CODEX STANDARD155-1985

1. SCOPE
1.1  This standard applies to degermed maize (corn) meal and to degermed maize (corn) grits for direct human consumption milled from kernels of common maize, Zea maysL.
1.2  This standard does not apply to whole maize (corn) meal, maize (corn) flours, quick grits, hominy grits, self-rising maize (corn) meals, enriched maize (corn) meals, enriched maize (corn) grits, bolted maize (corn) meals, maize (corn) flakes, and alkaline treated maize (corn) products.
1.3  This standard does not apply to maize (corn) meals for use as a brewing adjunct, to maize (corn) meals used for manufacturing of starch and any industrial use, norto maize (corn) meal for use as an animal feed.
2. DESCRIPTION
2.1 Degermed maize (corn) mealis the food prepared from fully mature, sound, degermed kernels of maize (corn), Zea maysL., cleaned from impurities, mould, seeds ofweeds and other cereals by a grinding process in which the grain is comminuted to a suitable degree of fineness and from which bran and germ are removed. In its preparation, coarse particles of the ground maize kernel may be separated, reground and recombined with all of the material from which they were separated.
2.2  Degermed maize (corn) grits is the food prepared from fully mature, sound, degermed, kernels of maize (corn), Zea maysL., cleaned from impurities, mould, seeds of weeds and other cereals, by a grinding process in which the grain is comminuted to a suitable degree of fineness and from which bran and germ are almost completely removed.
3.  ESSENTIAL COMPOSITION AND QUALITY FACTORS
3.1  Quality factors – general
3.1.1  Degermed maize meal and degermed maize grits shall be safe and suitable for human consumption.
3.1.2  Degermed maize meal and degermed maize grits shall be free from abnormal flavours, odours, and living  insects.
3.1.3  Degermed maize meal and degermed maize grits shall be free from filth (impurities ofanimal origin, including dead insects) in amounts which may represent a hazard to human health.
3.2  Quality factors – specific
3.2.1Moisture content15.0% m/m max
Lower moisture limits should be required for certain destinations in relation to the climate, duration of transport and storage. Governments accepting the Standard are requested to indicate and justify the requirements in force in their country.
4. CONTAMINANTS
4.1 Heavy metals
Degermed maize (corn) meal and maize (corn) grits shall be free from heavy metals in amounts which may
represent a hazard to human health.
4.2 Pesticide residues
Degermed maize (corn) meal and maize (corn) grits shall comply with those maximum residue limits
established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity. 2  Codex Standard 155-1985
4.3 Mycotoxins
Degermed maize (corn) meal and maize (corn) grits shall comply with those maximum mycotoxin limits
established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for this commodity.
5. HYGIENE
5.1  It is recommended that the product covered by the provisions of this standard be prepared and handled in accordance with the appropriate sections of the Recommended International Code of Practice – General  Principles of Food Hygiene(CAC/RCP 1-1969) and other Codes ofPractice recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission which are relevant to this product.
5.2  To the extent possible in good manufacturing practice, the product shall be free from objectionable matter.
5.3  When tested by appropriate methods ofsampling and examination, the product:
–  shall be free from micro-organisms in amounts which may represent a hazard to health;
–  shall be free from parasites which may represent a hazard to health; and
–  shall not contain any substance originating from micro-organisms in amounts which may represent a
hazard to health.
6. PACKAGING
6.1  Degermed maize (corn) meal and maize (corn) grits shall be packaged in containers which will safeguard the hygienic, nutritional, technological, and organoleptic qualities of the product.
6.2  The containers, including packaging material, shall be made of substances which are safe and suitable for their intended use. They should not impart any toxic substance or undesirable odour or flavour to the product.
8.  METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND SAMPLING
See relevant Codex texts on methods of analysis and sampling.
3  Codex Standard 155-1985
ANNEX  In those instances where more than one factor limitand/or method of analysis is given we strongly recommend that users specify the appropriate limit and method of analysis.