What is Codex Alimentarius?

• A. International food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice that contribute to the safety, quality, and fairness of the international food trade
• B. A collection of national production statistics
• C. A regional trade agreement
• D. A database of pesticide residues

Answer: (A)

Codex Alimentarius is the internationally recognized framework of food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice designed to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in global food trade. It was created by the FAO and WHO and serves as a reference for national food safety laws and for resolving trade disputes under the WTO framework. The Codex covers topics such as general safety principles, hygiene, labeling, additives, contaminants, and residues (including pesticide residues) and provides maximum residue limits where applicable. It is not a collection of production statistics, not a regional trade agreement, and not a pesticide residue database.