The 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48), a pivotal international body for food standards, convened at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome from November 10-14, 2025. This significant meeting coincided with FAO’s own 80th anniversary, celebrating eight decades of commitment to transforming global agrifood systems and ensuring food security for all. The convergence of these events underscored the enduring importance of international collaboration in safeguarding public health and promoting equitable food trade today.
Codex Alimentarius: A Cornerstone of Global Food Safety
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established jointly by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963, serves as the world’s preeminent authority on international food standards. Its fundamental mission is twofold: to protect consumer health and to ensure fair practices in the international food trade. The ‘Codex Alimentarius,’ meaning ‘food code’ in Latin, is a comprehensive collection of standards, guidelines, and codes of practice developed through a transparent, science-based process. These standards, informed by expert advice from FAO and WHO scientific bodies, form the global reference for food safety and quality, influencing national legislation and serving as benchmarks in international trade disputes. The Commission comprises over 189 member countries and the European Union, representing more than 99% of the global population, highlighting its vast reach and influence.
Key Advancements from the 48th Session
At CAC48, delegates adopted a series of crucial new and revised standards aimed at enhancing food safety and quality worldwide. Among the most significant decisions were the establishment of the first international standard for fresh dates, providing uniform quality, safety, and labeling criteria for this important commodity. New maximum levels for lead contamination were approved for spices and culinary herbs, setting limits of 2.5 mg/kg for dried spice bark, such as cinnamon, and 2.0 mg/kg for dried herbs, reinforcing protection against toxic contaminants.
Furthermore, the Commission revised the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts, updating guidelines to cover the entire supply chain from pre-harvest to processing and roasting, a critical step in reducing risks associated with this mycotoxin. New guidelines were also adopted for monitoring the purity and stability of reference materials used in pesticide residue testing, enhancing the reliability of analytical methods and reducing waste. The session also saw updates to the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA), with reviews of over 500 provisions concerning the use of food colors, and the adoption of a regional standard for Castilla lulo into a worldwide standard.
FAO’s 80-Year Legacy and Future Commitments
The 48th session took place against the backdrop of FAO’s 80th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with events including the inauguration of the new Food and Agriculture Museum and the Global Exhibition ‘From Seeds to Foods’. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized the enduring values of collaboration, inclusiveness, and transparency that underpin Codex’s work, while reiterating FAO’s strong commitment to the Commission. He announced a proposed budget increase of $500,000 for Codex in FAO’s 2026-27 program, signaling continued support for its vital role. FAO’s 80-year journey has been marked by a dedication to ending hunger, transforming agrifood systems, and promoting inclusive and sustainable rural development across the globe. This includes significant efforts in regions like Latin America and the Caribbean, fostering collective action for transformation and supporting initiatives for better production, nutrition, environment, and life for all.
Strengthening Global Food Systems for All
The outcomes of CAC48 and the concurrent FAO anniversary celebrations highlight a shared vision for a future where food is safer, more nutritious, and accessible. By harmonizing international standards, Codex Alimentarius continues to remove trade barriers and build consumer confidence, impacting producers, processors, and consumers from farm to table. The discussions also emphasized the importance of diverse food groups, including fruits, vegetables, and grains like millet, which are crucial for food security, especially for vulnerable populations. As global challenges persist, such as the estimated 600 million annual cases of foodborne illness worldwide, the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, supported by FAO and WHO, remains indispensable in building resilient and equitable food systems for generations to come.
The standards and discussions at CAC48, coupled with FAO’s enduring legacy, collectively pave the way for a more secure and healthier global food landscape, benefiting all nations and all people.