The 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (10–14 November) is just round the corner.  

The Commission meets on a yearly basis to discuss all matters regarding the implementation of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. 

Discover more about the Codex Alimentarius Commission, its Secretariat and the subsidiary bodies that support its work, as well as the texts and databases that make up the "food code". 

What follows is just a snapshot/sneak peek of the wealth of available resources. Visit the Codex Alimentarius website for more. 

Codex Alimentarius Commission Procedural Manual – Thirtieth edition 
The Codex Procedural Manual helps national delegations and international organizations attending as observers participate effectively in the work of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. It 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. This thirtieth edition continues the work on the harmonization of language used in Codex work, particularly around synonymous terminology, thus setting a precedent for Codex’s other written materials. 

The Codex Electronic Working Groups Handbook 
This handbook is designed for Codex electronic working group (EWG) participants who are enhancing their engagement in Codex activities or leading committee-level efforts for the first time. It offers clear, practical guidance with tips and advice for establishing, managing, participating in and reporting on EWGs. 

Use and Impact of Codex Texts Report of the Codex Survey 2024 
The report of the Codex Survey 2024 focused on the following Codex texts: Code of practice to minimize and contain foodborne antimicrobial resistance; Maximum residue limits and risk management recommendations for residues of veterinary drugs in foods; Working principles for risk analysis for food safety for application by governments; and Principles and guidelines for national food control systems. It provides information on the outreach, relevance, recognition and use of Codex texts, and ultimately on their impact. 

Use and impact of the Code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination in cereals (CXC 51–2003) in Brazil – Case study report 
Brazil successfully reduced fumonisin levels in maize by implementing the Codex Code of Practice (CoP), resulting in significant improvements in food safety and maize export quality and value. Brazil became the third-largest producer and second–largest exporter of maize worldwide. The case study claims that this was due to the establishment of national maximum levels and the use of the CoP to support them. 

Codex in Action: Stories on use and impact of Codex texts 
When used, Codex texts can have far reaching impacts for countries and food businesses. These stories provide some examples of how the implementation of Codex texts has protected consumer health and facilitated fair practices in the food trade. 

• Ensuring safe food and fair trade: how Latin American and Caribbean countries are teaming up to close data gaps for Codex MRLs 
• How Honduras handled the unexpected 
• Hygienic food, healthy sales: HACCP implementation 
• Codex texts provide a pathway for global action on foodborne AMR 
  

Additional resources 

• FAO publications catalogue 2025 
• Subscribe today to FAO publications newsletters 
• FAO Knowledge Repository