CODEX Alimentarius International Food Standards – General Principles of Food Hygiene
International food trade has existed for thousands of years but have recently grown exponentially and quantity and variety of food traded are continuously increasing over the future decades. But this also allows easier transmission of foodborne illness and foodborne injury, at best unpleasant; at worst, can be fatal.
Thus, the CODEX Alimentarius international food standards provide guidelines and code of practice to contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of international food trade.
Consumers can trust the safety and quality of the food products they buy, and importers can trust that the food they ordered will be in accordance with their specifications.
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What is CODEX Alimentarius International Food Standards?
The CODEX General Principles of Food Hygiene ensure effective hygiene control by laying a firm foundation:
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By identifying the essential principles of food hygiene applicable throughout the food chain (including primary production through to the final consumer) to ensure food is safe and suitable for human consumption,
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Recommend a HACCP-based approach as a means to enhance food safety,
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Indicate how to implement these principles; and
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Provide guidance for specific codes which may be needed for – sectors of the food chain; processes; or commodities; to amplify the hygiene requirements specific to those areas.
Benefits of CODEX Alimentarius International Food Standards
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Protecting consumer health,
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Removing barriers to trade,
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Ensure fair practices in the food trade.
