John R. Lupien
University of Massachusetts

This paper provides background to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, its activities, and current Codex considerations. It argues that food standards work, and the control of food quality and safety must be based on the best available scientific information to assure a constant supply of good quality and safe food to all.

Key words: Codex Alimentarius Commission; science-based standards; Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); World Health Organization (WHO); General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); food standards.