CODEX ALIMENTARIUS is about safe, good food for everyone - everywhere. The CODEX ALIMENTARIUS international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality, and fairness of international food trade. The CODEX standards are for food intended for direct human consumption and serve as voluntary guidelines. 

However, the standards are often used as basis for national legislation. The reference made to Codex food safety standards in the World Trade Organizations' Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS Agreement) means that Codex also has far reaching implications for resolving trade disputes.  Codex members cover 99% of the world’s population.  International governmental and non-governmental organizations can become accredited Codex observers to provide expert information, advice, and assistance to the Commission.  IFFO has been accepted as an accredited Observer which enables us to represent our members at the CODEX meetings. 

CODEX has 10 General Subject Committees (including: Contaminants, Food Additives, Food Hygiene, Food Labelling, Pesticide Residues etc) and 5 Commodity Committees (including: Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Fats and Oils, Sugars, and Fish and Fishery Products, among others).