www.international-food-safety.com understanding the codex alimentarius

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UNDERSTANDING UNDERSTANDING THE CODEX THE CODEX

ALIMENTARIUSALIMENTARIUS


The Codex Alimentarius, or the food code, has The Codex Alimentarius, or the food code, has become the seminal become the seminal global reference pointglobal reference point for for consumers, food producers and processors, consumers, food producers and processors, national food control agencies and the national food control agencies and the international food trade. The code has had an international food trade. The code has had an enormous impact on the thinking of food enormous impact on the thinking of food producers and processors as well as on the producers and processors as well as on the awareness of the end users - awareness of the end users - the consumersthe consumers. Its . Its influence extends to every continent, and its influence extends to every continent, and its contribution to the protection of public health and contribution to the protection of public health and fair practices in the food tradefair practices in the food trade is immeasurable. is immeasurable.


The Codex Alimentarius system presents a The Codex Alimentarius system presents a unique opportunity for all countries to join the unique opportunity for all countries to join the international community in international community in formulating and formulating and harmonizing food standards and ensuring their harmonizing food standards and ensuring their global implementationglobal implementation. . It also allows them a role in the development of It also allows them a role in the development of codes governing hygienic processing practices codes governing hygienic processing practices and recommendations relating to and recommendations relating to compliancecompliance with those standards. with those standards.


The significance of the food code for consumer The significance of the food code for consumer health protection was underscored in health protection was underscored in 19851985 by by the United Nations Resolution 39/248, whereby the United Nations Resolution 39/248, whereby guidelines were adopted for use in the guidelines were adopted for use in the elaboration and reinforcement of consumer elaboration and reinforcement of consumer protection policies. The guidelines advise that protection policies. The guidelines advise that "Governments should take into account the need "Governments should take into account the need of all consumers for of all consumers for food securityfood security and should and should support and, as far as possible, adopt support and, as far as possible, adopt standardsstandards from the ... Codex Alimentarius" of FAO and the from the ... Codex Alimentarius" of FAO and the World Health Organization. World Health Organization.


The Codex Alimentarius has relevance to the The Codex Alimentarius has relevance to the international food tradeinternational food trade. With respect to the . With respect to the ever-increasing global market, in particular, the ever-increasing global market, in particular, the advantages of having universally uniform food advantages of having universally uniform food standards for the protection of consumers are standards for the protection of consumers are self-evident. It is not surprising, therefore, that self-evident. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Agreement on the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)(SPS) and the and the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)(TBT) both encourage the international harmonization both encourage the international harmonization of food standards of food standards


A product of the A product of the Uruguay RoundUruguay Round of multinational of multinational trade negotiations, the SPS Agreement cites trade negotiations, the SPS Agreement cites Codex standards, guidelines and Codex standards, guidelines and recommendations as the preferred international recommendations as the preferred international measures for facilitating measures for facilitating international tradeinternational trade in in food. As such, Codex standards have become food. As such, Codex standards have become the benchmarks against which national food the benchmarks against which national food measures and regulations are evaluated within measures and regulations are evaluated within the legal parameters of the Uruguay Round the legal parameters of the Uruguay Round Agreements. Agreements.


The Codex achievementThe Codex achievement

A SINGLE INTERNATIONAL A SINGLE INTERNATIONAL REFERENCE POINTREFERENCE POINT

GREATER GLOBAL AND NATIONAL GREATER GLOBAL AND NATIONAL AWARENESSAWARENESS

INCREASED CONSUMER PROTECTIONINCREASED CONSUMER PROTECTION

BROAD COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTBROAD COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

A CODE OF SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND A CODE OF SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND STANDARDSSTANDARDS


A SINGLE INTERNATIONAL A SINGLE INTERNATIONAL REFERENCE POINTREFERENCE POINT

In the best traditions of the Food and Agriculture In the best traditions of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as part of its persistent Organization (WHO), as part of its persistent endeavours to develop the Codex Alimentarius endeavours to develop the Codex Alimentarius the Commission has encouraged the Commission has encouraged food-related food-related scientific and technological researchscientific and technological research as well as as well as discussion. In doing so, it has lifted the world discussion. In doing so, it has lifted the world community's community's awareness of food safetyawareness of food safety and and related issues to unprecedented heights and has related issues to unprecedented heights and has consequently become the single most important consequently become the single most important international reference pointinternational reference point for developments for developments associated with food standards. associated with food standards.


GREATER GLOBAL AND GREATER GLOBAL AND NATIONAL AWARENESSNATIONAL AWARENESS

It is now common for consumers to demand that It is now common for consumers to demand that their governments take their governments take legislative actionlegislative action to to ensure that only safe food of acceptable quality ensure that only safe food of acceptable quality is sold and that the risk of food-borne health is sold and that the risk of food-borne health hazards is minimized hazards is minimized

In fact, governments are extremely conscious of In fact, governments are extremely conscious of the the political consequencespolitical consequences to be expected to be expected should they fail to heed consumers' concerns should they fail to heed consumers' concerns regarding the food they eat. regarding the food they eat.


INCREASED CONSUMER INCREASED CONSUMER PROTECTIONPROTECTION

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has been The Codex Alimentarius Commission has been supported in its work by the now universally supported in its work by the now universally accepted maxim that people have accepted maxim that people have the rightthe right to to expect their food to be safe, of good quality and expect their food to be safe, of good quality and suitable for consumption. suitable for consumption.

