IADSA clarifies Codex rumor confusion
IADSA, which has been monitoring the work of Codex for the last ten years, has spoken out against persistent challenges to Codex’s goals, purpose and transparency of procedures.
Codex believes the rumors, that have been linked to advocacy groups that believe Codex is a threat to freedom of choice, originated in the USA. According to the organization, the groups seek to exploit consumers’ legitimate interest in health by claiming there is an international conspiracy theory with Codex at the centre.
IADSA chairman Byron Johnson branded suggestions that vitamin and mineral supplements are to be made available only on prescription “completely untrue”.
“Just four years ago, Codex adopted a guideline for vitamin and mineral supplements which clearly placed supplements under food law,” he explained.
Confusion over the legally binding nature of Codex’s guidelines and standards has also arisen as a result of the so-called conspiracy theory. Responding to the statements, Johnson said:
“All guidelines and standards adopted by Codex are voluntary, however, many governments can and do implement these standards once they bring their laws into line into line with international practice.”
Rumour mill
According to a section on the Codex website addressing the issue of rumors, the trouble began several years ago when one of Codex’s Committees began work on guidelines for vitamin and mineral supplements.
In relation to consumer perception of these campaigns Codex said: “As Codex Alimentarius is relatively unknown to consumers, many of them accept or start to believe the anti-Codex campaign messages without asking for proof, which is regrettable.”
Codex Alimentarius, jointly run by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, has developed food standards and guidelines since 1963.
