In 1962, after a long period of study, seeing the need to facilitate international food trade and consumers to ensure not only quality but also the security and safety thereof, in a joint FAO and WHO established a Code with the objective to be called "Codex Alimentarius" (Latin: Code or the Food Act).
Over time, the Codex Alimentarius has become one of the most widely accepted and adopted regulations in the world. This is because it has a good scientific basis and that the correct application of the rules of production, processing, packaging and transportation ensures the security and safety in food. Served to minimize (but not completely eliminated the problem) the risk of spread of foodborne diseases, as a basic concept of the Codex states that "food is nutritious if it is not safe."
Benefits its implementation are:
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In addressing both consumer protection and the production and trade of food worldwide, regional, national and local aid that meets the fundamental right to access to foods that are of good quality, safe and nutritious.
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Removes artificial non-tariff barriers to trade, allowing access to markets who produce, process and market food.
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Protect the health of consumers.
makes the rules clear for everyone, so:
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facilitates food marketing.
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Sets fair practices in food trade.
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The only arguments allowed are those that are strictly scientific basis.
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allows standardization of concepts and quality points and facilitate trade and transportation worldwide.
Their food standards, codes of practice and guidelines provide adequate protection to consumers not to be affected by unsafe food or fraudulent trade practices.
How do you practice?
In order to implement an intergovernmental organization was formed called "Codex Alimentarius Commission." This is responsible for the "Joint FAO / WHO Food Standards" verify, approve and promote the standards, codes, guidelines and other measures that are analyzed by subdivisions that specialize in various areas of food known as Codex Committees "
How the Codex was formed?
To "build" the "Codex" were considered, studied, and verified a collection of international food standards. Organized and structured around the material in 14 volumes that make up the complete collection of standards and related texts. We included all major standards for food, processed, semi-processed and unprocessed raw materials for the production or processing to make it a type of food.
contains provisions relating to:
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nutritional quality of food.
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Provisions for food additives, contaminants, pesticide residues and veterinary drugs.
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Labelling and presentation.
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Hygiene.
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methods of analysis and sampling.
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microbiological standards.
Each of the "Codex standard" is a presentation format similar to the following basic information:
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The overall scope of the Standard.
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The essential composition.
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Food additives and contaminants.
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quality factors.
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hygiene requirements.
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requirements for labeling.
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Methodology to apply for Analysis and Sampling.
is important not only publishing the basic rules, but also the constant updates, as this allows these definitions and requirements for foods to be effective in each country and region, facilitating the international exchange insurance.
How does internationally?
operated by the Codex Secretariat in Rome and coordinates activities with the regional offices. In countries that joined the Codex Regional offices were established known as Codex Contact Point, which met (at least in theory) a correspondent and coordination role for activities in the country. Basically receive documents, publications and communications of the Codex.
Besides disseminating, promoting awareness of Codex in the country, often provide policy and technical advice to governments and related agencies. Typically transmit and receive information from government agencies, national food industry or regional organizations defending the rights of consumers, universities and research centers and NGOs working in the field.
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