Regulations and standards
The production, processing, distribution, retail, packaging and labelling
of food are governed by a complexity of laws, regulations, codes of practice
and guidance. Various international, regional and national regulatory instruments
and standards exist that relate specifically to food safety and quality.
At the international level, the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), an intergovernmental
body created in 1963 by FAO and WHO, develops food standards, guidelines and
related texts such as codes of practice under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards
Programme. Its principle objective is to protect the health of consumers and
ensure fair trade practices in the food trade, and to promote coordination
of food standards work undertaken by governmental and non-governmental bodies.
The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of international food standards that
have been adopted by the CAC. Codex Standards cover all the main foods, whether
processed, semi-processed or raw, as well as materials used in the further
processing of food products, as required. Codex Standards include provisions
for the safety and quality of food and cover food additives, pesticide and
veterinary drug residues, contaminants, labelling and presentation, as well
as methods of sampling and risk analysis.
In international trade food safety and quality have become increasingly important.
The Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade negotiations established the World
Trade Organization (WTO), and brought agriculture and food products under global
trading rules for the first time. Codex Standards are the benchmark international
food standards under the WTO's Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
(SPS) and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), which provide
the regulatory framework for countries involved in the trade of food and agricultural
products.
FAO's Food Quality and Standards Service supports governments
and food enterprises in meeting the requirements of international regulations
and standards, and assists with their integration into national food control
systems and associated legislation.
See also
Capacity building and training > Tools > Enhancing
participation in Codex activities
Food safety along the food chain > Food trade
Integrated food control systems > Managing food
control systems |
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