Codex / Standard

What is Codex Alimentarius?

The Codex Alimentarius Commission is a subsidiary body of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Italy and the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The words Codex Alimentarius are derived from Latin meaning “FOOD CODE” or the set of laws/ rules for food.
In the present context, it is the compilation of all Standards, Codes of Practice, Guidelines and Recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and of government reactions thereto.

Why use Codex?

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 (SNCC)

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.

Membership Composition

It was established formally in December 2002 by Cabinet decision F.K (02) 43; comprising of:

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL) : Chair
Ministry of Health (MOH): Member
Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (MAF): Member
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE): Member
Samoa Water Authority (SWA): Member
Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (SAME): Member
Samoa Chamber of Commerce (SCC): Member
Samoa Consumers Association (SCA): Member
Women in Business Development Inc. (WIBDI): Member
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Observer
World Health Organization (WHO): Observer