The 48th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) opened today at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome.
In his opening remarks, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stressed the importance of the Codex values and of collective action in shaping the future of food safety.
"The values that underpin your discussions on food standards - collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus building and transparency - is a commendable trait of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. It reflects your collective goal to achieve the greater good and to consider multiple perspectives from across the globe, aimed at leaving no one behind," Qu said.
The FAO Director-General welcomed the Commission's focus on specific food groups that contribute to healthy diets. "I am also particularly pleased to see that at this session you will discuss work on fresh fruits and vegetables, including whole millet grains, which are important products for safe nutritious diets, especially for those who are among the most food and nutrition insecure," he noted.
He reiterated FAO's strong commitment to Codex and announced a proposed increase of $ 500,000 in the Codex budget within the Organization's Programme of Work and Budget for 2026-27.
This year's session takes place as FAO celebrates its 80th anniversary, marked by the opening of the new Food and Agriculture Museum and Network and the Global Exhibition "From Seeds to Foods", both showcasing FAO's history and innovations in agrifood systems. Codex was prominently featured in both initiatives, underscoring its central role in FAO's mission to ensure access to safe and nutritious food for all.
Jointly established by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963, the Codex Alimentarius Commission develops international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice that protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade. Its standards are based on independent scientific advice provided by FAO and WHO expert bodies and are widely recognized as the global reference for food safety and quality.
While Codex texts are voluntary, they serve as an international benchmark that supports the development of national legislation, helps reduce barriers to trade, and builds consumer confidence by ensuring that food is safe, of good quality, and honestly presented.
Over six decades, the Commission has adopted hundreds of guidelines and codes of practice, and thousands of standards, becoming the cornerstone of global efforts to ensure safe, nutritious food for all.
Real-time summaries of key decisions from the 48th session will be available on the FAO and WHO websites as the meeting progresses.
