The Codex Alimentarius Commission (commonly referred to as Commission) is the body established by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and WHO (World Health Organization) to develop food standards under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission is based in FAO in Rome. It coordinates input from 187 member countries and one member organization to develop and endorse the international food standards that comprise the Codex Alimentarius.

The reference made to Codex food safety standards in the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) means that Codex has far reaching implications for resolving trade disputes. WTO members, that wish to apply stricter food safety measures than those set by Codex, may be required to justify these measures scientifically.

CODEX ALIMENTARIUS is about safe, good food for everyone – everywhere.

International food trade has existed for thousands of years, but until not too long ago, food was mainly produced, sold and consumed locally.

Over the last century, the amount of food traded internationally has grown exponentially, and a quantity and variety of food, never before possible, travels the globe today.