Codex Alimentarius Commission and the World Trade Organization Legal Order

Abstract

This article examines the way in which Codex Alimentarius Commission played an important role in adopting international food standards, and also the way in which the Codex affected the World Trade Organization applicable law. The Codex standards are considered the benchmark for international food standards; still this situation gave rise to remarkable political and legal consequences for the members of World Trade Organization whether they were or not also members of the Codex Commission. According to SPS and TBT Agreements, all WTO members are obliged to comply with the Codex food regulations. Certain clarifications regarding the role of Codex have been made through the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.