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Safeguarding the brew: Codex in the coffee trade

05/03/2025

by CropLife International

A new independent research study commissioned by CropLife International shines a spotlight on the role that Codex Alimentarius is playing in the facilitation of international coffee trade -whilst protecting consumer safety and confidence.

The study, undertaken by Bryant Christie Inc., showed Codex Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) to be key in reducing the risk of trade disruption in the complex coffee processing and production chain.  Among 40 trade partners whose coffee MRL standards were viewed in the study, 15 maintain a policy of full deferral to Codex, 8 defer to Codex in the absence of a national MRL, and almost all others incorporate the Codex standard and science as the reference point during their own MRL setting procedures.

The result? A high degree of harmonization among trade partners, with an average of 71% of coffee bean MRLs set at the same level as the corresponding Codex MRL. Which is good news for trade, consumers and livelihoods alike.

 

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Read the full Bryant Christie Inc. report here