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"Codex Alimentarius" is Latin for food law. The Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) in Rome is one of the international standard-setting bodies recognized by both NAFTA and the WTO for setting global food standards. It was established as a voluntary standard-setting body in 1962 by the World Health Organization and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, primarily to facilitate international trade of food and agriculture products. Codex s initial mission was to boost trade by helping developing countries set food-related standards. Soon, numerous agribusiness, chemical, and food companies sought a role at Codex. Codex is officially comprised of government representatives, with active and formal assistance from official industry advisors, who serve as actual members on country delegations. |