The 47th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47) has opened at the Centre International de Conférences (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, otherwise known as the Food Code, was established by WHO and FAO in 1963 to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade. The 47th session will discuss the Codex strategic plan for 2026–2031 and elect a new chairperson and vice chairperson. A number of new Codex texts and proposals will also be discussed for adoption, with updates listed here .
During the opening session on Monday, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, welcomed participants and emphasized the enduring collaboration between Codex and WTO since its establishment 30 years ago via the Marrakesh Agreement. This collaboration has been instrumental in applying Codex standards as global benchmarks to facilitate international trade and ensure food safety, particularly in low-income countries.
Dr Tedros underscored the importance of these standards in the context of climate change and highlighted their role for the future. "Codex standards must not only address the present but also anticipate future needs, promoting nutrition and food safety while ensuring public health, fostering fair trade and facilitating the transition to sustainable food systems."
Following this approach, he called for three key actions: to prioritize health as a non-negotiable foundation for international trade and food systems policy; to take a holistic approach to the impact of food systems on health, including aspects such as antimicrobial resistance and industrial trans fats; and to base the Codex standards on the latest scientific evidence by taking into account the comprehensive effects of factors like pesticide residues and food additives on human health.
He also expressed his gratitude to the outgoing Chairperson Mr Steve Wearne and Vice-Chairpersons Dr Allan Azegele, Mr Raj Rajasekar, and Mr Diego Varela for their dedicated service during the last three years.
The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Dr Qu Dongyu; the World Trade Organization Deputy Director-General, Mr Jean-Marie Paugam; the Codex Chairperson, Mr Steve Wearne; and Codex Secretary Dr Sarah Cahill also delivered opening remarks .
The CAC47 will be webcast throughout the week in all six UN languages here .
