On November 11, 2025, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the 48^th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) opened at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

During the opening ceremony, a proposed Codex budget increase of $500,000 was announced within FAO’s Program of Work and Budget for 2026–27.

Also celebrated were the new Food and Agriculture Museum and Network and the first FAO Global Exhibition, titled, “From Seeds to Foods,” which are located in Rome and were established to highlight FAO’s history and innovations in agri-food systems. Codex is prominently featured in both initiatives, underscoring its central role in FAO’s mission to ensure international food safety and security.

In his opening remarks, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, Ph.D. stressed the importance of Codex values and of “collaboration, inclusiveness, consensus-building, and transparency." Dr. Dongyu also emphasized the need for collective action in shaping the future of food safety. He applauded the Commission’s plan to focus on specific food groups that contribute to healthy diets—fresh fruits and vegetables, including whole millet grains—during CAC48.

Real-time summaries of key decisions from CAC48 will be available on FAO’s and the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) websites as the meeting progresses.