On World Milk Day, it is important to recognize the role of international guidelines and standards processes behind the production of safe milk and dairy products. Since 1903, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) has provided a mechanism for the dairy sector to reach global consensus on how to help feed the world with safe and sustainable dairy products. IDF’s member countries represent the entire dairy chain, including governments, farmers, processors, traders, input providers and academia: approximately 75% of global milk production and 85% of trade in milk and dairy products.

A recognized international authority in the development of science-based standards for the dairy sector, IDF has an important role to play in ensuring the right policies, standards, practices and regulations are in place to ensure the world’s dairy products are safe and sustainable. Work focuses on four strategic priorities which have considerable synergy with the mandate of Codex, to support global standardization and harmonization, based on science: standard setting; food safety and quality; nutrition; and sustainability.

It is therefore natural that IDF has served as an essential technical advisor to Codex since Codex was established, providing technical support on all aspects related to milk and dairy products as well as their use in other foods. IDF is currently involved in many Codex Committees to contribute to work such as the development of guidelines to ready-to use therapeutic foods, the discussion on the nitrogen conversion factor, and the revision of the standard on recommended methods of analysis for milk and milk products.

IDF will continue to contribute to Codex’s work protecting the health of dairy consumers and facilitating international food trade

Caroline Emond, IDF Director General:

“IDF and Codex work has considerable synergies. We are proud to have such a longstanding and productive collaboration with an internationally recognized, independent, strongly supported, science-based and highly effective organization like Codex. IDF will continue to contribute to Codex’s work protecting the health of dairy consumers and facilitating international food trade. On behalf of IDF, I thank all the actors of the dairy chain that contribute to food safety.”

IDF contributed significantly to the now adjourned Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products, which originated from an IDF Committee of Experts. Currently over 30 specific Codex Standards regarding milk and milk products exist and over 50 guidelines and codes of practice affect the way these products are manufactured and traded. Key examples are the Codex General Standard for Use of Dairy Terms (CXS 206-1999) and Code of Hygienic Practice for Milk and Milk Products (CXC 57-2004).

The Codex General Standard for the Use  of Dairy Terms together with the different Codex Standards and guidelines on milk and dairy products provide that framework wherein the sector operates to ensure safe products are put on the market respecting fair trade practices  and meet the high nutritional value, unique functional and sensory properties for which dairy products are known.

Learn more

For more information about IDF and the dairy sector, visit www.fil-idf.org