ADVANCING SCIENCE-BASED FOOD CLASSIFICATION: THE CASE FOR CODEX LEADERSHIP IN ADDRESSING THE “ULTRA-PROCESSED” DISCOURSE
10 November, Rome, Italy - The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) today submitted a Conference Room Document (CRD) to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) at the start of its 48th Session (CAC48) document reflecting IUFoST and interdisciplinary partners’ expert opinion on ADVANCING SCIENCE-BASED FOOD CLASSIFICATION: THE CASE FOR CODEX LEADERSHIP IN ADDRESSING THE “ULTRA-PROCESSED” DISCOURSE.
Representing IUFoST at CAC48, Professor Samuel Godefroy, President of IUFoST Intervened as follows:
"IUFoST respectfully seeks the inclusion of an item under Agenda 14 – Other Business to discuss how Codex could assume a leadership role in addressing the growing debate on food classification, particularly in relation to what has been termed “ultra-processed foods.
CRD 26, submitted by IUFoST, summarizes the issue and outlines our request. We view this as a cross-cutting matter, relevant to CCNFSDU on nutrition, CCFA on technological interventions, processing and additives, and CCFL on labelling and consumer information.
Considering that the current discourse on this issue is already having impacts on food trade and health policies, we respectfully advance that our proposal aligns directly with Goal 1 of the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, which calls upon Codex to be “proactive and responsive to emerging issues within its mandate.
We therefore respectfully invite the Commission to consider the inclusion of this item for discussion to seek guidance on the most appropriate mechanism to advance this discussion within Codex, if at all possible." (The CRD has been accepted and tabled for inclusion under Agenda Item 14.)
At the heart of IUFoST’s proposal is a request for the Codex Alimentarius Commission to provide clear guidance on how such discussions should be initiated within the Codex structure. The document suggests that Codex, supported by the scientific expertise of FAO and WHO, is uniquely positioned to lead this dialogue, ensuring coherence, transparency, and trust in international food standards.
“Codex is the legitimate global forum where health, agriculture, and trade intersect,” added Professor Godefroy “With food classification influencing so many policy domains, it is vital that Codex lead the way in establishing an evidence-based, harmonized approach that serves all Member States and reflects the diversity of modern food systems.”
The CRD warns that parallel processes or terminology developments outside the Codex framework - however well-intentioned - could lead to discrepancies in definitions, methodologies, and regulatory applications, increasing confusion among governments, stakeholders, and consumers.”
IUFoST encourages all countries to:
- Engage actively in Codex discussions to map a path forward for a structured discussions on food classifications, when they impact health and trade decisions.
- Encourage classifications referring to “ultra-processed foods” be addressed through a harmonized, evidence-based and transparent process, consistent with Codex principles.
IUFoST would like to thank all those associated with CAC48 in providing scientific guidance that underpins international food safety standards and supports public health worldwide.
*This Conference Room Document for was prepared by IUFoST with its multi-disciplinary partners in nutrition and related fields and with its expert disciplinary group, GForSS.
ABOUT IUFoST
The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) is the global non-aligned scientific organization representing more than 300,000 scientists, engineers and technologists from its work in more than 100 countries. IUFoST is a full scientific member of ISC (International Science Council), elected by its ISC peers as the union globally representing Food Science and Technology. IUFoST represents food science and technology to many international organizations, including UNIDO, the World Bank, International Academies of Science, regulatory agencies, industry and national science bodies. IUFoST organizes world food congresses, among many other activities, to stimulate the ongoing exchange of knowledge and to develop strategies in those scientific disciplines and technologies relating to the expansion, improvement, distribution and conservation of the world's food supply. It aims to harness and strengthen scientific understanding and expertise for the global good. IUFoST has regional and disciplinary groupings to fulfil its mission.
Contact: IUFoST General Secretariat at secretariat@iufost.org, www.iufost.org.
