The New International Trade Architecture and Food Regulation

Abstract

In analyzing the likely impact of the global trade regime on food safety, this study proceeds in the following way. Part I examines the Codex Alimentarius Commission's newly elevated status as the WTO designated key reference authority in trade disputes. Part II considers the Beef Hormone dispute between the European Union (EU) and the United States, as the first instance of the WTO invocation of Codex standards as a reference in evaluating national food safety measures. Part III examines Codex's structure and standard-setting process. Part IV compares Codex's and FDA' food safety standards and makes policy recommendations with regard to the FDA's review of Codex standards. Part V investigates the role of culture in food regulation and its impact on harmonization. Finally, Part VI offers concluding remarks about the implications of the new global trade regime for food safety and suggests possible governmental responses.