Poor-quality food can destroy the commercial Poor-quality food can destroy the commercial credibilitycredibility of suppliers, both nationally and of suppliers, both nationally and internationally, while food spoilage is wasteful internationally, while food spoilage is wasteful and costly and can and costly and can adversely affectadversely affect trade and trade and consumer confidence. consumer confidence.


BROAD COMMUNITY BROAD COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTINVOLVEMENT

The task of creating a food code is immense The task of creating a food code is immense and, because of continuing research and and, because of continuing research and product development, virtually endless. The product development, virtually endless. The finalization of food standards and their finalization of food standards and their compilation into a code that is compilation into a code that is credible credible and and authoritative requires authoritative requires extensive consultationextensive consultation as as well as the collection and evaluation of well as the collection and evaluation of information, followed up by information, followed up by confirmationconfirmation of final of final results and sometimes objective compromise to results and sometimes objective compromise to satisfy differing satisfy differing sound, scientifically based viewssound, scientifically based views


Creating standards that at once protect Creating standards that at once protect consumers, ensure consumers, ensure fair practicesfair practices in the in the sale of food and facilitate trade is a sale of food and facilitate trade is a process that involves specialists in process that involves specialists in numerous food-related scientific numerous food-related scientific disciplines, together with consumers' disciplines, together with consumers' organizations, production and processing organizations, production and processing industries, food control administrators and industries, food control administrators and traders. traders.


A CODE OF SCIENTIFICALLY A CODE OF SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND STANDARDSSOUND STANDARDS

In support of its work on food standards and In support of its work on food standards and codes of practice, it generates reputable codes of practice, it generates reputable scientific texts, convenes numerous expert scientific texts, convenes numerous expert committees and consultations as well as committees and consultations as well as international meetings attended by the best-international meetings attended by the best-informed individuals and organizations informed individuals and organizations concerned with food and related fields. concerned with food and related fields. Countries have responded Countries have responded by introducing long-by introducing long-overdue food legislation and Codex-based overdue food legislation and Codex-based standardsstandards and and by establishing or strengthening by establishing or strengthening food control agenciesfood control agencies to monitor compliance with to monitor compliance with such regulations. such regulations.


Origins of the Codex Origins of the Codex AlimentariusAlimentarius

ANCIENT TIMESANCIENT TIMES A SCIENTIFIC BASEA SCIENTIFIC BASE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTSINTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS TRADE CONCERNSTRADE CONCERNS CONSUMERS' CONCERNSCONSUMERS' CONCERNS A DESIRE FOR LEADERSHIPA DESIRE FOR LEADERSHIP INTEGRATING NON-GOVERNMENTAL INTEGRATING NON-GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES INTERNATIONAL CONSULTATION AND INTERNATIONAL CONSULTATION AND COOPERATIONCOOPERATION


ANCIENT TIMESANCIENT TIMES

Evidence from the earliest historical writings Evidence from the earliest historical writings indicates that governing authorities were already indicates that governing authorities were already then concerned with codifying rules to protect then concerned with codifying rules to protect consumers from dishonest practices in the sale consumers from dishonest practices in the sale of food. of food. Assyrian tabletsAssyrian tablets described the method described the method to be used in determining the correct weights to be used in determining the correct weights and measures for foodgrains, and and measures for foodgrains, and Egyptian Egyptian scrollsscrolls prescribed the labelling to be applied to prescribed the labelling to be applied to certain foods. In certain foods. In ancient Athensancient Athens, beer and wines , beer and wines were inspected for purity and soundness, and were inspected for purity and soundness, and the Romansthe Romans had a well-organized state food had a well-organized state food control system to protect consumers from fraud control system to protect consumers from fraud or bad produce. or bad produce.


In Europe during the Middle Ages, In Europe during the Middle Ages, individual countries passed laws individual countries passed laws concerning the quality and safety of eggs, concerning the quality and safety of eggs, sausages, cheese, beer, wine and bread. sausages, cheese, beer, wine and bread. Some of these ancient statutes still exist Some of these ancient statutes still exist today. today.


A SCIENTIFIC BASEA SCIENTIFIC BASE

The second half of the nineteenth century saw The second half of the nineteenth century saw the first general food laws adopted and basic the first general food laws adopted and basic food control systems put in place to monitor food control systems put in place to monitor compliance. compliance.

During the same period, food chemistry came to During the same period, food chemistry came to be recognized as a reputable discipline and the be recognized as a reputable discipline and the determination of the "purity" of a food was determination of the "purity" of a food was primarily based on the chemical parameters of primarily based on the chemical parameters of simple food composition. simple food composition.


When harmful industrial chemicals were When harmful industrial chemicals were used to disguise the true colour or nature used to disguise the true colour or nature of food, the concept of "adulteration" was of food, the concept of "adulteration" was extended to include the use of hazardous extended to include the use of hazardous chemicals in food. chemicals in food. ScienceScience had begun providing tools with had begun providing tools with which to disclose dishonest practices in which to disclose dishonest practices in the sale of food and to distinguish between the sale of food and to distinguish between safe and unsafe edible products. safe and unsafe edible products.


INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTSDEVELOPMENTS

In the Austro-Hungarian Empire between 1897 In the Austro-Hungarian Empire between 1897 and 1911, a collection of standards and product and 1911, a collection of standards and product descriptions for a wide variety of foods was descriptions for a wide variety of foods was developed as the developed as the Codex Alimentarius Codex Alimentarius Austriacus.Austriacus.

Although lacking legal force, it was used as a Although lacking legal force, it was used as a reference by the courts to determine standards reference by the courts to determine standards of identity for specific foods. The present-day of identity for specific foods. The present-day Codex Alimentarius draws its name from the Codex Alimentarius draws its name from the Austrian code. Austrian code.


TRADE CONCERNSTRADE CONCERNS

The different sets of standards arising The different sets of standards arising from the spontaneous and independent from the spontaneous and independent development of food laws and standards development of food laws and standards by different countries inevitably gave rise by different countries inevitably gave rise to to trade barrierstrade barriers that were of increasing that were of increasing concern to food traders in the early concern to food traders in the early twentieth century. twentieth century.


Trade associations that were formed as a Trade associations that were formed as a reaction to such barriers pressured reaction to such barriers pressured governments to harmonize their various governments to harmonize their various food standards so as to facilitate trade in food standards so as to facilitate trade in safe foods of a defined quality safe foods of a defined quality


The International Dairy Federation (IDF), The International Dairy Federation (IDF), founded in 1903, was one such founded in 1903, was one such association. Its work on standards for milk association. Its work on standards for milk and milk products later provided a catalyst and milk products later provided a catalyst in the establishment of the Codex in the establishment of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and in the Alimentarius Commission and in the setting of its procedures for elaborating setting of its procedures for elaborating standards. standards.


When FAO and WHO were founded in the When FAO and WHO were founded in the late 1940s, there was heightened late 1940s, there was heightened international concern about the direction international concern about the direction being taken in the field of food regulation. being taken in the field of food regulation.


CONSUMERS' CONCERNSCONSUMERS' CONCERNS

In the 1940s, In the 1940s, rapid progressrapid progress was made in was made in food science and technology. With the food science and technology. With the advent of more sensitive analytical tools, advent of more sensitive analytical tools, knowledge about the nature of food, its knowledge about the nature of food, its quality and associated health hazards also quality and associated health hazards also grew quickly. There was intense interest in grew quickly. There was intense interest in food microbiology, food chemistry and food microbiology, food chemistry and associated disciplines, and new associated disciplines, and new discoveries were considered newsworthy. discoveries were considered newsworthy.


Despite the questionable quality of some Despite the questionable quality of some of the information disseminated, however, of the information disseminated, however, the outcome was an increase the outcome was an increase in the public's food consciousness and, in the public's food consciousness and, consequently, knowledge about food consequently, knowledge about food safety gradually grew. safety gradually grew.


At the same time, as more and more information At the same time, as more and more information about food and related matters became about food and related matters became available, there was available, there was greater apprehensiongreater apprehension on on the part of consumers. Whereas, previously, the part of consumers. Whereas, previously, consumers' concerns had extended only as far consumers' concerns had extended only as far as the as the ""visiblesvisibles"- underweight contents, size "- underweight contents, size variations, misleading labelling and poor quality - variations, misleading labelling and poor quality - they now embraced a fear of the they now embraced a fear of the "invisibles"invisibles", ", i.e. health hazards could not be seen, smelled or i.e. health hazards could not be seen, smelled or tasted, such as micro-organisms, pesticide tasted, such as micro-organisms, pesticide residues, environmental contaminants and food residues, environmental contaminants and food additives. additives.


A DESIRE FOR LEADERSHIPA DESIRE FOR LEADERSHIP

Food regulators, traders, consumers and Food regulators, traders, consumers and experts were looking increasingly to FAO experts were looking increasingly to FAO and WHO for leadership in unravelling the and WHO for leadership in unravelling the skein of skein of food regulationsfood regulations that were that were impeding trade and providing mostly impeding trade and providing mostly inadequate protection for consumers. inadequate protection for consumers.


In 1953, WHO's governing body, the In 1953, WHO's governing body, the World Health Assembly, stated that the World Health Assembly, stated that the widening use of widening use of chemicalschemicals in food in food presented a new public health problem, presented a new public health problem, and it was proposed that the two and it was proposed that the two organizations should conduct relevant organizations should conduct relevant studies. One such study identified the use studies. One such study identified the use of of food additivesfood additives as a critical factor. as a critical factor.


As a result, FAO and WHO convened the As a result, FAO and WHO convened the first joint FAO/WHO Conference on Food first joint FAO/WHO Conference on Food Additives in 1955. From that Conference Additives in 1955. From that Conference eventuated the Joint FAO/WHO Expert eventuated the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)(JECFA) which, more than 40 years after its which, more than 40 years after its inception, still meets regularly inception, still meets regularly


INTEGRATING NON-INTEGRATING NON-GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIESGOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES

While FAO and WHO furthered their While FAO and WHO furthered their involvement in food-related matters, a involvement in food-related matters, a variety of committees set up by variety of committees set up by international non-governmental international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also began working organizations (NGOs) also began working in earnest on standards for food in earnest on standards for food commodities. commodities.


INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL CONSULTATION AND CONSULTATION AND

COOPERATIONCOOPERATION Two landmark years in the foundation of Two landmark years in the foundation of the Codex Alimentarius were 1960 and the Codex Alimentarius were 1960 and 1961 1961


In October 1960, the first FAO Regional In October 1960, the first FAO Regional Conference for Europe crystallized a widely held Conference for Europe crystallized a widely held view when it recognized:view when it recognized:"The desirability of international agreement on "The desirability of international agreement on minimum food standards and related questions minimum food standards and related questions (including labelling requirements, methods of (including labelling requirements, methods of analysis, etc.) ... as an important means of analysis, etc.) ... as an important means of protecting the consumer's health, of ensuring protecting the consumer's health, of ensuring quality and of reducing trade barriers, quality and of reducing trade barriers, particularly in the rapidly integrating market of particularly in the rapidly integrating market of Europe."Europe."


In November 1961, the Eleventh Session In November 1961, the Eleventh Session of the Conference of FAO passed a of the Conference of FAO passed a resolution to set up the Codex resolution to set up the Codex Alimentarius Commission.Alimentarius Commission.In May 1963, the Sixteenth World Health In May 1963, the Sixteenth World Health Assembly approved the establishment of Assembly approved the establishment of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme and adopted the statutes of Programme and adopted the statutes of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.the Codex Alimentarius Commission.


The Codex system: FAO, WHO and the The Codex system: FAO, WHO and the Codex Alimentarius CommissionCodex Alimentarius Commission


THE COMMISSIONTHE COMMISSION

The StatutesThe Statutes

The Rules of ProcedureThe Rules of Procedure

Representation.Representation.


THE COMMISSION'S THE COMMISSION'S OPERATIONSOPERATIONS

Compiling the Codex AlimentariusCompiling the Codex Alimentarius

The legal base for the Commission's The legal base for the Commission's operations and the procedures it is operations and the procedures it is required to follow are published in the required to follow are published in the Codex Alimentarius - Codex Alimentarius - procedural manualprocedural manual, ,


submission of a proposalsubmission of a proposal decision by the Commission or the decision by the Commission or the Executive Committee that a standard be Executive Committee that a standard be developeddeveloped a a proposed draft standardproposed draft standard circulated to Member Governments circulated to Member Governments for for comment. comment. a a draft standarddraft standard a a Codex standardCodex standard


Once adopted by the Commission, a Once adopted by the Commission, a Codex standard Codex standard is added to the Codex is added to the Codex Alimentarius. Alimentarius.


A "Format for Codex Commodity Standards and their A "Format for Codex Commodity Standards and their Content" is provided by the General Principles of the Content" is provided by the General Principles of the Codex Alimentarius. It includes the following categories Codex Alimentarius. It includes the following categories of information:of information:Scope Scope -- including the name of the standard; including the name of the standard; Description, essential composition and quality factors Description, essential composition and quality factors - - defining the minimum standard for the food; defining the minimum standard for the food; Food additives Food additives - only those cleared by FAO and WHO - only those cleared by FAO and WHO may be used; may be used; ContaminantsContaminants;; Hygiene and weights and measuresHygiene and weights and measures; ; Labelling Labelling - in accordance with the Codex General - in accordance with the Codex General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods; Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods; Methods of analysis and sampling.Methods of analysis and sampling.


In addition to In addition to commodity standardscommodity standards, the Codex Alimentarius includes , the Codex Alimentarius includes general standardsgeneral standards,, which have across-the-board application to all which have across-the-board application to all foods and are not product-specific. There are foods and are not product-specific. There are general standardsgeneral standards or or recommendations for:recommendations for:food labelling; food labelling; food additives; food additives; contaminants; contaminants; methods of analysis and sampling; methods of analysis and sampling; food hygiene; food hygiene; nutrition and foods for special dietary uses; nutrition and foods for special dietary uses; food import and export inspection and certification systems; food import and export inspection and certification systems; residues of veterinary drugs in foods; residues of veterinary drugs in foods; pesticide residues in foods. pesticide residues in foods.


Revision of Codex standards. Revision of Codex standards. The The Commission and its subsidiary bodies are Commission and its subsidiary bodies are committed to revision of Codex standards committed to revision of Codex standards and related texts as necessary to ensure and related texts as necessary to ensure they are consistent with and reflect current they are consistent with and reflect current scientific knowledge scientific knowledge


Structure of the Codex Structure of the Codex AlimentariusAlimentarius

Volume 1A - General requirements Volume 1A - General requirements Volume 1B - General requirements (food hygiene) Volume 1B - General requirements (food hygiene) Volume 2A - Pesticide residues in foods (general texts) Volume 2A - Pesticide residues in foods (general texts) Volume 2B - Pesticide residues in foods (maximum residue limits) Volume 2B - Pesticide residues in foods (maximum residue limits) Volume 3 - Residues of veterinary drugs in foods Volume 3 - Residues of veterinary drugs in foods Volume 4 - Foods for special dietary uses (including foods for infants and children) Volume 4 - Foods for special dietary uses (including foods for infants and children) Volume 5A - Processed and quick-frozen fruits and vegetables Volume 5A - Processed and quick-frozen fruits and vegetables Volume 5B - Fresh fruits and vegetables Volume 5B - Fresh fruits and vegetables Volume 6 - Fruit juices Volume 6 - Fruit juices Volume 7 - Cereals, pulses (legumes) and derived products and vegetable proteins Volume 7 - Cereals, pulses (legumes) and derived products and vegetable proteins Volume 8 - Fats and oils and related products Volume 8 - Fats and oils and related products Volume 9 - Fish and fishery products Volume 9 - Fish and fishery products Volume 10 - Meat and meat products; soups and broths Volume 10 - Meat and meat products; soups and broths Volume 11 - Sugars, cocoa products and chocolate and miscellaneous products Volume 11 - Sugars, cocoa products and chocolate and miscellaneous products Volume 12 - Milk and milk products Volume 12 - Milk and milk products Volume 13 - Methods of analysis and sampling Volume 13 - Methods of analysis and sampling


