One of the principal purposes of Codex is the preparation of food standards . Codex adopts international recommended standards, guidelines and codes of practice after thorough consideration by all Codex member countries. The Codex Alimentarius contains more than 200 standards. An increasing number of countries are aligning their national food standards, or parts of them with those of the Codex. This is particularly so in the case of additives, contaminants and residues.
Food can be subject to harmful contamination.
Pathogenic bacteria and other food contaminants can cause acute or chronic health problems. Outbreaks of foodborne illness can also damage trade and tourism, and lead to loss of earnings and employment. Prevention of food contamination is the best approach and the Codex Alimentarius has established international codes of practice on food hygiene and other guidelines for good food production and handling practices. The work of the Codex Commission goes beyond means of removing trade barriers. It also encourages countries to adopt ethical practices .