Certified HACCP Auditor Practice Exam

What is the primary purpose of Codex Alimentarius?

1. To create regulations for food industries

2. To harmonize international food standards and practices

3. To legislate food safety laws

4. To certify food processing plants

The correct answer is: To harmonize international food standards and practices

The primary purpose of Codex Alimentarius is to harmonize international food standards and practices. This is essential because food safety, quality, and fairness in international trade are global concerns that require a standardized approach. Codex developments aim to ensure that food products are safe to consume and meet the necessary quality standards, which ultimately helps to facilitate international trade by providing a common framework for countries to follow. By establishing guidelines and standards, Codex Alimentarius works to protect consumer health, ensure fair trade practices, and promote coordination among food regulatory authorities worldwide. This harmonization is particularly important in today's global market, where food products are often exchanged across borders, highlighting the need for consistent safety and quality measures. In contrast, the creation of regulations for food industries, legislation of food safety laws, or certification of food processing plants typically falls under the jurisdiction of national governments and regulatory agencies, rather than being the primary focus of Codex, which seeks to create an internationally accepted standard that can be adopted by countries around the world.