EFAD Codex

The EFAD Codex Committee (ECC) brings together experts in regulatory affairs, food labelling, nutrient profiling, public health, supplements, and foods for special dietary uses.

EFAD was granted Observer Status to the Codex Alimentarius in February 2021, allowing the Federation to contribute its expertise in food, nutrition, and dietetics to global standard‑setting processes. To strengthen EFAD’s engagement and ensure coordinated, meaningful participation, the EFAD Codex Committee (ECC) was established. The committee brings together experts in regulatory affairs, food labelling, nutrient profiling, public health, supplements, and foods for special dietary uses.

Relevance of EFAD in Codex

Codex Alimentarius is the leading international body responsible for developing harmonised food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice that support global trade and protect consumer health. As an observer, EFAD can provide scientific and professional input, participate in discussions when invited, and contribute written statements to Codex consultations. This role enables EFAD to influence areas directly linked to dietetics, public health nutrition, consumer information, and food safety.

Objectives of the EFAD Codex Committee

The ECC aims to:

  • Address Codex‑related issues relevant to dietetics, food, and nutrition.
  • Follow and respond to Codex Circular Letters.
  • Participate in electronic Working Groups (eWGs) aligned with EFAD’s scope.
  • Attend Codex committee meetings where feasible.
  • Strengthen EFAD’s scientific contributions to international food‑standards development.

Chair and Members

Manuel Moñino Chair
Susanne Koch Member
Antonis Vlassopoulos Member
Elena Patra Member
Fionna Page Member

Codex Committees Relevant for EFAD

The ECC has identified priority Codex committees aligned with EFAD’s expertise and policy interests:

  • CCFL – Food Labelling (nutrition labelling, health claims, front‑of‑pack labelling, food information to consumers)
  • CCNFSDU – Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (infant feeding, complementary foods, supplements, dietetic products, DRIs)
  • CAC – Codex Alimentarius Commission (general standard‑setting)
  • CCEURO – FAO/WHO Regional Committee for Europe

Commodity committees are also monitored depending on topic relevance.

Current EFAD Participation and Work

EFAD is actively participating in several electronic Working Groups (eWGs), including:

  • Food Based Dietary Guidelines (CCEURO)
  • Standard for Foods for Older Infants and Young Children (CCNFSDU)
  • NRVs for children aged 6–36 months (CCNFSDU)
  • Food Labelling in Emergencies (CCFL)
  • Joint Presentation and Multipack Formats (CCFL)
  • Precautionary Allergen Labelling (CCFL)

EFAD has also contributed to shared observer statements with other organisations (AOAC, ILSI, NSF International, IFT, ASN) and has attended recent Codex meetings, such as CCEURO in Berlin and CCNFSDU in Dresden.

Codex Joint Scientific Observer Collaboration Group (JSOCG) Charter

EFAD is a founding member of the Joint Scientific Observer Collaboration Group, alongside AOAC, ILSI, NSF International, the Institute of Food Technologists, and the American Society for Nutrition. The JSOCG provides independent, objective, scientific expertise to support Codex in developing harmonised international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. This collaboration enhances the contribution of scientific NGOs and strengthens the evidence base that underpins Codex decision‑making.