Collectively, the volumes contain general Collectively, the volumes contain general principles, general standards, definitions, principles, general standards, definitions, codes, commodity standards, methods codes, commodity standards, methods and recommendations. The contents list of and recommendations. The contents list of each volume is well organized for ease of each volume is well organized for ease of reference. reference. For exampleFor example


Volume 1A - General Requirements Volume 1A - General Requirements 1. General Principles of the Codex Alimentarius1. General Principles of the Codex Alimentarius2. Definitions for the Purpose of Codex Alimentarius2. Definitions for the Purpose of Codex Alimentarius3. Code of Ethics for International Trade in Foods3. Code of Ethics for International Trade in Foods4. Food Labelling4. Food Labelling5. Food Additives - including the General Standard for 5. Food Additives - including the General Standard for Food AdditivesFood Additives6. Contaminants in Food - including the General 6. Contaminants in Food - including the General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in FoodsStandard for Contaminants and Toxins in Foods7. Irradiated Foods7. Irradiated Foods8. Food Import and Export Food Inspection and 8. Food Import and Export Food Inspection and Certification SystemsCertification Systems


SUBSIDIARY BODIESSUBSIDIARY BODIES

two kinds of subsidiary body :two kinds of subsidiary body :Codex CommitteesCodex Committees, which prepare draft , which prepare draft standards for submission to the standards for submission to the Commission. Commission. Coordinating CommitteesCoordinating Committees, through which , through which regions or groups of countries coordinate regions or groups of countries coordinate food standards activities in the region, food standards activities in the region, including the development of regional including the development of regional standards.standards.


General Subject CommitteesGeneral Subject Committees

Committee on General PrinciplesCommittee on General Principles,, hosted by France hosted by France Committee on Food LabellingCommittee on Food Labelling,, hosted by Canada hosted by Canada Committee on Methods of Analysis and SamplingCommittee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling,, hosted by hosted by Hungary Hungary Committee on Food HygieneCommittee on Food Hygiene,, hosted by the United States hosted by the United States Committee on Pesticide ResiduesCommittee on Pesticide Residues,, hosted by the Netherlands hosted by the Netherlands Committee on Food Additives and ContaminantsCommittee on Food Additives and Contaminants,, hosted by the hosted by the Netherlands Netherlands Committee on Import/Export Inspection and Certification SystemsCommittee on Import/Export Inspection and Certification Systems,, hosted by Australia hosted by Australia Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary UsesCommittee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses,, hosted hosted by Germany (a General Committee for the purpose of Nutrition) by Germany (a General Committee for the purpose of Nutrition) Committee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in FoodCommittee on Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Food,, hosted by the hosted by the United States United States


Commodity CommitteesCommodity Committees Committee on Fats and OilsCommittee on Fats and Oils,, hosted by the United Kingdom hosted by the United Kingdom Committee on Fish and Fishery ProductsCommittee on Fish and Fishery Products,, hosted by Norway hosted by Norway Committee on Milk and Milk Products Committee on Milk and Milk Products (formerly the FAO/WHO Committee of (formerly the FAO/WHO Committee of Government Experts on the Code of Principles for Milk and Milk Products), Government Experts on the Code of Principles for Milk and Milk Products), hosted by New Zealand hosted by New Zealand Committee on Fresh Fruits and VegetablesCommittee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables,, hosted by Mexico hosted by Mexico Committee on Cocoa Products and ChocolateCommittee on Cocoa Products and Chocolate,, hosted by Switzerland hosted by Switzerland Committee on SugarsCommittee on Sugars,, hosted by the United Kingdom hosted by the United Kingdom Committee on Processed Fruits and VegetablesCommittee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables,, hosted by the United hosted by the United States States Committee on Vegetable ProteinsCommittee on Vegetable Proteins, hosted by Canada , hosted by Canada Committee on Cereals, Pulses and LegumesCommittee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes,, hosted by the United States hosted by the United States Committee on Processed Meat and Poultry ProductsCommittee on Processed Meat and Poultry Products,, hosted by Denmark hosted by Denmark Committee on Soups and BrothsCommittee on Soups and Broths,, hosted by Switzerland hosted by Switzerland Committee on Meat HygieneCommittee on Meat Hygiene,, hosted by New Zealand hosted by New Zealand Committee on Natural Mineral WatersCommittee on Natural Mineral Waters,, hosted by Switzerland hosted by Switzerland


Coordinating CommitteesCoordinating Committees

Africa Africa

Asia Asia

Europe Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean Latin America and the Caribbean

North America and Southwest PacificNorth America and Southwest Pacific


MEMBER COUNTRIES' ACCEPTANCE OF MEMBER COUNTRIES' ACCEPTANCE OF CODEX STANDARDSCODEX STANDARDS : :The harmonization of food standards is generally The harmonization of food standards is generally viewed as a prerequisite to the protection of viewed as a prerequisite to the protection of consumer health as well as allowing the fullest consumer health as well as allowing the fullest possible facilitation of international trade. For possible facilitation of international trade. For that reason, the Uruguay Round Agreements on that reason, the Uruguay Round Agreements on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade Measures (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) both encourage the international (TBT) both encourage the international harmonization of food standards. harmonization of food standards.


