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

28 June 2013

Draft Report of CAC36

18 June 2013

The Role of Science in determining International Standards in Food and Agriculture

30 April 2013

Procedural Manual - 21st edition

29 April 2013

Directors General of FAO and WHO plan to address CAC36

29 April 2013

50th anniversary homepage

18 April 2013

Opening of the 50th anniversary session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission

24 July 2012

CAC35 related material

12 July 2012

News releases on the 35th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission

19 June 2012

Code of practice for fish and fishery products - 2nd edition

19 June 2012

Prevention and Reduction of Food and Feed Contamination - 1st edition

19 June 2012

Food import and export inspection and certification systems booklet - 5th edition

03 October 2011

CCEXEC65 and CAC34 AUDIO RECORDINGS

30 September 2011

Milk and Milk product - 2nd edition

30 September 2011

Note to the press issued by WHO on the results of the CAC34

30 September 2011

CAC34 report

16 June 2011

Timetable for the Election of Officers of the Commission

16 June 2011

Code of hygienic practice for fresh fruits and vegetables

16 June 2011

Procedural Manual 20th edition

17 May 2011

Saving paper

23 March 2011

CCNEA6 Change of date

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.