The 49th Meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) is taking place July 6–10, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Global Challenges Drive Need for Foresight, One Health Approaches

The strategic plan highlights the continually evolving global food systems landscape in which Codex operates, with challenges and opportunities related to climate change, digital innovation, emerging foodborne hazards, and increasingly interconnected food supply chains.

The plan also points to growing international recognition of food safety as a key contributor to public health, food security, sustainable agrifood systems, and international trade. It references United Nations “One Health” initiatives, such as the One Health Joint Plan of Action 2022–2026, which recognize food safety as an important player in the interconnected relationship of human, animal, and environmental health.

Codex said these developments underscore the need to incorporate foresight and preparedness into food standards development. As explained by officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Food Safety Magazine, “Foresight is an approach that comprises forward-looking methodologies that allow taking structured, medium to long-term views of the future to appropriately guide present-day decision-making.”

Strategic Goals for 2026–2031

The strategic plan identifies four strategic goals that will guide the Commission's work through 2031:

1. Develop science-based standards that ensure food safety and consider emerging food safety challenges: Codex will expand foresight and horizon-scanning activities; strengthen the use of scientific advice from FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO), and their expert bodies; and continue developing standards through timely, transparent, and inclusive processes
2. Improve the efficiency of Codex standard-setting: Planned actions include enhancing work management systems through digital technologies, improving the prioritization of new work, supporting committee leadership and national Codex contact points, and strengthening Member participation throughout the standards development process
3. Strengthen collaboration with international organizations: Codex will work more closely with relevant international organizations to identify opportunities to address global challenges, improve coordination, and support the transition toward sustainable and resilient food systems
4. Increase the visibility and use of Codex standards: The Commission aims to promote broader recognition of Codex as the international food standards-setting body, encourage the use of Codex texts within integrated approaches such as One Health, and advocate for greater harmonization of national food control systems through adoption of Codex standards.

Throughout implementation of the Strategic Plan 2026–2031, Codex said it will continue to execute its statutory mission and adhere to its core values of inclusiveness, collaboration, consensus building, and transparency.

Science-Based Standards Remain Central

The strategic plan emphasizes that science remains the foundation of Codex standards development, and that scientific advice provided primarily by FAO, WHO, and their joint scientific advisory bodies will continue to inform Codex texts.

The plan also acknowledges that—while Codex standards can help facilitate policies addressing broader issues such as climate change, environmental sustainability, resilient food systems, and international trade—countries may require different approaches based on their individual food systems and regulatory contexts.