The addition of a new food product in the Codex Alimentarius: The case of Bali Sardinella (Sardinella lemuru)

Consumers in affluent economies are undergoing a notable shift in their decision-making processes, influenced by broader societal changes. In contrast to the traditional emphasis on taste and affordability, modern consumers now prioritize additional attributes in their product choices. According to Zurli (2022), considerations such as healthfulness, environmental impact, ethically sourced ingredients, and convenience have gained prominence. The prevalence of overweight populations, increasing life expectancy, and rising healthcare costs have propelled healthy eating as a dominant trend. This is particularly evident in the face of growing concerns about diseases linked to obesity, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. The aging population, increasingly cognizant of these health risks, is actively seeking ways to enhance the quality of life (Roberfroid, 2000; Alissa & Ferns, 2017). The escalating demand for nutritious foods, particularly fish, resonates across economic, environmental, and social sustainability realms. As a protein and selenium-rich source, fish stands as a linchpin for global food security. This heightened demand has catalyzed a dedicated emphasis on sustainability, wherein certification schemes strive to align with evolving consumer expectations. Notably, the landscape shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing temporary downturns in aquatic food consumption due to lockdowns. However, a compensatory surge occurred in stockpiling long-shelf-life products. In the post-pandemic era, a noteworthy 82% of consumers now prioritize sustainability to a greater extent (McNamee & Fernandez, 2021). Over the years, global aquatic food consumption has undergone significant shifts. In 1961, the top five consuming nations accounted for 50%, growing to 59% in 2019, with China alone representing 36%. Asian countries, constituting 60% of the world's population, played a major role, while Western countries, including the USA and the European Union, experienced declines. In 2019, the EU's seafood consumption decreased to 12.30 million tonnes, with a 76% reliance on caught products. Over the past few decades, the global consumption of aquatic food has experienced a notable increase due to the growth of aquaculture production. Despite variations in species suitability, aquaculture's adaptability to changing preferences has reshaped the composition of global aquatic food consumption (FAO, 2022). However, when considering only the edible portions, captured fisheries remain the leading source of aquatic foods. In this scenario, the European Union intends to introduce, within the Codex Alimentarius and, consequently, within the EU itself, new foods. This effort prioritizes food safety, driven by rigorous scientific assessments and advancements in safe and nutritious food technologies. Diversifying food options and responding to market demands, including nutritional benefits, are key considerations. Aligning with international standards, notably the Codex Alimentarius, is crucial for global trade consistency. This approach aims to integrate safety, innovation, and international harmonization in regulating new foods. This study aims to comprehensively understand S. lemuru and facilitate its integration into international food standards. It comprehensively explores market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and sensory analysis in the context of global fish supply chains and food quality. It focuses on sardines, covering their biology, nutritional properties, and market dynamics. Additionally, it introduces the Codex Alimentarius and outlines procedures for introducing new foods. A case study on the inclusion of S. lemuru in the Codex Alimentarius, incorporating sensory analysis methodologies, is presented.