The U.S. Department of Agriculture's U.S. Codex Office has initiated its annual call for public comments on the international standard-setting activities of the Codex Alimentarius. This notice, published in the Federal Register, serves as a crucial mechanism for transparency and public engagement in processes that directly influence the safety and fairness of global food trade. Covering activities from May 27, 2025, through June 1, 2026, the USDA seeks input on standards currently under consideration and recommendations for new ones.
Mandate for Transparency: The Uruguay Round Agreements Act
This public notification stems from federal law, specifically Section 491 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as amended by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA). The URAA, signed into law by the President on December 8, 1994, established the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its foundational agreements. A key component of these agreements is the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, or the SPS Agreement, which acknowledges the importance of international standards in preventing unnecessary trade barriers while protecting human, animal, and plant health. To uphold the principles of the SPS Agreement and ensure public awareness, the URAA mandates that the President designate an agency to inform the public of SPS standard-setting activities of key international organizations. Pursuant to Proclamation No. 6780 of March 23, 1995, President Trump designated the U.S. Department of Agriculture for this responsibility. The Secretary of Agriculture has further delegated this duty to the U.S. Codex Office, housed within the Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Mission Area.
The Role of Codex Alimentarius
Codex Alimentarius, or "Food Code," was established in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. It stands as the principal international organization for establishing food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. Its primary objectives are threefold: protecting the health of consumers, ensuring fair practices in the food trade, and promoting coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations. These standards cover a vast array of areas, including food hygiene, food additives, contaminants, pesticides, labeling, and inspection and certification systems. The work of Codex provides a globally recognized benchmark for food safety and quality.
United States Engagement and Coordination
The United States plays an active role in Codex activities, with its efforts coordinated by multiple federal agencies. Beyond the USDA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce (DOC), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) all contribute to U.S. positions and participation. The U.S. Codex Office, acting as the central hub, annually publishes this notice to inform the public and solicit feedback.
Mechanism for Public Participation
The current notice outlines several avenues for public engagement. Interested parties can submit comments through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal (regulations.gov), by mail, or via hand- or courier-delivered submittals. All submissions must include the agency name (USCO) and the docket number USDA-2026-0166. The U.S. Codex Office emphasizes that comments received will be publicly available online. The U.S. delegate, in collaboration with the responsible agencies, will consider these public comments when formulating the U.S. position in Codex deliberations and when proposing new matters for consideration by Codex committees. The Office also maintains a list of interested individuals and organizations to disseminate information regarding U.S. delegation activities, including agenda item status, U.S. preliminary positions, and planning meeting schedules.
Scope of Activities and Future Implications
Attachment 1, not provided in this Federal Register entry but referenced, contains detailed information on specific SPS standards under consideration or planned for consideration by Codex committees. For each standard, it specifies a description of the consideration, whether the United States plans to participate, the U.S. agenda, and the responsible U.S. agency. This structured approach ensures accountability and transparency in the U.S. government's international engagement. The call for comments and recommendations for new standards underscores the dynamic nature of food safety and trade, requiring continuous adaptation to scientific advancements, emerging risks, and evolving global markets. The period covered, May 27, 2025, to June 1, 2026, highlights the ongoing work and the importance of timely public input to shape future international food policy.
