Which of the following are the three functions of Codex Alimentarius?

• A. Facilitate international trade through removal of non-tariff barriers caused by differing food standards
• B. Protect health of consumers and ensure fair trade practice in food trade; Promote coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governments and NGOs; Facilitate international trade
• C. Set regulatory standards for medicines
• D. Provide dietary guidelines for populations

Answer: (B)

Codex Alimentarius is made to protect consumer health, ensure fair practices in international food trade, and coordinate the work of international bodies on food standards. The best choice captures all three aspects: safeguarding health, promoting fair trade in the global food market, and coordinating standards work of governments and NGOs to harmonize rules. This coordination helps align standards across countries, which in turn facilitates international trade. Standards for medicines are not set by Codex, and Codex does not issue dietary guidelines for populations, so those options don’t fit. While facilitating trade can be a result of harmonized standards, the three core functions are health protection, fair trade practices, and coordination of standards across international bodies.