Codex Alimentarius of the United Nations has announced a new world safety code to cover foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.

The regulations include recommendations on avoiding microbiological contamination of berries, prevention of ochratoxin A in cocoa, prevention of hydrocyanic acid in cassava and when to label food with "non-addition of sodium salts".

Regarding berries, the commission advised that the fresh fruit can be healthy but has also been linked to several food-borne illnesses including Hepatitis A and E.coli. The new code seeks to advise producers and consumers on how to avoid contamination.

The commission also seeks to protect consumers against fraud for products such as avocados, chanterelles, pomegranates, table olives, date paste and tempeh, as well as fish products.

"The standards help buyers and sellers establish contracts based on Codex specifications and make sure that the consumers get from the products what they expect," a media release explained.

Alongside these safety standards, the recommendations also include nutrient references for sodium and saturated fat, as well as maximum pesticide residue limits for certain food additives.

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