Discussions by correspondence on the proposed standard for pasteurized camel milk get under way

The newly reactivated Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP) has started its 11th session, with a single agenda item, with the aim of developing a standard for pasteurized liquid camel milk.

The session will be conducted by correspondence over a one-month period to 29 October 2026. Opening the Session, Jenny Bishop, Chairperson of the Committee said: “New Zealand is proud to host CCMMP, and we look forward to the session ahead.” She noted that this is new work that was approved by the 48th meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and that the expectation of the Commission is that the work will require no more than three sessions to be completed. She noted to Members, too, that “of critical importance to the integrity of this standard will be the data that it builds on, and it is important that the data is representative as possible for the global pasteurised liquid camel milk production. To this end we are reliant on the data that you can provide to assist with the finalisation of the standard.”

The CAC Chairperson, Allan Azegele, also delivered opening remarks, thanking the Government of New Zealand for hosting this Session and for its continued commitment to the work of Codex and to the advancement of international food standards. He commented that “this Session is particularly important as Members consider the single agenda item on the proposed draft standard for pasteurized liquid camel milk. Camel milk is an important source of nutrition and livelihoods in many arid and semi-arid regions, particularly across Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia. An internationally agreed Codex standard can contribute to protecting consumers, supporting product quality and safety, facilitating fair practices in trade, and creating greater opportunities for producers and value-chain actors.”

Explaining something of the procedures involved in working by correspondence, which is carried out on the Codex e-forum platform, the CCMMP Chairperson further explained: “I encourage delegates to post their interventions on an ongoing basis and to comment on each other’s contributions, as this will help maintain a constructive and efficient flow of discussion. Please note that the platform includes integrated translation functionality.” She also proposed that the report adoption take place as a virtual meeting on 28 October.