Skip links

codex@gsa.gov.gh

GA-288-5605, Shiashie

Type and hit enter

call us now
(+233-302) 506991-5 / 500065/6
Codex

Protecting health,facilitating trade

The harmonization of food standards contributes to the protection of consumer health and to the fullest possible facilitation of international trade.

Request a Call Back
(+233-302) 506991-5 / 500065/6

What is the Codex Alimentarius?

The Codex Alimentarius, also known as the “Food Code”, is a set of standards, guidelines, and codes of practice adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The CAC is the central component of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, established by the FAO and WHO to safeguard consumer health and promote equitable practices in food trade. In 1963, the CAC held its inaugural meeting.

Read More on Codex
send a message

request a call back

    Why do we need Codex standards?

    Codex standards ensure that food is safe and can be traded. The 188 Codex members have negotiated science based recommendations in all areas related to food safety and quality. Codex food safety texts are a reference in WTO trade disputes.

    Animal Feed

    Good animal feeding plays a vital role in animal health & welfare and in the production of safe and quality products of animal origin.

    Learn more

    Contaminants

    Contaminants are chemical substances that have not been intentionally added to food or feed and may pose a risk to animal and human health.

    Learn more

    Biotechnology

    While there is little controversy about many aspects of biotechnology and its application, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are often the target of very intensive debate.

    Learn more

    Nutrition & Labelling

    The food label is one of the most important tools consumers can use to make informed choices about healthy and safe foods.

    Learn more
    Learn More

    There is a lot at stake for protecting consumer health and ensuring fair practices in the food trade.

    Stakeholder Institutions

    Popular Standards

    CXC 1-1969:
    General Principles of Food Hygiene.

    CXS 1-1985:
    General Standards for the Labelling of Pre-packaged Foods.

    CXG 2-1985:
    Guidelines on Nutrition Labelling.

    CXM 2:
    Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and Risk Management Recommendations (RMRs) for Residues of Veterinary Drugs in Foods.

    CXS 192-1995:
    General Standard for Food Additives.

    FAQs

    The term “Codex Alimentarius” is Latin and means “food code”. Codex standards are international food texts, i.e. standards, codes of practice, codes of hygienic practice, guidelines and other recommendations, established to protect the health of the consumers and to ensure fair practices in the food trade. The collection of food standards and related texts adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission is known as the Codex Alimentarius.

    Codex standards are adopted in most cases by consensus among Members and are based on the best scientific and technical knowledge. International organizations with official Observer Status in Codex may also make interventions, submit written comments …, during Codex meetings and on draft standards, but only Members (i.e. Countries) make decisions.

    Members use Codex standards to ensure safe, good quality food to their citizens. By introducing legislation and regulation that is consistent with Codex standards and guidelines governments may reduce the risk of being brought before a WTO Disputes Panel. A Government can adopt its own level of protection, e.g. go beyond or stop short of Codex. If a government chooses a higher level of protection, and in the event of a trade dispute, it may be required to justify the sanitary measure corresponding to its chosen level of protection on scientific, health, or other legitimate grounds. In many countries, most food legislation is already consistent with Codex.

    Codex Ghana

    Upcoming Events

    Codex Sessions in 2024

    CCFICS27:

    16-20 September 2024 – Australia

    CCNFSDU44:

    2-6 October 2024

    CCRVDF27:

    21-25 October 2024

    CCFL48:

    28 October – 1 November 2024

    CCAFRICA25:

    February 2025

    CODEX@60

    This website uses cookies to improve your web experience.
    Home