Dr. Scarbrough also reported Executive Committee recommendations that, going forward, the Codex nutrition committee (CCNFSDU) consider how it can contribute to the World Health Organization Global Strategy for Diet Exercise and Health, and that more study be undertaken on the role of nutrition in Codex and the relationship of Codex to other international bodies. Dr. Scarbrough also reported a serious Executive Committee discussion about a consultant’s report on the future of Codex. Several countries, Mexicoand Brazilamong them, desire clearer rules on the consensus process used by Codex to make decision. Some observers believe that the current consensus rules favor Europe and the USand marginalize the interests of developing countries. There is a movement to switch away from consensus to voting. The opponents of this move say it would create combative factions and politicize the Codex process.

The delegation meeting, attended by forty delegation members and observers, took place at the trendy Hotel 47 (www.fortysevenhotel.com) at 47 Via Petroselli, Rome, just one block away from Circus Maximus, the site of Rome’s contribution to Live 8 Roma (http://www.live8live.com/theconcerts/index.shtml), singer Bob Geldof’s effort to use global music performances to focus world attention on hunger and poverty in Africa. Several of the dietary supplement consumer group representatives attending the delegation meeting felt strongly that Codex could contribute most effectively to ending world hunger and poverty by adopting less restrictive vitamin and mineral guidelines. This issue will have to be debated after the Commission meeting. The meeting agenda and consensus process allows time only to adopt or delay the guidelines or send them back to committee with no serious discussion. The Executive Committee endorsement makes adoption of the vitamin and mineral guidelines all but inevitable.

James S. Turner, partner in Swankin and Turner, a 32 year old Washington DC law firm is a Private Sector Advisor to the US Codex Delegation on behalf of Citizens for Health and Citizens for Health supporter NOW Foods.