GS PrelimsInternational relationsInternational Organizations2010

As regards the use of international food safety standards as reference point for the dispute settlements, which one of the following does WTO collaborate with?

A

Codex Alimentarius Commission

B

International Federation of Stand- ards Users

C

International Organization for Standardization

D

World Standards Cooperation

Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation

1. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) deals with regulations concerning food safety and animal and plant health. 2. The SPS Agreement encourages member countries to harmonize their national standards with established international standards, guidelines, and recommendations. 3. For matters related to food safety, the SPS Agreement explicitly recognizes the standards developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) as the international reference point. 4. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), develops harmonized international food standards to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade. 5. In dispute settlements under the SPS Agreement involving food safety, the WTO panels refer to Codex standards as the benchmark. 6. Therefore, the WTO collaborates with or uses the standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (A). ISO (C) develops broader international standards but Codex is specific to food.

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