About Codex texts

Codex standards and related texts (Codex texts) are voluntary in nature. They need to be translated into national legislation or regulations in order to be enforceable.

Codex texts either relate to a general subject or are specific to a commodity or commodity group. They are elaborated within the relevant committee.

See the list of Codex committees

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The harmonization of food standards contributes to the protection of consumer health and to the fullest possible facilitation of international trade.

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How a Codex text is developed

Like all other aspects of the Codex Alimentarius Commission's (CAC's) work, the procedures for preparing texts are well defined, open and transparent.

A national government or a CAC subsidiary body usually makes the proposal for a text to be developed. They then prepare a discussion paper that outlines what the proposed text is expected to achieve, and a project document that indicates the time frame envisaged for the work, and its relative priority.

Getting started

Upon recommendation from the Codex Executive Committee, CAC reviews the project document and decides whether the text should be developed as proposed.

The preparation of a proposed draft text is arranged by the Codex Secretariat and circulated to Members, Observer organizations and other Codex committees for two rounds of comments and special advice.

Elaboration of the text