Codex Alimentarius Commission

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Codex Alimentarius Commission

The Codex Alimentarius Commissionis an international food standards body established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963. Its primary purpose is to develop harmonized international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade.

History[edit | edit source]

The Codex Alimentarius Commission was created in response to the need for international cooperation in the field of food safety and quality. The term "Codex Alimentarius" is Latin for "food code" and reflects the Commission's role in setting global standards for food products.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The Commission is composed of member countries and observers, including international governmental and non-governmental organizations. It operates through a series of committees and task forces that focus on specific areas of food safety and quality.

Committees[edit | edit source]

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has several committees, each responsible for different aspects of food safety and quality. These include:

Functions[edit | edit source]

The main functions of the Codex Alimentarius Commission include:

  • Developing Food Standards:The Commission creates standards for food safety, quality, and labeling to ensure consumer protection and facilitate international trade.
  • Promoting Coordination:It promotes coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations.
  • Encouraging Adoption:The Commission encourages the adoption of international food standards by member countries to harmonize food regulations globally.

Impact[edit | edit source]

The standards set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission are recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the benchmark for international food safety. This recognition helps resolve trade disputes and ensures that food products meet safety and quality requirements.

Challenges[edit | edit source]

The Commission faces challenges such as balancing the interests of different countries, addressing emerging food safety issues, and ensuring that standards keep pace with scientific advancements.

Also see[edit | edit source]

Template:FAO [who?]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD