About the Global Sustainable Development

The objectives of sustainable development are closely related to our lives, including ending poverty, reducing food waste, and so on; these are all closely related to "people".

The most intuitive connection to sustainability is the environment and ecology. The goal is the protection of the natural environment, such as climate action, conservation of marine ecology, and the reform of the consumption pattern for human beings.

Encourage people to reconsider the sustainability of natural resources.

At the 70th anniversary of the United Nations in 2015, the document "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" was released as a guide for action, focusing on people, the earth, prosperity, peace, partnership and other key connections. The document aims to ensure that by 2030, the world will be united to eliminate poverty and hunger, to achieve dignity, justice, and tolerance in a peaceful society, to protect the Earth's environment, to develop human well-being, and to ensure that present and future generations can live in a peaceful and prosperous world. The sustainable development concept is firmly integrated into all European treaties and has been a core value of European policy for years. The U.N. General Assembly adopted the Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, bringing a global impact to promote sustainable development. The E.U. is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the SDGs are optimized.

From the perspective of integration and diversity, the SDGs outline the overall development of the world from a diversified perspective, with the possibility of interweaving and convergence in various fields, to cover three major aspects of sustainable development more explicitly: (1) economic growth, (2) social progress, and (3) environmental protection. There is a great change in the way the society considers itself, not only in economic aspects but also in environmental and social aspects. It is not only governments and corporations that need to take responsibility for this change, but global citizens can also transform the entire society through their consumption, communication, and actions.

Global stricter requirements

The European Union has been considering sustainable development as a key objective for policy making over the years. In 2001, the E.U. adopted the European Union Sustainable Development Strategy (EU SDS), based on the E.U. Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs). The E.U. had already integrated the sustainable development element into its regional development policies in the 1990s, resulting in the adoption of the E.U. Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs) in 2000 and the Europe 2020 strategy in 2011. In April 2020, the European Commission proposed the "E.U. Recovery Plan" to ensure that the European Green Deal guides all major investments in the future. By 2050, the transport sector will be required to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. It will also promote the transition to low-carbon fuels and low-carbon vehicles, such as electric vehicles, by providing economic (price) incentives and building infrastructure. Particular measures include: stopping the fossil fuel subsidies and adding the external environmental costs to the transportation costs in order to achieve the vision of sustainable mobility.

In terms of policy and implementation of sustainable development, the E.U. has been planning for this since the 1990s. In 2000, it followed the MDGs to publish two major sustainable development policies, EU SDS and Europe 2020, and issued multi-directional communication and working papers. The E.U. has been working with 28 members and their peripheral organizations to implement these policies, and the results are now visible. It is now well on track to move to the next phase: the 2030 Agenda.

The European Sustainable Development Network (ESDN) has published its 45th quarterly report, "The Role of European Parliaments in the Implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs" in July 2017. The report examines the current status of implementation of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs in 10 European national legislatures.

Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, ESDN is an organization founded by government officials and sustainability experts from eight European countries. The objective of ESDN is to assist European countries in developing their sustainability strategies. Founded in 2002, ESDN was originally an annual sustainability conference held in European countries before being expanded into a permanent networking organization. In 2006, ESDN established the Steering Group (currently composed of seven countries) and the ESDN Office (a permanent executive body) in order to accelerate sustainable development in Europe. In May 2006, ESDN started releasing a quarterly report.

The European Commission has set up the Multi-Stakeholder Platform to create more communication opportunities with the European Parliament and more stakeholders.

The Finnish government completed a full government report in March 2017, which describes all sustainable practices conducted by the legislative branch. People could look at the government's annual report and see the SDGs' implementation status and progress made by the responsible units. Since 2004, the Bundestag has responded to implement the SDGs. In February 2014, the Bundestag established the Parliamentary Advisory Council on Sustainable Development to discuss SDG-related issues. In Greece, the General Secretariat of the Greek Government (GSG) promised in December 2016 to unify the executive and legislative powers to implement the SDGs; the GSG is the highest body in Greece to implement the SDGs. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs began setting up a group to work on the SDGs in 2013, which was transformed into the Standing Sub-Committee on Implementation of the 2030 Agenda in September 2015. This committee hopes to improve the performance and to guide people and policy-making towards the SDGs.

