Limits Set on Enterobacter Sakazakii Bacteria In Powdered Milk
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, created in 1963 by the United Nations and the World Health Organization to develop food standards, guidelines and related texts such as codes of practice under the Joint UN/WHO Food Standards Programme, has agreed to a new benchmark for powdered milk.
The new standard was adopted to reduce the risk of Enterobacter sakazakii, a bacteria that causes severe illness in babies and small children. The code sets maximum limits for the bacteria and provides guidelines on how to produce and handle prepared powdered formula.
All members of the Commission accepted the need for strict measures on this product, but some developing countries, led by Indonesia, inquired about possible alternative testing methods at lower cost.
Cuba pressed "for more scientific analysis of safe levels of bacteria, as well as a possible funding source for testing." The countries raised the possibility that the Codex Commission could provide more support for developing countries in meeting Codex standards, with the the UN and the WHO playing a greater role in capacity building.
As shown by their reservations with regard to standards that would require using costly production techniques, developing countries were concerned over potential implications for their export capacity and competitiveness.
Throughout discussion about standard adoption on June 30th, Commission members from various developing countries stressed the need for consumer safety - not only for exported goods, but also for products used domestically - while also voicing concerns with regard to resource constraints and difficulties they face in standard implementation.
Go here for a pretty good summary of the 31st annual meeting of the Commission.
