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




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


22 July 2019
First expert meeting on nutrition providing scientific advice to Codex






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


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.
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.