Harmonization can only be achieved when Harmonization can only be achieved when all countries adopt the same standards all countries adopt the same standards


The General Principles of the Codex The General Principles of the Codex Alimentarius specify the ways in which member Alimentarius specify the ways in which member countries may "accept" Codex standards. Forms countries may "accept" Codex standards. Forms of acceptance vary somewhat depending on of acceptance vary somewhat depending on whether the standard is a commodity standard, a whether the standard is a commodity standard, a general standard, or concerns levels for general standard, or concerns levels for pesticide or veterinary drug residues or food pesticide or veterinary drug residues or food additives. Generally, however, the proposed additives. Generally, however, the proposed forms of acceptance areforms of acceptance are full acceptancefull acceptance,, acceptance with minor deviationsacceptance with minor deviations and and free free distributiondistribution..


FAO, WHO AND THE CODEX FAO, WHO AND THE CODEX RELATIONSHIPRELATIONSHIP

FAO and WHO complement the Commission's FAO and WHO complement the Commission's activities significantly in a number of practical activities significantly in a number of practical ways. To adopt Codex standards, countries ways. To adopt Codex standards, countries require an adequate food law as well as a require an adequate food law as well as a technical and administrative infrastructure with technical and administrative infrastructure with the capacity to implement it and ensure the capacity to implement it and ensure compliance. For many years, FAO and WHO compliance. For many years, FAO and WHO have been providing have been providing assistance toassistance to developing developing countriescountries to enable them to take full advantage to enable them to take full advantage of the Commission's work of the Commission's work


Codex and consumersCodex and consumers

COMMITMENT IN THE INTEREST OF COMMITMENT IN THE INTEREST OF CONSUMERSCONSUMERS

WHAT CODEX HAS PRODUCED TO WHAT CODEX HAS PRODUCED TO PROTECT CONSUMERSPROTECT CONSUMERS


COMMITMENT IN THE INTEREST COMMITMENT IN THE INTEREST OF CONSUMERSOF CONSUMERS

From their beginnings, FAO and WHO From their beginnings, FAO and WHO have assisted in the improvement of have assisted in the improvement of quality and safety standards applied to quality and safety standards applied to food. The food. The highest priorityhighest priority of the Codex of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, as stated in Alimentarius Commission, as stated in Article 1 of its statutes, is to protect the Article 1 of its statutes, is to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. practices in the food trade.


WHAT CODEX HAS PRODUCED WHAT CODEX HAS PRODUCED TO PROTECT CONSUMERSTO PROTECT CONSUMERS

Food commodity and general Food commodity and general standardsstandards General principles, guidelines and General principles, guidelines and recommended codes of practicerecommended codes of practice Consumers' participation in the work of Consumers' participation in the work of the Commission and its subsidiary the Commission and its subsidiary committeescommittees InformationInformation Strengthened food control systemsStrengthened food control systems


The General Principles of Food Hygiene The General Principles of Food Hygiene are supported by detailed are supported by detailed ccodesodes of of hygienic practice hygienic practice that have specific that have specific application to: application to:


low-acid and acidified low-acid canned foods; low-acid and acidified low-acid canned foods; aseptically processed and packaged low-acid foods; aseptically processed and packaged low-acid foods; precooked and cooked foods in mass catering; precooked and cooked foods in mass catering; the preparation and sale of street-vended foods (regional the preparation and sale of street-vended foods (regional standard - Latin America and the Caribbean); standard - Latin America and the Caribbean); spices and dried plants; spices and dried plants; canned fruit and vegetable products; canned fruit and vegetable products; dried fruits; dried fruits; desiccated coconut; desiccated coconut; dehydrated fruits and vegetables including edible fungi; dehydrated fruits and vegetables including edible fungi;


tree nuts; tree nuts; groundnuts (peanuts); groundnuts (peanuts); processed meat and poultry products; processed meat and poultry products; poultry processing; poultry processing; egg products; egg products; the processing of frog legs; the processing of frog legs; fresh meat; fresh meat; the production, storage and composition of mechanically separated the production, storage and composition of mechanically separated meat and poultry meat intended for further processing; meat and poultry meat intended for further processing; game; game; the collection, processing and marketing of natural mineral waters.the collection, processing and marketing of natural mineral waters.


The Codex Alimentarius also contains the The Codex Alimentarius also contains the Recommended International Code of Recommended International Code of Practice for Control of the Use of Practice for Control of the Use of Veterinary DrugsVeterinary Drugs,, which has the express which has the express aim of preventing the use of drugs that aim of preventing the use of drugs that create a hazard to human health. create a hazard to human health.


