Which organization is responsible for developing international food safety standards?

The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the organization responsible for developing international food safety standards. Established in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Codex Alimentarius provides a framework for creating harmonized food safety regulations across different countries. This is crucial for ensuring food safety and fair trade practices globally. The standards developed by this commission are widely recognized and used as a reference point for national regulations, guiding countries in establishing their own food safety policies to protect consumer health and ensure fair trade.

While other organizations play significant roles in food safety and health, they do so in various scopes and contexts. The World Health Organization focuses on global health issues more broadly, including but not limited to food safety. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is specific to the United States and regulates food safety within that jurisdiction rather than developing international standards. The United Nations Food Program works primarily on alleviating hunger and improving nutrition, and is not directly involved in creating food safety standards.