IDF is attending the 45th session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) in Budapest, Hungary, as an observer. The IDF delegation — Philippe Trossat (Chair, IDF Methods Standards Steering Group), Richard Johnson (Chair, Standing Committee on Analytical Methods for Composition), Aurélie Dubois and Kadja Cissé (IDF Head Office) is contributing as technical advisor to the development of international standards for milk and milk products in Codex.

Since 1963, IDF has served as the reference for Codex in establishing food standards for the international trade of milk and milk products.

The Committee’s primary objective is to recommend internationally harmonized methods that verify compliance with Codex commodity standards. For example, the CXS 234 standard includes around 60 joint IDF/ISO methods of analysis and sampling for milk and milk products.

Topics of particular relevance for the dairy sector under discussion this week include challenges related to methods of analysis for precautionary allergen labelling and the ongoing review of sampling plans in CXS 234.