THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION AND THE FAO/WHO FOOD STANDARDS PROGRAMME
The Codex Alimentarius Commission implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, the purpose of which is to protect the health of consumers and to ensure fair practices in the food trade. The Codex Alimentarius (Latin, meaning Food Law or Code) is a collection of internationally adopted food standards presented in a uniform manner. It also includes provisions of an advisory nature in the form of codes of practice, guidelines and other recommended measures to assist in achieving the purposes of the Codex Alimentarius. The Commission has expressed the view that codes of practice might provide useful checklists of requirements for national food control or enforcement authorities. The publication of the Codex Alimentarius is intended to guide and promote the elaboration and establishment of definitions and requirements for foods, to assist in their harmonization and, in doing so, to facilitate international trade.
COMBINED TEXTS ON FOOD IMPORT AND EXPORT INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION SYSTEMS
Following the FAO/WHO Conference on Food Standards, Chemicals in Food and Food Trade in March 1991, the Codex Alimentarius Commission undertook the development of guidance documents for governments and other interested parties on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems. A series of texts has been developed over the period 1993 to 1999. These are presented for the first time in a combined volume for the convenience of users. Further information on these texts, or any other aspect of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, may be obtained from:
The Secretary,
Codex Alimentarius Commission,
Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme,
FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla,
00100, Rome Italy
fax: +39(06)5705.4593
email: [email protected]
