At the heart of the Codex mandate are the core values of collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building and transparency. Governmental and non-governmental, public and private organizations alike play a vital role in ensuring Codex texts are of the highest quality and based on sound science.

Codex would have little authority in the field of international standard setting if it did not welcome and acknowledge the valuable contributions made by observers. Expert technical bodies, industry and consumer associations contribute to the standard-setting process in a spirit of openness, collaboration and transparency.

Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can apply for observer status in Codex in order to attend and put forward their views at every stage of the standard-setting process.

Observer news

27 March 2022

Uganda officially takes over from Kenya as the new coordinator for Codex in Africa

18 March 2022

Codex Trust Fund / El Salvador and Guatemala web seminar for Codex Contact Points

09 March 2022

Case study / Codex standards help improve food safety in Thailand

08 March 2022

International Women’s Day / Women in Codex leading technical work on food hygiene

07 March 2022

World Food Safety Day to focus on ‘safer food, better health’

03 March 2022

New Codex guideline / Preparedness and communication critical to managing foodborne outbreaks

28 February 2022

Food hygiene committee shows appetite for advancement of consensus-driven and science-based standards

24 February 2022

New food sources and production / Codex vice-chair Diego Varela learns about plant-based food

23 February 2022

EU recognizes central role of Codex in facilitating transition to sustainable food systems

17 February 2022

Compendium of Codex AMR texts provides complete framework for decision makers to address foodborne AMR

10 February 2022

“Why did you become a scientist?”

03 February 2022

Codex to explore its statements of principle on role of science to help find consensus on controversial issues

02 February 2022

Codex podcast / investigating GBS ST283 outbreak in freshwater fish

20 January 2022

Lancet study emphasizes the need to address AMR data gaps

14 January 2022

WTO / new publication recommends land-locked developing countries actively participate in Codex

07 January 2022

WHO launches a new Food Safety Community of Practice

30 December 2021

New Codex Chairperson promises strategic route for Codex placing Members at its centre

22 December 2021

Codex Trust Fund Nepal / simulation exercise building experience and great fun too

18 December 2021

Codex Trust Fund / Advisory Group hears how support vital for raising profile of Codex and food safety

14 December 2021

Codex finishes its 44th Commission and salutes outgoing Chairperson Guilherme Da Costa

Codex and Observer

Food is a sensitive commodity, which has travelled
around the world since ancient times.
We might not always know where it comes from,
but we expect it to be available, safe and of good quality.