ABOUT THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS

The Codex Alimentarius, also known as "Food Code", is a collection of international standards, guidelines and operating specifications, designed to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair standards in the food trade, In addition, we are responsible to coordinate all the work related to the food standards formulation. This code is applicable to all countries in the world, and it has been affirmed and recognized in the food safety inspection and animal and plant quarantine measures agreement, and has become an international reference standard.

 

CODEX was established in 1963 by the FAO and WHO. It is a collection of international standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. It also helps coordinate the food standards work between intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations so that consumers can trust the safety and quality of the products they buy and importers can have confidence that the food they order will meet the specifications.

CAC currently has 165 member countries, representing approximately 98% of the world's population. The WTO requires that the Codex Alimentarius is a code of food standard for all nations. These standards and regulations are important to guide countries in establishing food standard systems, reducing non-tariff barriers, and resolving trade disputes. CODEX has become the only and most important fundamental reference for consumers, food manufacturers, food regulatory authorities and international trade in food worldwide. The Codex covers food product standards, biotechnology specifications, pesticide evaluation, pesticide residue levels, contaminant guidelines, evaluation of food additives, evaluation of animal drugs and so on.

FAO’s work in support of Codex

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (French: L'Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'Alimentation et l'Agriculture, abbreviated as ONUAA), known as FAO, is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. The Commission, also known as CAC, was established in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) under their Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. It is used to develop food standards, codes and documents, such as implementation standards. The programme's main objectives are to protect the health of consumers, ensure fair practices in the food trade, and harmonize all the food standards work among organizations and non-governmental organizations.

A.A. has always referred to various international standard food regulations during our selection process. Naturally, this also includes The Codex Alimentarius. We regularly update our database in keeping with the most recent changes in the Code.

In addition to the Codex Alimentarius, the FAO and WHO have collaborated to support the Codex Alimentarius and provide scientific advice on food safety, which is also included in the A.A. considerations and codes.

The Consensus between A.A. and the Codex Alimentarius

A.A. has been strictly applied to the fundamental elements in global food safety governance to ensure food safety for consumers.

These include the scope and usage of food additives, food labeling, and pesticides and veterinary drugs residues. A.A. is committed to protecting everyone's health with a more professional and careful attitude.

We believe that as everyone's health consciousness grows deeper and deeper, people will realize that raw, simple, anti-additive food is pure and that it is what the body needs.

By awakening to the original need with every power gathered in the present moment. No more desires or unnecessary burdens.Only by returning to the purest lifestyle can we bring the world a better future.

Click here to view the latest version of the Codex Alimentarius Standard.

 

THE WATER THAT BEARS THE BOAT IS THE SAME THAT SWALLOWS IT. FOR A LONG TIME, THE SAME CAN BE SAID OF THE FOOD WE RELY ON FOR SUSTENANCE.

Progress in science and technology has brought many conveniences and innovative breakthroughs to modern society, which should have greatly improved the quality of people’s lives. However, some products developed in our contemporary society were created using the double-edged characteristics of technology. This had the unfortunate result of running counter to the idea of benefiting human society.

 

FOOD IS THE MOST INDISPENSABLE ELEMENT IN THE LONG HISTORY OF MANKIND.

As early as the 18th century, artificial additives were developed that could prolong the expiration date of food as well as enhance taste and flavor. Without doubt, the use of additives has saved us a lot of trouble to a certain extent while also creating unforeseen business opportunities that have contributed to economic development.

To say that humans have never considered the safety of food additives is indeed a bit self-delusional. However, the most serious problem is that people are knowingly attuned to it - or are so busy that they have no time - and choose to ignore the perils of additives in their food. With the long-term unconscious consumption of excessive and unhealthy chemical additives, it is inevitable that we lose the original taste of food and damage our physical and mental health due to excessive accumulated dosage in our bodies.