Codex and the international food Codex and the international food tradetrade

THE URUGUAY ROUND AND WORLD THE URUGUAY ROUND AND WORLD FOOD TRADEFOOD TRADE

CODEX AND THE ETHICS OF CODEX AND THE ETHICS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADEINTERNATIONAL TRADE


THE URUGUAY ROUND AND THE URUGUAY ROUND AND WORLD FOOD TRADEWORLD FOOD TRADE

The Uruguay Round Agreements The Uruguay Round Agreements represent a milestone in the multilateral represent a milestone in the multilateral trading system because, for the first time, trading system because, for the first time, they incorporated agriculture and food they incorporated agriculture and food under operationally effective rules and under operationally effective rules and disciplines. disciplines.


Country participants in the round of negotiations Country participants in the round of negotiations recognized that measures ostensibly adopted by recognized that measures ostensibly adopted by national governments to protect the health of national governments to protect the health of their consumers, animals and plants could their consumers, animals and plants could become disguised barriers to trade as well as become disguised barriers to trade as well as being discriminatory. Consequently, the SPSbeing discriminatory. Consequently, the SPS and theand the TBT Agreements were included among TBT Agreements were included among the Multilateral Agreements on Trade in Goods, the Multilateral Agreements on Trade in Goods, annexed to the 1994 Marrakesh Agreement annexed to the 1994 Marrakesh Agreement which established the Word Trade Organization which established the Word Trade Organization (WTO). (WTO).


The Agreement on the Application of The Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures acknowledges that governments have the right acknowledges that governments have the right to take sanitary and phytosanitary measures to take sanitary and phytosanitary measures necessary for the protection of human health. necessary for the protection of human health. However, the SPS Agreement requires them to However, the SPS Agreement requires them to apply those measures only to the extent required apply those measures only to the extent required to protect human health. It does not permit to protect human health. It does not permit Member Governments to discriminate by Member Governments to discriminate by applying different requirements to different applying different requirements to different countries where the same or similar conditions countries where the same or similar conditions prevail, unless there is sufficient scientific prevail, unless there is sufficient scientific justification for doing so. justification for doing so.


The Agreement on Technical Barriers The Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade to Trade seeks to ensure that technical seeks to ensure that technical regulations and standards, including regulations and standards, including packaging, marking and labelling packaging, marking and labelling requirements, and analytical procedures requirements, and analytical procedures for assessing conformity with technical for assessing conformity with technical regulations and standards do not create regulations and standards do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade. unnecessary obstacles to trade.


It is noteworthy that the SPS and TBT It is noteworthy that the SPS and TBT Agreements both acknowledge the Agreements both acknowledge the importance of harmonizing standards importance of harmonizing standards internationally so as to minimize or internationally so as to minimize or eliminate the risk of sanitary, phytosanitary eliminate the risk of sanitary, phytosanitary and other technical standards becoming and other technical standards becoming barriers to trade. barriers to trade.


In its pursuance of harmonization, with In its pursuance of harmonization, with regard to food safety the SPS Agreement regard to food safety the SPS Agreement has identified and chosen the standards, has identified and chosen the standards, guidelines and recommendations guidelines and recommendations established by the Codex Alimentarius established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission for food additives, veterinary Commission for food additives, veterinary drug and pesticide residues, drug and pesticide residues, contaminants, methods of analysis and contaminants, methods of analysis and sampling, and codes and guidelines of sampling, and codes and guidelines of hygienic practice hygienic practice


This means that Codex standards are This means that Codex standards are considered scientifically justified and are considered scientifically justified and are accepted as the benchmarks against accepted as the benchmarks against which national measures and regulations which national measures and regulations are evaluated. are evaluated.


Considerable interest in the Commission's Considerable interest in the Commission's activities has been stimulated by the activities has been stimulated by the specific recognition of Codex standards, specific recognition of Codex standards, guidelines and recommendations within guidelines and recommendations within the SPS Agreement as well as the the SPS Agreement as well as the importance assumed by Codex standards importance assumed by Codex standards in the Technical Regulations and in the Technical Regulations and Standards provisions contained in Article 2 Standards provisions contained in Article 2 of the TBT Agreement. of the TBT Agreement.


Consequently, attendance at Codex Consequently, attendance at Codex meetings, especially by developing meetings, especially by developing countries, has markedly increased countries, has markedly increased


The adoption of Codex standards as The adoption of Codex standards as scientifically justified norms for the scientifically justified norms for the purpose of the SPS and TBT Agreements purpose of the SPS and TBT Agreements is of immense significance is of immense significance


The standards have become an integral The standards have become an integral part of the legal framework within which part of the legal framework within which international trade is being facilitated international trade is being facilitated through harmonization. through harmonization.


CODEX AND THE ETHICS OF CODEX AND THE ETHICS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADEINTERNATIONAL TRADE

The work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission The work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission goes beyond creating means of removing goes beyond creating means of removing barriers to trade. It also includes encouraging barriers to trade. It also includes encouraging food traders to adopt voluntarily ethical practices food traders to adopt voluntarily ethical practices as an important way of protecting consumers' as an important way of protecting consumers' health and promoting fair practices in the food health and promoting fair practices in the food trade. To this end, the Commission has trade. To this end, the Commission has published the published the Code of Ethics for International Code of Ethics for International Trade in FoodTrade in Food,, which is included in the Codex which is included in the Codex Alimentarius. Alimentarius.


