Codex Adopts Major GSFA Additive Updates, Reviewing Over 500 Provisions to Strengthen Global Food Safety
15 November 2025, Rome: In one of the most sweeping revisions in recent years, the FAO-WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, during its 48th Session, adopted extensive updates to the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA, CXS 192-1995). More than 500 additive provisions were reviewed to ensure continued safety, technological justification, and international harmonisation in the use of additives across global food categories.
Key Changes in the GSFA
The review resulted in both revocations and additions:
- Revoked: Annatto extracts, bixin-based (INS 160b(i)) in fermented milks (plain).
- New Addition: Annatto extracts, norbixin-based (INS 160b(ii)) for canned or bottled pasteurised fruit.
- Under Review: The use of erythrosine (INS 127) in canned raspberries and strawberries remains pending.
This large-scale review reflects Codex’s continued commitment to ensuring that only safe, scientifically justified additives remain permitted globally.
Other Key Standards Adopted at Session 48
Lead Limits for Spices & Dried Herbs
Codex adopted maximum levels of 2.5 mg/kg for spices and dried bark and 2.0 mg/kg for dried culinary herbs, addressing serious risks associated with lead exposure.
Guidelines for Pesticide Reference Materials
New guidelines allow laboratories to monitor the stability of pesticide reference materials and extend their use beyond expiry where purity permits—reducing costs and ensuring reliable residue testing.
Updated Code of Practice for Aflatoxins in Peanuts
The aflatoxin CoP was revised with new harvesting maturity tables, feed considerations and recognition of roasting as a reduction step.
New Standard for Fresh Dates
A global standard now establishes internationally accepted quality parameters for fresh date trade.
Regional Standard for Castilla Lulo
A regional quality and safety standard for the Andean fruit Castilla lulo (Naranjilla) has been adopted.
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