Codex and the Sustainable Development Goals

If a country adopts into national legislation global food safety standards such as those adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, then local traders can access new markets and increase their trade.

Food safety is integral to achieving food security. When Codex texts are implemented, they help to ensure food is safe. This goal also deals with trade, and states the need to correct and prevent trade restrictions. Food that meets the requirements of international food safety standards facilitates trade by reducing or preventing non-tariff trade barriers.

When countries engage in the development of Codex standards and then use those standards as the basis for national standards, they are protecting consumer health both within and outside their national borders.

Strengthening food safety systems in line with Codex Alimentarius guidelines enables countries to take measures to reduce the burden of foodborne disease.

Safe food is central to inclusive and sustainable growth in the agrifood sector. The Codex Alimentarius provides countries with internationally recognized standards that, when implemented, help to ensure food is safe.

Trade is a vital opportunity for growth in this area, and Codex standards promote fair practices in food trade by eliminating trade restrictions.

One of the targets of SDG 12 is "halving per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains". Codex work on consistent and reliable food labelling links directly to this goal.

The goal also calls for sound management of chemicals. Chemicals in food are a worldwide health concern and are a leading cause of trade obstacles. The expert advice provided to Codex by FAO and WHO ensures that correct exposure levels are set in Codex standards to protect consumer health.

When SDG 17 describes a "universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system" it is pointing directly at the mandate, goals and daily work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

As an intergovernmental body founded by a United Nations partnership of FAO and WHO, and with 189 Members, itself a member of the Quadripartite, CAC is an exemplar of partnership. In addition, Codex has as a strategic goal to “Strengthen relationships with relevant international organizations, promoting a coordinated approach to address global challenges.”