What Is Codex?

Codex, also called Codex Alimentarius, is a Latin word that means "food code." It is the name of an organization, The Codex Alimentarius Commission, that makes important worldwide health decisions.

Origins

• The Codex Ailmentarius Commission, which began in 1963 and is based in Rome, Italy, was developed by two United Nations organizations, the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Purpose

• Codex regulates all international matters in regard to food trade, ensuring that consumers worldwide receive safe and correctly labeled food products. Its main goal is to protect the health of consumers and to promote fair food trade methods.

Importance

• Codex controls all decisions on food trade and its laws supersede those made by national or local entities. For instance, if Codex rules that certain foods are safe for import or export, the FDA cannot challenge its decision.

Contradictions

• Although Codex is supposed to protect consumers, its membership is sometimes subject to corruption. Some companies find ways to serve on the national Codex committee, allowing them an opportunity to promote self-serving agendas that do not include the well being of consumers.