Codex

world globe

Codex Alimentarius is a series of international standards for food and agricultural products. They help ensure fair trade and consumer protection internationally.

Agreed standards are voluntary, implementation by member countries is not necessarily automatic. However, Codex is recognised in the relevant World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements and in the event of a trade dispute Codex standards would become accepted reference documents for its settlement.

Codex is jointly sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and comprises of more than 160 countries. Non-governmental organisations, such as consumer, academic or industry bodies, may attend Codex meetings as observers.

The Food Standards Agency represents the UK at Codex. To contact us email:codex_fsa@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk or tel: 020 7276 8664.

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European Union membership of Codex

The European Commission represents all EU countries on matters of EU competence. This means that:

  • The Commission will speak and vote in Codex on behalf of the EU on all issues of exclusive EU competence.
  • The Commission will also speak and vote on behalf of the EU on all issues of mixed competence. The UK and other member states contribute develop the European position.
  • The UK and other EU member states are also able to speak and vote on issues within areas of exclusive, or mixed, member state competence.

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