CODEX ALIMENTARIUS is about safe, good food for everyone- everywhere. The words CODEX ALIMENTARIUS derives from Latin meaning “FOOD CODE” is a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practices adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
The Codex system was set up because of widely perceived need to facilitate fair trade in food. Internationally accepted standards were therefore seen as the means. At the same time, it was realized that if standards were developed, then it must be based on added protection for consumers’ health.
The use of the Codex system results in Governments, food industries, non- governmental organizations, farmers and consumers working together to develop appropriate food standards and regulations. By adopting and implementing these standards, Samoa’s national interests are protected.
Samoa National Codex Committee was established by Cabinet on December 2002. Its main objective is to ensure that food produced, exported and imported to Samoa is safe and suitable for all domestic and international consumers through implementation of its terms of reference (TORs).
Our Ministry is the codex contact point that act as the link between the SNCC and the Codex Alimentarius Commission and other codex member countries. It is responsible to coordinate and facilitate all relevant national codex activities and in making proposals and recommendations to the SNCC on all matters pertaining to the implementation of Food Standards.
You can use the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s international platform to access and share information on the safety assessment of GM Foods. This information applies mainly to foods derived from GM (or recombinant DNA) plants authorized in accordance with the Codex Plant Guidelines. Visit the GM foods platform
The Strategic Plan is aligned to support the global Codex Strategic Plan within a five (5) year time frame, and seeks to achieve better coordination and interaction among member countries for strengthening national food safety systems.