With advancements in technology, it is possible today to produce food that caters to innumerable preferences and expectations.
Confronted by so many options, consumers nowadays are often faced with the challenge of understanding exactly what they are buying and consuming. Food information, such as nutrients and ingredients, are more important than ever before in helping consumers make informed choices when buying food.
The role of Codex in Nutrition and Labelling
Codex provides guidance on the compositional requirements of foods so that they are nutritionally safe. Codex also provides guidance on general labelling of foods and the health or nutrient claims producers make on labels, with terms such as "low fat", "high fat" etc. Codex guidance ensures that consumers understand what they are buying and that "it is what it says it is".
The Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary uses (CCNFSDU) addresses a wide range of technical and regulatory issues for foods that can contribute to the prevention of nutritional deficiencies and diet-related non-communicable diseases. The Codex Committee on Food Labelling (CCFL) sets standards and guidelines for nutrition information on food packages enabling consumers to make informed food choices. As fora in which member countries, leading industry associations and consumer organisations actively participate, the Nutrition and Labelling committees are important tools for influencing the food system and gaining global consensus on nutrition topics.
FAO Policy Series: Nutrition and Food Systems
CXS 184-1993
Standard for Mangoes
CCFFV
1993
CXS 185-1993
Standard for Nopal
CCFFV
1993
CXS 186-1993
Standard for Prickly Pear
CCFFV
1993
CXS 187-1993
Standard for Carambola
CCFFV
1993
CXS 188-1993
Standard for Baby Corn
CCFFV
1993
CXS 189-1993
Standard for Dried Shark Fins
CCFFP
1993
CXS 190-1995
Standard for Quick Frozen Fish Fillets
CCFFP
1995
CXS 191-1995
Standard for Quick Frozen Raw Squid
CCFFP
1995
CXS 196-1995
Standard for Litchi
CCFFV
1995
CXS 197-1995
Standard for Avocado
CCFFV
1995
CXS 199-1995
Standard for Wheat and Durum Wheat
CCCPL
1995
CXS 200-1995
Standard for Peanuts
CCCPL
1995
CXS 202-1995
Standard for Couscous
CCCPL
1995
CXS 203-1995
Standard for Formula Foods for Use in Very Low Energy Diets for Weight Reduction
CCNFSDU
1995
CXS 204-1997
Standard for Mangosteens
CCFFV
1997
CXS 205-1997
Standard for Bananas
CCFFV
1997
CXS 206-1999
General Standard for the Use of Dairy Terms
CCMMP
1999
CXS 207-1999
Standard for Milk Powders and Cream Powder
CCMMP
1999