The Codex Alimentarius is the collection of international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice developed jointly by FAO and WHO, serving as the global reference for national legislation and WTO trade dispute resolution.
In trade practice
Buyers and suppliers reference Codex standards when trading with markets whose domestic rules differ from EU law, particularly for honey, quick-frozen foods and grain hygiene. Codex texts such as the Standard for Honey (CXS 12-1981) define composition and quality parameters that appear in contracts. EU legislation frequently aligns with or exceeds Codex levels. Auditors and customs authorities may cite Codex codes of practice when evaluating hygiene compliance for non-EU destinations.
In a specification
Where a buyer’s market lacks specific national rules, a contract may state that the product must meet the relevant Codex Alimentarius standard or code of practice as a minimum baseline.