THIS IS WHAT A.A. HAS BEEN STRIVING TO CHANGE FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS

We are committed to putting an end to the abuse of products made with technological and chemical additives while rewarding those manufacturers who have a conscience and pursue to make products with what nature has provided. A.A. regularly follows, complies and synchronizes with international food-related regulations (e.g.: Codex Alimentarius, E-Number, etc.).

We do this hoping that we can still preserve pure tastes and the health of mankind in this age where it is sometimes hard to distinguish truth from falsehood. While there is no guarantee that we will be 100% perfect, we will work hard with 100% strength and energy towards our goal without compromising our conscience.

 

— IN THE past, present, and future, We remain consistent in what we strive for —


 

DETAILED REGULATIONS OF THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS

The following standards and guidelines are the provisions listed by A.A. as the reference basis for selection. As the “goalkeeper” of the food industry, every international regulation is an important element that cannot be omitted:

CODEX STANDARD

  1. GENERAL STANDARD FOR FOOD ADDITIVES
    Guidelines For The Development Of Maximum Levels For The Use Of Food Additives with Numerical Acceptable Daily Intakes

    This annex is intended as a guidance to screen proposals for use of additives based on consideration of their maximum use level and the physiological upper limit to the amount of food and drink that can be consumed each day. The Annex is not intended for allocating provisions for the use of an additive and cannot be used for calculating accurate additive intakes.


    • FOOD ADDITIVES - BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR CALCULATION OF USE LEVELS
      Reference to criterion 1

    • ESTIMATION OF THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF USE LEVELS - FOOD ADDITIVES WITH NO NUMERICAL ADI
      Reference to criterion 2-3

    • ESTIMATION OF THE SAFETY ASPECTS OF USE LEVELS - FOOD ADDITIVES WITH NUMERICAL ADI
      Reference to criterion 4

    • (a)FOOD ADDITIVE USES IN SOLID FOOD (FS)
      Reference to criterion 5-9

    • (b)FOOD ADDITIVE USES IN BEVERAGES (FL)
      Reference to criterion 10-14


  2. GENERAL STANDARD FOR THE LABELLING OF FOOD ADDITIVES WHEN SOLD AS SUCH

    This standard applies to the labelling of “food additives” sold as such whether by retail or other than by retail, including sales to caterers and food manufacturers for the purpose of their businesses. This standard also applies to food “processing aids”; any reference to food additives includes food processing aids.


  3. GUIDELINES ON NUTRITION LABELLING

    CODEX STAN CAC/GL 2-1985（Reference）

    For the purpose of these guidelines, a claim is any representation which states, suggests or implies that a food has particular characteristics relating to its origin, nutritional properties, nature, production, processing, composition or any other quality.

    1.1 These guidelines relate to claims made for a food irrespective of whether or not the food is covered by an individual Codex Standard.

    1.2 The principle on which the guidelines are based is that no food should be described or presented in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character in any respect.

    1.3 The person marketing the food should be able to justify the claims made.


  4. GENERAL GUIDELINES ON CLAIMS

    For the purpose of these guidelines, a claim is any representation which states, suggests or implies that a food has particular characteristics relating to its origin, nutritional properties, nature, production, processing, composition or any other quality.

    1.1 These guidelines relate to claims made for a food irrespective of whether or not the food is covered by an individual Codex Standard.

    1.2 The principle on which the guidelines are based is that no food should be described or presented in a manner that is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to create an erroneous impression regarding its character in any respect.

    1.3 The person marketing the food should be able to justify the claims made


  5. GENERAL METHODS OF ANALYSIS FOR FOOD ADDITIVES

 

CODEX GUIDELINES

GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE ADDITION OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS TO FOODS

These Principles are intended to apply to all foods to which essential nutrients are added, not including vitamin and mineral food supplements, without prejudice to the provisions in Codex standards and guidelines for foods for special dietary uses.

The Principles take into consideration provisions in the Codex Nutritional Risk Analysis Principles and Guidelines for Application to the Work of the Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CAC Procedural Manual), where applicable.

