Codex60 / Launch of new format for code of practice on lead at contaminants committee

In 2022 the Codex Secretariat began work on reviewing the formatting and layout of Codex texts to ensure consistency, to meet FAO and international publishing standards and to enhance readability. A digital object identifier has also been added to standards as they are published, providing a unique reference that can support tracking and citation of each text. The project is part of the Codex Secretariat’s contribution to the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

The Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Lead Contamination in Foods (CXC 56-2004) was the first text to undergo this process and on Wednesday 20 April 2023, during the current session of the Codex Committee in Contaminants in Foods, taking place in Utrecht, the text was presented to the team that led the work; the United States of America, Japan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Eileen Abt, United States of America, who chaired work on the text said: “The new lead Code of Practice format is terrific! It provides an attractive, easy to read document, and the ability to track use by Member Countries and stakeholders will provide valuable information on its application globally.”

“It is exciting to see the publication of this valuable code in a clear, accessible and easy to digest format,” said Craig Jones, United Kingdom. “It was an honour to serve as co-chair to help deliver this work alongside the USA and Japan.”

Learn more

Download the code of practice in English in the new format

Download French and Spanish versions (new format available soon)

Photo credit ©FAO/Codex

(l to r) Tetsuo Urushiyama (Japan), Lauren Robin, Elieen Abt (United States of America), Yukiko Yamada (Japan), Craig Jones (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).