Freezing Technology

8.1.1 Introduction to the codex Alimentarius commission

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was established by FAO in 1961. CAC is an intergovernmental body with 158 member Governments as on 31^st August, 1997. The Codex Alimentarius (‘Food Code’ or ‘Food Law’ in Latin) is a collection of food standards, codes of practice and other recommendations presented in a uniform way. Codex standards, guidelines and other recommendations ensure that food products are not harmful to the consumer and can be traded safely between countries. The Codex Alimentarius has resulted in evaluation of the safety of over 760 food additives and contaminants and setting of more than 2500 maximum limits for pesticide residues and more than 150 for veterinary drug residues.

CAC has adopted the guidelines for the application of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system through its committee on Food Hygiene. It has recognized HACCP as a tool to assess hazards and establish control systems that focus on preventive measures instead of relying primarily on end product testing.

The Uruguay Round of Multi lateral Trade Negotiations which concluded in 1994 established the World Trade Organization (WTO) to replace the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

1. The Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phyto Sanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) The SPS Agreement confirm the right of WTO member countries to apply measures necessary to protect human, animal and plant life and health.
2. The Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement). The TBT Agreement basically provides that all technical standards and regulations.