Good progress on methods of analysis and sampling at first virtual meeting
The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) will be sending for final adoption by the next session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission a revision of the Codex Guidelines on Measurement Uncertainty (CXG 54 - 2004). Measurement uncertainty is part of the analytical process in food control of assessing whether food products meet relevant specifications. It enables results to be compared and is key to testing and decision making.
Factors that can affect measurements during testing include changes in temperature, pressure and humidity or even the judgment of the analyst. It is important to evaluate the uncertainty associated with a measurement result as the assumed “true value” of the quantity being measured is unknown and only a reference or a conventional “true value” exists.
The committee has also completed a major phase in the review of the methods of analysis listed in Codex Standard 234 by finalizing the dairy package which includes approved methods for measuring, for example, the total fat, water (moisture) and salt content in butter or the amount of calcium in Emmenthal cheese. Further progress was made on review of methods of analysis for fats and oils and CCMAS agreed to embark on the review of methods of analysis for a new package for fruits and vegetables.
The revision of the General Guidelines on Sampling (CXG 50-2004) will also be sent for adoption at Step 5 in the Codex process. The revised text focuses on principles of sampling and will provide simpler and more easily understandable guidance in particular for use by Codex commodity committees. To support implementation the revised Guidelines will be presented as an innovative package with step by step sampling plan design, an e-book and smartphone applications.
The Codex Secretariat team managing CCMAS was one of the first to react to the challenges of the COVID pandemic and quickly put into place a series of expert seminars to keep delegates aware of the progress made on topics in the step process when the session was originally postponed. It quickly became clear that many more countries would have the opportunity to participate in an online meeting than would ordinarily travel to Hungary. “We felt it really necessary to coordinate with the different experts in order to provide guidance on these technical topics for countries — some of whom we knew were taking part for the first time — in preparing for the meeting,” said Verna Carolissen. “We are pleased that countries reacted well to this and that the goals we set for the session have been met”.
The Chairperson of the committee Attila Nagy, Hungary, said: “I am extremely pleased we were able to reach consensus on measurement uncertainty, to step forward with sampling plans and to close the revision of methods related with dairy products”.
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Follow updates on the CCMAS41 meeting page for the final report and draft texts for adoption.
Photo credit © Gergely Vihar picturing Chairperson Attila Nagy