USP granted observer status by the Codex Alimentarius Commission

The US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) has been granted observer status by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The status allows USP to provide expert information, advice and guidance to the commission along with other international governmental and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The USP joins the more than 200 inter-governmental and NGOs that are accredited observers.

“The increasingly globalised food industry, the associated supply chain complexities, consumer interest in new, complex ingredients with purported health and nutritional benefits, and economic pressures to keep food costs low all call for strong international standards,” said Roger L Williams, CEO of USP.

“USP’s mission and work in the area of food standards align closely with those of the commission, and we are honoured to now serve in an accredited NGO capacity. Food ingredients, which represent a key component of the food supply, are particularly important and remain our focus.”

USP publishes the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) every two years in print and online formats. Through the FCC, USP develops standards that are used internationally for the identity, quality and purity of food ingredients, including colourings, flavourings, emulsifiers, nutrients, preservatives and processing aids.