International Challenges on Food Safety: Approach Taken by Codex Alimentarius Commission to Manage Contaminants in Food

Abstract

The role of Codex Alimentarius Commission gradually becomes more important in global food trade. Codex Alimentarius Commission is the international risk management body established by FAO and WHO in 1963, and currently 187 countries and 1 organization (EU) participate as members. Commission develops harmonized international food standards and related texts to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade. The present paper explains the terms of reference and recently works of Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods (CCCF) and risk assessment performed by FAO/WHO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which are utilized by CCCF for the elaboration of risk management recommendations. This paper also presents some overviews of the current food safety issues (e.g. mycotoxins, acrylamide, inorganic arsenic, lead) which are discussed at CCCF.