A principal objective of the A principal objective of the Code of EthicsCode of Ethics is to stop exporting countries and is to stop exporting countries and exporters from dumping poor-quality or exporters from dumping poor-quality or unsafe food on to international markets. unsafe food on to international markets. The code is currently being updated to The code is currently being updated to reflect the impact of the SPS, the TBT and reflect the impact of the SPS, the TBT and other agreements on international trade. other agreements on international trade.


CODEX AND REGIONAL TRADE CODEX AND REGIONAL TRADE AGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTSAGREEMENTS AND ARRANGEMENTS


The The Uruguay Round AgreementsUruguay Round Agreements provide for provide for groups of member countries to enter into trade groups of member countries to enter into trade agreements among themselves for the purpose agreements among themselves for the purpose of liberalizing trade. The North American Free of liberalizing trade. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, the United States and Mexico is such an the United States and Mexico is such an agreement. Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and agreement. Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay have signed the Treaty of Acunción Uruguay have signed the Treaty of Acunción establishing the Southern Common Market establishing the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR). In Asia and the Pacific, 18 (MERCOSUR). In Asia and the Pacific, 18 countries have formalized economic cooperation countries have formalized economic cooperation arrangements under the title, Asia-Pacific arrangements under the title, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Council. Economic Cooperation (APEC) Council.


NAFTANAFTA includes two ancillary agreements includes two ancillary agreements dealing with sanitary and phytosanitary dealing with sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical barriers to trade. measures and technical barriers to trade. With regard to SPS measures, Codex With regard to SPS measures, Codex standards are cited as basic requirements standards are cited as basic requirements to be met by the three member countries to be met by the three member countries in terms of the health and safety aspects in terms of the health and safety aspects of food products. of food products.


MERCOSUR'sMERCOSUR's Food Commission has Food Commission has recommended a range of Codex recommended a range of Codex standards for adoption by member standards for adoption by member countries and is using other Codex countries and is using other Codex standards as points of reference in standards as points of reference in continuing deliberations. continuing deliberations.


APECAPEC has drafted a Mutual Recognition has drafted a Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Conformity Assessment Arrangement on Conformity Assessment of Foods and Food Products. This calls for of Foods and Food Products. This calls for consistency with SPS and TBT consistency with SPS and TBT requirements as well as with Codex requirements as well as with Codex standards, including the recommendations standards, including the recommendations of the Codex Committee on Food Import of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Certification Systems. and Export Certification Systems.


In addition, In addition, EU directivesEU directives frequently refer frequently refer to the Codex Alimentarius as the basis for to the Codex Alimentarius as the basis for their requirements. their requirements.


Codex and scienceCodex and science

From the very beginning, the Codex From the very beginning, the Codex Alimentarius has been a Alimentarius has been a science-based activityscience-based activity. .

It is fair to say that the work of the Codex It is fair to say that the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, together with that of Alimentarius Commission, together with that of FAO and WHO in their supportive roles, has FAO and WHO in their supportive roles, has provided a focal point for food-related scientific provided a focal point for food-related scientific research and investigation, and the Commission research and investigation, and the Commission itself has become an importantitself has become an important international international medium for the exchange of scientific medium for the exchange of scientific information about food information about food


The membership of expert consultations is The membership of expert consultations is of critical importance. The credibility and of critical importance. The credibility and acceptability of any conclusions and acceptability of any conclusions and recommendations depend to a very large recommendations depend to a very large degree on the degree on the objectiveness, scientific skill objectiveness, scientific skill and overall competenceand overall competence of the members of the members who formulate them. who formulate them.


A large amount of scientifically based food A large amount of scientifically based food data has been generated by expert data has been generated by expert meetings, convened and serviced jointly meetings, convened and serviced jointly by FAO and WHO. by FAO and WHO.


Two such groups, the Two such groups, the Joint FAO/WHO Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues Meeting on Pesticide Residues and the and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food AdditivesFood Additives,, have for many years have for many years produced internationally acclaimed data produced internationally acclaimed data which are widely used by governments, which are widely used by governments, industry and research centres industry and research centres


Codex administrationCodex administration

The The Secretary Secretary of the Codex Alimentarius of the Codex Alimentarius Commission is a senior FAO official who Commission is a senior FAO official who serves as the Chief of the Joint FAO/WHO serves as the Chief of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programmes, located Food Standards Programmes, located within the Food Quality and Standards within the Food Quality and Standards Service of the Food and Nutrition Division Service of the Food and Nutrition Division at FAO in Rome. at FAO in Rome.


Codex and the futureCodex and the future

Codex activities of the future will differ Codex activities of the future will differ considerably from what they have been until considerably from what they have been until now. now. Scientific developmentsScientific developments in fields relating to food, in fields relating to food, changing attitudes of consumers, new changing attitudes of consumers, new approaches to food control, changing approaches to food control, changing perceptions of government and food industry perceptions of government and food industry responsibilities and changing food quality and responsibilities and changing food quality and safety concepts will present the Commission safety concepts will present the Commission with new challenges and, conceivably, the need with new challenges and, conceivably, the need for new standards. for new standards.


The application of The application of biotechnology biotechnology to food to food processing and production of raw food processing and production of raw food materials is already under scrutiny by the materials is already under scrutiny by the Commission, which is continually Commission, which is continually examining new concepts and systems examining new concepts and systems associated with food safety and the associated with food safety and the protection of consumers against health protection of consumers against health hazards. hazards.

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