Methods of Analysis and Sampling
Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (Host Government - Hungary)
The Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) defines criteria for Codex methods of analysis and sampling and coordinates the work of Codex with other international groups working in methods of analysis and sampling and quality assurance systems for laboratories.CCMAS specifies reference methods of analysis and sampling for Codex Standards and considers and endorses methods of analysis and sampling proposed by Codex Committees, except those related to pesticide residues and veterinary drugs in food, the assessment of microbiological quality and safety in food and food additives. It also considers issues submitted to it by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and defines procedures, protocols and guidelines for quality assurance systems and assessment of proficiency for food laboratories.
Existing Codex Standards
Standards relating to methods of analysis and sampling* that have been endorsed and adopted into the international food code include:
- Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling
- Methods of Analysis and Sampling for Fruit Juices and Related Products.
Outcomes of the 32nd Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
The 32nd Commission adopted at Step 8, the:
- Guidelines for Settling Disputes on Analytical (test) Results
- Guidelines on Analytical Terminology and noted that the draft guidelines superseded the section on analytical terminology in the Procedural Manual and that they would be published as independent guidelines.
The Commission approved the discontinuation of work on the Draft Guidelines for Evaluating Acceptable Methods of Analysis.
Last Meeting
The Committee met for its 30th Session in Budapest, Hungry from 9–13 March 2009.
Matters for Adoption by the 32nd Session of the Commission
At the session the committee:
- advanced to Step 8 the Draft Guidelines for Settling Disputes on Analytical (Test) results
- advanced to Step 8 the Draft Guidelines on Analytical Terminology
- endorsed or updated the status of several methods of analysis in Codex Standards
- agreed to propose a consequential amendment to the Working Instructions for the Implementation of the Criteria Approach in Codex in the Procedural Manual
- agreed to discontinue work on the Draft Guidelines for Evaluation Acceptable Methods of Analysis.
Other Matters of Interest
The Committee:
- agreed to return to Step 2/3 the Proposed Draft Guidelines on Criteria for Methods for the Detection and Identification of Foods Derived from Biotechnology
- agreed to return to Step 2/3 the Proposed Draft Revised Guidelines on Measurement Uncertainty
- agreed to consider further at its next session guidance on uncertainty of sampling and the methods of analysis for natural waters.
Download the report from this meeting
Next Meeting
The 31st Session of the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling will be held in Hungary, March 2010.
Download the agenda for this meeting