Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS):
  • The Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CXS 234-1999) were revised, including corrections for quick-frozen fish products.
  • Outdated methods were revoked, while essential methods, such as for salt saturation in salted fish of the Gadidae family, were retained to ensure continued product safety and quality.
• Food Additives (CCFA):
  • A discussion was held regarding the need for guidance on the use of the processing aid 4‑hexylresorcinol in quick-frozen crustaceans.
  • This issue was referred to the CCFFP, demonstrating inter-committee collaboration (SDG 17) to address specific food safety concerns.

Mitigating Contaminants in the Food Supply: A Focus on SDG 3

The Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) made significant amendments to consolidate and update standards for contaminants, reinforcing the protection of global public health.

1. Radionuclide Guideline Levels: The General Standard for Contaminants in Food and Feed (CXS 193-1995) was amended to remove outdated scientific justifications related to radionuclide levels in foods following emergencies, ensuring the standard reflects current scientific understanding.
2. Consolidation of Marine Biotoxin Levels: Maximum levels (MLs) for marine biotoxins from the Standard for Live and Raw Bivalve Mollusks (CXS 292-2008) were incorporated into CXS 193-1995. This action establishes a single, authoritative reference for contaminant safety levels, simplifying compliance and strengthening consumer protection in line with SDG 3.

Regional Initiatives for Food Security: Promoting SDG 2 in Africa

A key proposal highlighted the Commission’s focus on regional needs to bolster food security and nutrition, directly addressing SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

• The Regional Committee for Africa (CCAfrica) submitted a new proposal for the development of a regional standard for boiled, salted, and unsalted dried fish. This initiative aims to ensure the safety and quality of a vital food source for the region, thereby enhancing food security and supporting local economies.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The article’s focus on international food safety standards directly supports the goal of ensuring access to safe and nutritious food. The work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in setting standards for contaminants, additives, and product quality is fundamental to food security, which is a cornerstone of SDG 2.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

By establishing and updating standards to limit harmful substances in food, the activities described in the article contribute directly to protecting human health. The regulation of contaminants like lead, marine biotoxins, and radionuclides helps prevent foodborne illnesses and reduces health risks associated with contaminated food.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article discusses the establishment of standards for food products and methods of analysis. These standards promote responsible production practices by ensuring food safety and quality, which can help reduce food losses that occur due to contamination and spoilage.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to standards for fish and fishery products, including seaweed, mollusks, and crustaceans. Developing and updating these standards supports the sustainable management of marine resources by ensuring the safety and quality of products derived from fisheries and aquaculture.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article describes the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a global body formed by the FAO and WHO. This commission and its various committees (e.g., CCFFP, CCCF, CCAfrica) represent a multi-stakeholder partnership working collaboratively to create global standards, share expertise, and enhance food safety worldwide.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

1. Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
   • The article highlights the adoption of “new and updated standards” and the development of “international food safety standards.” This work is crucial for ensuring the “safe” component of this target. The creation of standards for staple foods like dates and dried fish, particularly the regional standard for Africa, directly addresses food safety for various populations.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

1. Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
   • The article explicitly mentions the adoption of “new maximum levels for lead in cinnamon and dried herbs” and the inclusion of “maximum levels (MLs) for marine biotoxins.” Lead is a hazardous chemical, and marine biotoxins are a form of contamination. By setting these limits, Codex directly works to reduce illnesses from these sources.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

1. Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle… and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
   • The work of the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) on the “General Standard for Contaminants in Food and Feed (CXS 193-1995)” and the regulation of substances like radionuclides and marine biotoxins are directly related to managing chemical and biological contaminants within the food production system to protect human health.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

1. Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans…
   • The article details the work of the “Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP)” in “updating standards for fisheries and aquaculture products.” Establishing clear, science-based standards for products like laver (seaweed), quick-frozen fish, and bivalve mollusks is a foundational step in regulating the industry and promoting sustainable practices.
2. Target 14.7: By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.
   • The “new proposal… submitted by the Regional Committee for Africa (CCAfrica) for the development of a regional standard for boiled, salted, and unsalted dried fish” is a direct effort to support a region with many least developed countries in managing and trading their marine resources more effectively and safely.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

1. Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources…
   • The entire article is a testament to this target in action. The “48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48)” itself is a global partnership event. The collaboration mentioned, such as the “Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products (CCFFP)” examining an issue to “provide feedback to CCFA [Codex Committee on Food Additives],” exemplifies the sharing of knowledge and expertise among different bodies to achieve common goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Implied Indicator: The development and adoption of new international food standards. The article mentions the adoption of a “new international standard for fresh dates” and the proposal for a “regional standard for… dried fish,” which serve as concrete measures of progress in making more food types safe for trade and consumption.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Mentioned Indicator: The establishment of maximum levels (MLs) for contaminants in food. The article explicitly states the adoption of “new maximum levels for lead” and the inclusion of “maximum levels (MLs) for marine biotoxins” in the General Standard for Contaminants. These MLs are quantifiable metrics used to protect public health.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• Implied Indicator: The review and updating of general standards for contaminants. The article notes that the “General Standard for Contaminants in Food and Feed (CXS 193-1995)” was amended to “remove outdated content” and to become the “single, authoritative reference for the safety levels for contaminants.” This continuous improvement of standards is an indicator of progress in managing contaminants.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Implied Indicator: The creation and conversion of standards for marine products. The initiative to convert the “Regional Standard for Laver Products (Asia) into a worldwide standard” and the development of a new “regional standard for… dried fish” in Africa are specific, measurable actions toward better regulation and management of marine resources.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Mentioned Indicator: The convening of international commissions and inter-committee collaboration. The holding of the “48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission” is a direct indicator of the global partnership’s activity. Furthermore, the specific interaction where “CCFFP will examine the issue and provide feedback to CCFA” is a qualitative indicator of effective collaboration within this partnership.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.

Source: food-safety.com