The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was established in May 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an international body responsible for setting food standards. Its main goals are to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade.
The World Trade Organization's (WTO) Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) recognizes the Codex standards, guidelines, and recommendations as the reference standards for international trade and resolving trade disputes.
Currently, the Codex Alimentarius Commission consists of 189 members, including 188 member countries and 1 member organization (The European Union). India joined as a member of the Codex Alimentarius in 1964. The Codex standards are voluntary in nature and are considered reference standards by WTO Agreements.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission develops general standards, guidelines, and codes of practice that cover various aspects such as hygienic practices, labeling, contaminants, additives, inspection and certification, nutrition, and residues of veterinary drugs and pesticides. These standards apply horizontally to different products and product categories.
In addition to general standards, the Codex Alimentarius also develops commodity standards for specific products, and it has started developing standards for food groups. There are also regional standards developed by the respective Regional Coordinating Committees, which apply to specific regions.
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