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

16 April 2019

Bridging differences on sweeteners

06 April 2019

Codex looks to harmonise regulation of biopesticides

04 April 2019

Celebrating health around the world - 7 April 2019

04 April 2019

Removing International Trade Challenges For Ripened Cheeses

02 April 2019

When could cell-cultured food products appear on the Codex agenda?

29 March 2019

JECFA has its work cut out for it

28 March 2019

What do you know about food additives?

27 March 2019

Managing food additives at national level

25 March 2019

Codex Committee on Food Additives meets in Jinan, China

21 March 2019

Capacity building for new Codex chairs

14 March 2019

Assessing microbiological hazards in foods

11 March 2019

Bordeaux meeting a “laboratory of innovation” serving the entire Codex system

05 March 2019

Codex salutes outgoing chair of Fats and Oils

01 March 2019

Kazakhstan pushes to enhance regional potential

26 February 2019

Food safety experts energized for first World Food Safety Day

25 February 2019

Experts meet to discuss fats and oils in Malaysia

20 February 2019

Workshop in Azerbaijan reveals ideal mix for National Codex Committee

12 February 2019

The First International Food Safety Conference underway in Addis Ababa

08 February 2019

Developing national Codex capacity for Libya

28 January 2019

Regional workshop to strengthen Codex work in Near East

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.