A.A. considers nutritional supplements applied to products based on the following scopes of this principle:

  • 3 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
    Reference to 3.1-3.5

  • 4 PRINCIPLES FOR SPECIFIC TYPES OF ADDITION OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
    Reference to 4.1-4.3

    IN ADDITION, A.A. APPLIES GUIDELINES FROM THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS AS ITS STANDARD TO REVIEW PRODUCT CATEGORIES THAT INVOLVE ANIMAL AND PLANT PRODUCTS, INCLUDING PRODUCT CONTENT, RAW MATERIALS USED, MANUFACTURING PROCESSES, ETC.

 

Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs)

  1. MRLs / RMRs
    MAXIMUM RESIDUE LIMITS (MRLs) AND RISK MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS (RMRs) FOR RESIDUES OF VETERINARY DRUGS IN FOODS

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

  • ADI: Acceptable Daily Intake

  • ARfD: Acute Reference Dose

  • BMD: Benchmark Dose

  • BMDL: Confidence Limit for BMD

  • bw: Body Weight

  • CAC: Codex Alimentarius Commission

  • CCPR: Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues

  • CCRVDF: Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods

  • EDI: Estimated Daily Intake

  • GEADE: Global Estimated Acute Dietary Exposure

  • GECDE: Global Estimated Chronic Dietary Exposure

  • JECFA: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives

  • JMPR: Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Pesticide Residues

  • LOAEL: Lowest-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level

  • NOAEL: No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level

  • LOQ: Limit of Quantification

  • mADI: Microbiological Acceptable Daily Intake

  • MRL: Maximum Residue Limit

  • RMR: Risk Management Recommendation

  • TMDI: Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake


As mentioned above, AA has referred to the rules and regulations set out by many internationally credible organizations and institutions. We also attach, in equal measure, great importance to the rights and safety of edible animals and plants in the food chain, including the establishment of evaluation criteria and specifications based on EFSA's animal welfare standards and its guidance on the use of feed additives.

 

ABOUT EFSA

EFSA is a European agency funded by the European Union that operates independently of the European legislative and executive institutions (Commission, Council, Parliament) and EU Member States.

It was set up in 2002 following a series of food crises in the late 1990s to be a source of scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain. The agency was legally established by the EU under the General Food Law – Regulation 178/2002.

EFSA's science-based, independent, transparent, accountable, and collaborative management principles are executed through integrated global strategies meant to establish a comprehensive food safety policy from farm to fork. This allows EU policymakers to develop appropriate decisions on direct and indirect food chain issues and subsequent policy development for identified potential risks.

In light of the stringent animal welfare standards in the EU, AA strictly adheres to the following codes of conduct and declarations. This sets high standards for the products we evaluate

Animal-based measure

  • STATEMENT ON THE USE OF ANIMAL‐BASED MEASURES TO ASSESS THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS

    The overall aim of the work outlined in this statement is to help establish a common framework for future scientific opinions dealing with the use of animal-based measures to assess the welfare of animals.

    The statement is mainly intended to support the work of EFSA, and a list of considerations for experts working on these future scientific opinions is presented.

    References to articles 2. and 3.1. to 3.4.

EU regulatory framework

In addition, in daily life and the food industry, consumers are more likely to overlook the presence of additives in feed provided to livestock animals and edible plants. Therefore, in the interest of public welfare, AA has taken a greater interest in feed additives provided to animals and plants meant for human consumption. Below are the guidelines that we refer to for our evaluation:  

Feed Additive

Feed additives are products used in animal nutrition to achieve an effect on the feed itself, on the animals, on food products obtained from the animals consuming the feed additive, or on the environment. For instance, feed additives are used to enhance flavour of feed, to meet the need for certain nutrients or to increase the performance of animals in good health.

The role of Codex in Animal Feed

Guidance on the renewal of the authorisation of feed additives – 2021

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the renewal of the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition.

Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the environment – 2019

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives used in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the assessment of the safety for the environment.

Guidance on the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms – 2018

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms.

