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

06 September 2019

Large scale FAO Total Diet Study successfully assesses chemical residue contamination in food in Benin, Cameroon, Mali and Nigeria

03 September 2019

CCAFRICA hears calls for further investment in food safety for greater market access

01 September 2019

Understanding flows of antimicrobial resistance through the food supply chain

01 September 2019

How a Codex guideline will ensure UNICEF can deliver safe food

01 September 2019

Codex begins intense series of regional consultations

30 August 2019

Standards instrumental in driving regional integration in Africa

16 August 2019

Bhutan and Nepal strengthen capacity for better participation in Codex work

08 August 2019

Codex adopts code of practice to reduce exposure to contaminants in refined oils

24 July 2019

Coordinated research contributing to future standards through Codex mechanism

23 July 2019

Experts agree Codex can build trust in food sold online

22 July 2019

First expert meeting on nutrition providing scientific advice to Codex

17 July 2019

Codex leading the way in methods of analysis and sampling

16 July 2019

Codex strategy to drive greater awareness of standards

15 July 2019

FAO/WHO Food Control System Assessment Tool

10 July 2019

New standards adopted at CAC42

09 July 2019

Successful Codex Trust Fund countries set priorities and direction

08 July 2019

Codex standards and guidelines critical in ensuring people have healthy diets and safe food

06 July 2019

Executive Committee completes strategic plan and faces key discussions on the role of science

04 July 2019

Bhutan, India and Nepal gear up for joint Codex Trust Fund project

01 July 2019

Codex standards critical in rapidly changing food environment

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.