Geneva, Switzerland/Rome – The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission opened today in Geneva, with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Director-General QU Dongyu highlighting increased FAO investment in Codex and reaffirming the Organization’s commitment to support countries in translating international food standards into tangible benefits for consumers, producers and trade.
Opening the session via video message, the Director-General recalled that the FAO Ministerial Conference approved in 2025 an additional allocation of USD 500 000 to the Codex Secretariat in the 2026-27 Programme of Work and Budget, to support the work of the Commission. The additional funding will contribute to the work of newly reactivated subsidiary bodies, the timely publication of Codex texts and upgrades to digital infrastructure.
Additionally, FAO remains committed to ensuring that Codex continues to receive the scientific advice underpinning its decisions while supporting developing countries in building the capacity needed to implement Codex standards effectively.
“Impact depends on implementation – without implementation these standards cannot achieve their intended benefits,” the Director-General said, stressing that while Codex continues to provide essential tools to ensure food safety and facilitate trade, the next challenge is ensuring that countries can effectively apply those standards.
QU said international food standards contribute far beyond food safety, helping to build trust, reduce waste, and create more competitive and equitable markets as countries work to transform agrifood systems to become more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.
About Codex
Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Codex Alimentarius Commission first met in 1963. It is the United Nations’ body charged with setting food standards to protect consumer health and facilitate fair practices in international food trade.
Comprising 188 Member Countries and 1 Member Organization (the European Union) and 246 Observer Organizations, the Commission meets annually to adopt food safety and quality standards and related recommendations.
While Codex texts are voluntary, they serve as an international benchmark that supports the development of national legislation, helps reduce barriers to trade, and strengthen consumer confidence by ensuring that food is safe, of good quality, and honestly presented.
CAC49 is taking place in Geneva from 6 to 10 July 2026, bringing together Codex Members, observer organizations and international partners to advance international food standards.
Real-time summaries of key decisions adopted during CAC49 will be available on the FAO and WHO websites as the meeting progresses.
