UPSC Prelims 2010 · General Studies

Question 48: Economy and Social Development

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 ?

aCodex Alimentarius Commission

bInternational Federation of Standards Users

cInternational Organization for Standardization

dWorld Standards Cooperation

AnswerThe answer is (a).

Under the WTO's Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, members are encouraged to base their food safety rules on international standards. For food safety, the standards of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, a joint FAO and WHO body, serve as the reference point in WTO dispute settlement. ISO and the other bodies listed do not play this role. Remember: SPS Agreement points to Codex (food), OIE (animal health) and IPPC (plant health).

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Right: Codex Alimentarius is the reference for food safety standards at the WTO.
(b) The International Federation of Standards Users is not the WTO's reference body for food safety.
(c) ISO sets general standards, but the WTO looks to Codex for food safety.
(d) World Standards Cooperation is not the WTO's food safety reference body.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2010, General Studies, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.