Codex Alimentarius Commission (CODEX)
The Codex Alimentarius or “Food Code” was established by FAO and the World Health Organization in 1963 to develop harmonised international food standards, which protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade.
Role of CODEX
The Codex Alimentarius international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of this international food trade. Consumers can trust the safety and quality of the food products they buy and importers can trust that the food they ordered will be in accordance with their specifications. While being recommendations for voluntary application by members, Codex standards serve in many cases as a basis for national legislation.
Importance to the Egg Industry
The Codex Alimentarius, or the food code, has become the global reference point for consumers, food producers and processors, national food control agencies and the international food trade. The code has had an enormous impact on the thinking of food producers and processors as well as on the awareness of the end users – the consumers. Its influence extends to every continent, and its contribution to the protection of public health and fair practices in the food trade is immeasurable.
The IEC is registered with Codex as an accredited Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) and as such has the opportunity to attend Codex sessions as an observer. The IEC is an e-Working Group member dealing with issues relevant to the egg sector (production, packing and processing).
