The Codex and Coloring

摘要

Many countries, such as the U.S., have the resources to research and independently develop food ingredient standards. Smaller countries may base their standards on those of larger countries or international organizations, such as the Codex Alimentarius. The Codex also "assists in the harmonization of national food legislation and regulation of countries...which facilitates food trade and sustainable economic development." This would be beneficial to companies wishing to transport beverages across borders or use the same beverage formula in multiple countries. But, what is the Codex? In 1963, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) created the Codex Alimentarius Commission, with the purpose of developing "food standards, guidelines and related texts, such as codes of practice under the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme." The Commission's membership now includes 184 countries.