The 48th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has opened at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. Over the week of 10–14 November, delegates will deliberate on the work that has been forwarded to CAC by the Codex subsidiary bodies, which include consideration of hundreds of Codex texts, the issues that have been brought to the attention of the Commission, and the monitoring framework for the upcoming Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031.

The meeting was opened by the Directors-General of the Codex parent organizations, FAO and WHO. QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, welcomed delegates and recalled the 80th anniversary of FAO: “FAO is an inclusive organization,” he said, “… and Codex has always been and continues to be integral to FAO’s work,” and he commended the values by which Codex works, which are inclusivity, transparency, collaboration and consensus. In his forward-looking speech, the Director-General expressed the need for Codex’s continued work and underlined the importance of implementing Codex texts. “Let us look to the future and continue this partnership,” he declared.

The WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, took the opportunity of his opening remarks to congratulate FAO on its 80th anniversary. “I want to express WHO’s deep appreciation for our enduring partnership,” he said, continuing: “Codex remains one of the most trusted multilateral collaborations, and its credibility rests on a solid scientific base. Our joint programmes for scientific advice help to ensure that Codex standards are grounded in the highest quality evidence.” He then went on to re-state WHO’s commitment to Codex, saying: “WHO is committed to working closely with Codex to realize its next strategic plan. WHO will also continue working with our Member States and partners to maintain an active, meaningful and sustainable contribution to Codex.”

Allan Azegele, in his first speech as Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, started by welcoming delegates: “I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you here today. As we gather here for the 48th session of the Commission, we are reminded of the enduring importance of Codex as the global benchmark for food standards.” He underlined the year’s successes within Codex committees. This is work that will now be discussed over the coming week. However, he also cautioned delegates that while much has been achieved, “much remains to be done.” He explained: “As the world’s food systems evolve, so must Codex. We must continue to ensure that our standards remain science-based, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Members — particularly those with limited capacity to participate fully in our processes. Strengthening participation, transparency, and digital engagement will be key to maintaining Codex’s credibility and relevance.”

Sarah Cahill, Codex Secretary, also pointed to Codex’s successes for this year, commenting that “maintaining ‘business as usual’ is no small achievement in today’s global context.” She reminded delegates of some of the work ahead this week, highlighting particularly the updates to the Codex Procedural Manual - “Our procedures are the backbone of Codex—they ensure clarity, consistency, and transparency in how we work,” she said. The Secretary also promoted the CODEX magazine, Codex’s annual report, which is now available online.

CAC48 is held under a theme of “Together”, the title also of the magazine, to acknowledge and celebrate the ways in which Codex achievements come thanks in no small part to the collective approach and unity of purpose of Members and Observers. 

Read more

CAC48 webpage
Download the CODEX magazine
Join an FAO Museum tour

Photo © FAO/Roberto Sciotti