Australia has played a leading role in shaping international food standards, contributing to more than 300 new and updated standards adopted at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) in Geneva.

Representatives from 188 countries came together at the meeting to update the rules that govern food safety and trade around the world. The standards and guidance agreed at Codex span food labelling, food hygiene, food additives, veterinary drug residues, and fish and fishery products.

Codex Alimentarius is the United Nations' international food standards program, jointly run by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its Commission brings member countries together to adopt and update the standards that underpin food safety and fair practices in global food trade.

Australia's Leading Role

Among the many outcomes at CAC49, Australia was instrumental in two standout achievements:

Clearer allergen warnings. Australia co-led the development of new guidance aimed at making precautionary allergen warnings (such as the familiar "may contain" label) clearer and more consistent across the globe. For the millions of people living with food allergies, this means more reliable, easier-to-understand information when making food choices.

Safer chicken meat production. Australia also co-led new food hygiene guidance focused on controlling Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat. The guidance offers practical, science-based approaches that support producers in managing food safety risks more effectively.

Leadership on the Ground

Australia's delegation to CAC49 was led by Tom Black, First Assistant Secretary of the Exports and Veterinary Services Division, who attended in his additional capacity as Chair of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS).

Mr Black said the results reflected Australia's sustained influence in developing risk-based international food standards — standards designed to protect consumer health while supporting the smooth flow of global food trade.

"These outcomes demonstrate the value of Australia's long-standing contribution to international food standards," Mr Black said.

"From clearer allergen information for consumers to updated food hygiene guidance that supports safer food production, the standards adopted at CAC49 will help protect consumer health and support fair practices in international food trade."

A Busy Season in Geneva

CAC49 was one of two major Codex meetings Australia took part in during this trip to Geneva. At the 90th Session of the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC90), Australia represented the South-West Pacific region, helping shape discussions on Codex's future priorities and work program.

Australia's involvement doesn't stop there. In a clear sign of its ongoing commitment to international food standards, Australia will host the 28th session of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS) in Perth from 12–17 October 2026.

For more information about Australia's role in international food standards, visit the DAFF Codex – International Food Standards webpage.

Sources: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry