FNB News - CCFA56 / Food additives discussions under way on general standard, endorsement & alignment

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CCFA56 / Food additives discussions under way on general standard, endorsement & alignment

Saturday, 18 April, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]

Chongqing, China

The 56th session of the Codex Committee on Food Additives (CCFA) opened in Chongqing, China. The CCFA chairperson, Dr Fan Yongxiang, welcomed the more than 200 people from around 50 countries to the meeting as he introduced the guests of the opening ceremony, who included Li Mingzhu, commissioner of the Department of International Cooperation at the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China and Gong Guoqiang, deputy director of the Food Safety Department of the National Health Commission, People's Republic of China. Additionally, representatives of FAO and WHO, the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the Codex Secretariat were all welcomed at the top table.

Guoqiang, speaking on behalf of Dr Hongbing Shen, vice-minister of the National Health Commission, People's Republic of China, welcomed delegates to China. “Food safety is a major issue of common concern to all,” he said, remarking that it not only affects people’s physical health but also impacts on economic and social development of countries. “It is an important part of the global public health undertakings,” he continued, noting that in the strategic frameworks of both FAO and WHO, food safety is recognised as a key factor in the achievement of the sustainable development agenda. Underlining one of the main messages of his speech, the deputy director expressed China’s desire to work with members to “uphold a philosophy of openness, cooperation, mutual benefits and play an active part on global food safety governance.” By way of illustration, Guoqiang pointed out that since becoming the host of CCFA, China has worked closely with members and observers, leading to the review and adoption of over 5000 food additive provisions. “It is fair to say that the sessions of CCFA have become an important platform of exchange and learning on food additive management,” he said. He concluded by saying that “China is ready to work with all countries to explore a reasonable path, a balance of safety, development and efficiencies and jointly promote the building of more fair, inclusive, scientific and efficient global food safety governance system.”

Jing Tian, a colleague of Dr Fan in the China National Centre for Food Safety Risk Assessment, spoke in her role as vice-chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), and on behalf of the CAC chairperson and other vice-chairpersons. She thanked the Government of China for the excellent arrangements for this meeting, and also the Codex Secretariat for “providing robust technical arrangements for online participation,” in what is the first ever CCFA meeting to include virtual participation. Directly addressing the secretariat colleagues involved, she said, “you have ensured that the work of Codex remains inclusive, resilient, and accessible to members and observers around the world.” Noting the great significance of CCFA’s work for members, Tian also thanked the chairperson and his team for their “persistent efforts and your valuable contribution to the development of this critical food additive standards.”

In a video message, Codex secretary, Sarah Cahill, spoke of the work ahead for this week, which will include core discussions on the General standard for food additives (GSFA), alignment and endorsement. She also used the message to inform delegates about ongoing work by the Codex Secretariat to upgrade “existing databases and developing new tools to improve access to Codex standards and navigation of the Codex Alimentarius.” She also reserved special thanks for the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the scientific advice it provides to CCFA.

Speaking on behalf of the JECFA secretariats at FAO and WHO respectively Angeliki Vlachou and Kim Petersen also welcomed delegates to the CCFA meeting. Vlachou thanked delegates for their commitment to CCFA work, and noted that “agrifood systems are facing multiple and interconnected challenges, including disruptions to trade, supplying chain uncertainties, and evolving market dynamics. In this context, harmonised science-based standards go beyond ensuring food safety. They serve as a foundation for stability and predictability, facilitating international trade.” She also flagged the future work of the Committee, which will require attention to new technologies and novel foods. Petersen also referenced the future in his speech: “We can, we must, and with reduced resources, we will have to find new groundbreaking ways to rise higher than ever before to protect global food safety. The future before us is not written in ink, and the decisions we make together have the potential to resonate across generations.”

Speaking as a Codex Secretariat representative at the meeting, Food Standards Officer, Lingping Zhang, took to the podium to say that she is looking forward to the week’s work and to combining “solid technical discussions with open and constructive dialogue”.