Codex Alimentarius

INTERNATIONAL FOOD STANDARDS

What is the Codex Alimentarius?

International food trade has existed for thousands of years, but until recently, food was produced, sold, and consumed primarily at the local level. Over the past century, the volume of food traded internationally has grown exponentially, and today, an enormous quantity and variety of food is transported across the globe on a daily basis.

The Codex Alimentarius is a set of internationally standardized guidelines and codes of good practice that contribute to improve the safety and quality of global food trade. Codex standards are based on objective data and scientific evidence provided by independent Risk Assessment bodies or by ad hoc international consultations organized by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) and WHO (World Health Organization). Although the Codex Alimentarius standards are only voluntary recommendations for member states, they are often used as the basis for national food safety legislation in various countries.

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How to obtain the certification according to the Codex Alimentarius?

The main stages of the certification process proposed by Bureau Veritas include:

  • Preliminary Verification (upon request)
    Gap analysis and assessment of the organization's level of compliance with the requirements;
  • Document and Certification Audit
    The audit activities, aimed at verifying the compliance of the System with the requirements, are divided into two phases, which conclude with the issuance of the certificate;
  • Annual Surveillance Visits
    Carried out during the validity period of the certificate, aimed at monitoring the maintenance of the System and continuous improvement;
  • Renewal of Certification (upon expiration).

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the Codex Alimentarius 

  • What are the main benefits of implementing the Codex Alimentarius certification?

    The Codex Alimentarius certification allows the organizations to access several benefits:

    • Improve the safety of food supply chain;
    • Recognize the effectiveness of the organization's HACCP system;
    • Increase the reputation of the company and the trust of the consumers.