Labeling committee to meet

The international committee drafts provisions on labeling of all foods, amends and endorses labeling standards made by other Codex committees, and studies specific labeling-related problems. The U.S. Department of Agriculture held a public hearing on March 19 to receive comments on agenda items to be considered by the committee. Issues to be considered include the following: • labeling provisions in draft Codex standards; • guidelines for organically produced foods; • recommendations for labeling of foods derived from certain genetic modification or techniques; • the general standard for labeling of prepackaged foods; • an amendment to the guidelines on nutrition labeling; • draft recommendations for use of health and nutrition claims;  • country-of-origin labeling; and • misleading claims.