The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of internationally recognised standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and recommendations relating to food, food production, and food safety. Established by the WHO and FAO in 1963, Codex standards are used as the reference point in WTO trade disputes under the SPS Agreement.
Traceability Principles
The Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted Principles for Traceability/Product Tracing as a Tool within a Food Inspection and Certification System (CAC/GL 60-2006). These principles define traceability as the ability to follow the movement of a food through specified stage(s) of production, processing, and distribution. Codex traceability principles are technology-neutral and focus on outcomes rather than specific methods.
Food Labelling Standards
Codex General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods (CODEX STAN 1-1985) sets out minimum labelling requirements that have been adopted by many national food authorities. Key requirements include: name of the food; list of ingredients; net contents; name and address of manufacturer; country of origin; lot identification; and date marking.
WTO Reference Point
Under the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), WTO members are encouraged to base their food safety measures on Codex standards. National food safety measures that conform to Codex standards are presumed to comply with WTO obligations. Codex standards are therefore critical for international food trade.