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Protecting health, facilitating trade

What is the Codex Alimentarius?

The Codex Alimentarius, or "Food Code" is a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practice adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Commission, also known as CAC, is the central part of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme and was established by FAO and WHO to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade. It held its first meeting in 1963. [... more]

Why do we need Codex standards?

Codex standards ensure that food is safe and can be traded. The 188 Codex members have negotiated science based recommendations in all areas related to food safety and quality. Codex food safety texts are a reference in WTO trade disputes. [... more]

Codex and...

 Animal Feed

Good animal feeding plays a vital role in animal health & welfare and in the production of safe and quality products of animal origin.

 Antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global threat of increasing concern to human and animal health. It also has implications for both food safety and food security and the economic well being of millions of farming households.

 Biotechnology

While there is little controversy about many aspects of biotechnology and its application, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are often the target of very intensive debate.

Contaminants

Contaminants are chemical substances that have not been intentionally added to food or feed and may pose a risk to animal and human health.

Nutrition & Labelling

The food label is one of the most important tools consumers can use to make informed choices about healthy and safe foods.

Pesticides

Pesticides with public health uses are intended to limit the potential for disease. By their nature, many pesticides may pose some risk to humans, animals, or the environment.

Scientific Approach

Codex committees, when developing standards, need to analyze risk. Independent scientific advice is provided to Codex by expert bodies organized by FAO/WHO. These bodies also give direct advice to Member Governments. [... more]

Sound Science

Upcoming Meetings

CCFFP36
Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery Products
by correspondence
07/10/202417/10/2024
CCRVDF27
Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods
Omaha, Nebraska
United States of America
21/10/202425/10/2024
CCFL48
Codex Committee on Food Labelling
Quebec City
Canada
27/10/202401/11/2024
CCEXEC87
Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
Geneva
Switzerland
18/11/202422/11/2024
CAC47
Codex Alimentarius Commission
Geneva
Switzerland
25/11/202430/11/2024
CCNASWP17
FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for North America and the South West Pacific
Nadi
Fiji
03/02/202507/02/2025
CCFFV23
Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Mexico City
Mexico
24/02/202528/02/2025
CCFA55
Codex Committee on Food Additives

24/03/202528/03/2025

 Publications

The Procedural Manual (PM) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission sets out the basic Rules of Procedure, procedures for the elaboration of Codex standards and related texts, and basic definitions and guidelines for the operation of Codex committees. The PM helps national delegations and international organizations attending as observers, participate effectively in the work of Codex.

 

Updates to this edition include: amendments to the section on commodity standards dealing with non-retail containers, text on committees working by correspondence, and a new annex on extrapolation of maximum residue limits of veterinary drugs.

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An important step forward and a great gift for the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission!

Jean-Luc Angot, France
Chairperson Codex Committee on General Principles

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Codex and SDGs

On September 25th 2015, countries adopted a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. How is Codex working to achieve these goals? [... more]