Guidance on the identity, characterisation and conditions of use of feed additives – 2017

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the identity, characterisation and conditions of use of the additives.

Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the target species – 2017

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the assessment of the safety for the target species.

Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the consumer – 2017

This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the assessment of the safety for the consumer.

Revision of the currently authorised maximum copper content in complete feed - 2016

REGARDING THE EU'S RELEASE AND UPDATE OF REGULATIONS ON EXPORTING AND SELLING OF ANIMALS AND THEIR PRODUCTS, COMPOSITE PRODUCTS AND OTHER PRODUCTS TO THE EU:

  1. In the past, the European Union used "the ratio of products containing animal origin (above 50% or less)" as one of the criteria for judging whether compound foods should be subject to border inspections and sanitary certificates. However, after the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/625 was implemented on April 21, 110, compound foods changed to risk-based as a distinction. "Containing processed meat" is the standard separately.

  2. In addition, the European Union notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) on April 21 and April 26, 110, to disclose the relevant regulations for product export to the EU, including low-risk, stable storage and non-meat compound foods that can be exempted from official border controls. Please refer to the attachment for the specifications of the relevant lists of animals, products containing animal origin, animal by-products, and compound foods that are subject to official control measures at the border.

  3. If you want to export and sell animal-derived compound foods to the EU, the industry should ensure that only EU member states or specific processed animal-derived products approved for export to the EU are used to manufacture compound foods.

Attachment files related to animal and plant medicine

Relevant regulations of the European Parliament and Council on cosmetics and other products

The European Parliament and Council have enacted several regulations relevant to cosmetics and other products ]which are designed to ensure consumer safety and guarantee the quality of the product. In particular, these regulations stipulate that all cosmetics products must be manufactured in accordance with the harmonized standards laid out in Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). In addition to this, the EU Cosmetics Regulation also sets out the principles for claims that manufacturers can make on their packaging**.**

Furthermore, the EU Cosmetics Regulation provides a set of strict rules for labelling of cosmetic products, so that consumers can easily identify the ingredients and understand the usage instructions. This is especially important to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product. Finally, the New EU Cosmetics Regulation entered into force in 2009, which refined and completed the main principles of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, further strengthening consumer protection and product quality.

The European Union (EU) regulates cosmetics through Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, which is the key European legislation governing finished cosmetic products in the EU. This regulation sets out strict rules for labelling, including claims and product information files that must prove the claimed effects for the cosmetics product. The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that their products undergo an expert scientific safety assessment before they are sold and must register them in the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP).

Amendments to this regulation have been made over time to strengthen the safety of cosmetic products and ensure compliance with EU standards. Additionally, the EU has issued a guideline to determine claims related to cosmetics and a unified standard for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal, the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, and the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) based on ISO 22716 are also in place.

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on cosmetic products (recast) is the main regulatory framework for finished cosmetic products placed on the EU market. It simplifies procedures and streamlines terminology, reduces administrative burden and ambiguities, and strengthens certain elements of the regulatory framework for cosmetics to ensure a high level of protection of human health.

ISO 22716

ISO 22716 is an international standard of good manufacturing practices (GMP) for the cosmetics manufacturing industry. It provides guidelines for the production, control, storage and shipment of cosmetic products, and FDA has incorporated elements of it into their own regulations. ISO 22716 covers all aspects of the supply chain and determines the criteria for quality during different stages.

Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP)

The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP) is an online notification system created for the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. It is used to submit technical information related to cosmetic products to be placed on the market in the EU.

Update: 02/17/2023

LOADING THE FOOD-RELATED LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES

EU：EUROPEAN FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY (EFSA)

United Kingdom：FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

JAPAN：ホーム｜厚生労働省

AMERICA：FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)

KOREA：보건복지부／保健福祉部

TAIWAN：衛生福利部（衛福部）

MALAYSIA：KEMENTERIAN KESIHATAN (MOH)

CHINA：中华人民共和国卫生部

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND：MINISTRY OF HEALTH

HONG KONG：衞生署 (DH)

GERMANY

Update: 03/08/2022