THE CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION AND THE FAO/WHO FOOD STANDARDS PROGRAMME
The Codex Alimentarius Commission implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, the purpose of which is to protect the health of consumers and to ensure fair practices in the food trade. The Codex Alimentarius (Latin, meaning Food Law or Code) is a collection of internationally adopted food standards presented in a uniform manner. It also includes provisions of an advisory nature in the form of codes of practice, guidelines and other recommended measures to assist in achieving the purposes of the Codex Alimentarius. The Commission has expressed the view that codes of practice might provide useful checklists of requirements for national food control or enforcement authorities. The publication of the Codex Alimentarius is intended to guide and promote the elaboration and establishment of definitions and requirements for foods, to assist in their harmonization and, in doing so, to facilitate international trade.
FOOD LABELLING - COMPLETE TEXTS
Food labelling is the primary means of communication between the producer and seller of food on one hand, and the purchaser and consumer of the other. The Codex Alimentarius standards and guidelines on food labelling published in various volumes of the Codex Alimentarius are now collected and republished in this compact format to allow their wide use and understanding by governments, regulatory authorities, food industries and retailers, and consumers.
Further information on these texts, or any other aspect of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, may be obtained from:
The Secretary,
Codex Alimentarius Commission,
Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme,
FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla,
00100, Rome Italyfax: +39(06)57.05.45.93
email: [email protected]Internet address: www.codexalimentarius.net
