The International Alliance of Dietary/Food Supplement Associations (IADSA), an NGO with Observer Status with Codex based in London, UK, celebrated Codex@60 in July by lighting up the building of their Danish member association in orange.

We talked to them about why this anniversary is significant for them.

Why it was important to mark 60 years of Codex for IADSA?

Codex has been critical for our sector by establishing the Codex guidelines on vitamin and mineral supplements and all the horizontal texts, such as additives, labelling, claims, on which so much national legislation is based.

IADSA is 25 years old this year.  We have a long way to go to get to 60. However, when we do make it, we are sure that people will still remember and celebrate the critical role of Codex played in helping us get organized globally, build essential scientific and technical resources for both the sector and those who regulate our sector, and the vital role that all in industry should take to help implement Codex texts. 

For us, this year is not just about the past 60 years.  It is recognition of the important role of Codex as a global organization to provide alignment across the world on current and future issues within a sustainable food system.

IADSA celebrates Codex@60 at its annual week

How you decided on this specific initiative?

At the last Codex Commission, it was proposed that countries illuminate buildings in Codex orange.  We were fortunate that our IADSA annual week was taking place in the high-tech and sustainable Danish Industry House in central Copenhagen, where our member association, the Danish Food and Drink Federation, is based.  With Steve Wearne, Codex Chairperson attending our IADSA World Supplement Forum, we wanted to show Copenhagen the optimism of Codex orange.

We also wanted to bring an additional touch into our Annual Week!  Each of our members  put on an orange Codex t-shirt we had specially made as a personal message about their support for Codex work and action. 

What was the reaction from those taking part?

There was great excitement and pride that we were able as the global supplement sector to make such a big statement on a global stage.

Learn more

Why we are celebrating a 60th anniversary (Codex@60)