The United Nations' food standards body, the Codex Alimentarius Commission, reports that it has adopted new food safety and quality standards.

Charged with protecting consumer health and ensuring fair practices in the food trade, the Codex Alimentarius Commission is a joint initiative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Here are brief descriptions of some of the standards adopted at the 46th session of the Commission:

Guide to the control of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in raw beef, fresh leafy vegetables, raw milk, and raw milk cheeses

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are foodborne pathogens that cause human diseases. They are associated with a variety of food products, with beef, dairy products, and leafy vegetables and sprouts at the top of the list.

These guidelines will assist risk managers and operators in the food sector in their efforts to reduce foodborne illnesses, providing science-based advice and practical guidance on controlling STEC in raw beef, raw milk, and raw milk cheeses.

Additional work on controlling STEC in fresh leafy vegetables and sprouts is under development.

Guide for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing

Water is a dwindling resource globally, and not all food producers and processors have access to safe water sources.

However, water is necessary in all areas of food production, from the field or farm to consumption. When contaminated, water can carry microbes that cause illnesses in consumers.

These guidelines provide advice on the types of water suitable for different food production and processing areas.

They offer guidance on a risk-based approach to ensuring a safe water supply, allowing producers, processors, and food handlers to reduce and manage hazards associated with water in food production.

Revisions to the standard for follow-up formulas (CXS 156-1986)

As part of the revisions to this text, the title has been changed from "Standard for Follow-Up Formula" to "Standard for Follow-Up Formula for Older Infants and Follow-On Formula."

This reflects the two distinct sections into which the Standard is now divided. Meticulous discussions have resulted in text that ensures, in the first part, that follow-up formula, when used, will support the growth and development of older infants aged between 6 and 12 months.

The second part of the text outlines the requirements for beverages or products for young children aged over 12 months and up to 3 years.

General standard for food additives: inclusion of provisions for trisodium citrate in plain fluid milk

Trisodium citrate is a stabilizer used in the processing of milk and, specifically, in ultra-high-temperature (UHT)-treated bovine milk in some countries.

It has been the subject of discussions within the Codex Committee on Food Additives for several years, with differing opinions on the technological justification for its use in bovine milk.

The adopted provision is restrictive in the use of trisodium citrate and imposes a numerical usage level that will limit its application to sterilized and UHT milk from the bovine species.