UPSC Prelims 2010 Q48: Indian Economy – International Trade & WTO
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?
- (a) Codex Alimentarius Commission
- (b) International Federation of Standards Users
- (c) International Organization for Standardization
- (d) World Standards Cooperation
Answer: (a) Codex Alimentarius Commission
Explanation
WTO's partner for international food safety standards
The WTO's SPS Agreement references specific international standard-setting bodies for dispute resolution.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Codex Alimentarius Commission | Correct | The Codex Alimentarius Commission (jointly run by FAO and WHO) is the recognized reference body for international food safety standards under the WTO's SPS Agreement |
| (b) International Federation of Standards Users | Incorrect | This is not the body referenced for food safety standards in WTO disputes |
| (c) International Organization for Standardization (ISO) | Incorrect | ISO covers broad industrial/technical standards, not the specific food-safety reference body under WTO's SPS framework |
| (d) World Standards Cooperation | Incorrect | This is not the specific body the WTO references for food safety |
WTO and Codex Alimentarius:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Body | Codex Alimentarius Commission (FAO + WHO) |
| WTO link | Reference point under the SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Agreement |
| Purpose | Harmonize international food safety standards |
Answer: (a) Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the WTO's recognized reference body for food safety standards in trade disputes.
- (b) Incorrect. The International Federation of Standards Users is not the relevant WTO-referenced body.
- (c) Incorrect. ISO handles broader technical standards, not the specific food-safety reference role.
- (d) Incorrect. World Standards Cooperation is not the body referenced in this context.
Key point
The WTO's SPS Agreement references the CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION (a joint FAO-WHO body) as the standard for international food safety in trade dispute settlements.
Remember
WTO collaborates with the Codex Alimentarius Commission for international food safety standards in trade dispute settlements.
Common mistakes
- Confusing ISO's broad industrial standards role with the specific food-safety reference body.
- Not knowing the FAO-WHO joint nature of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- Mixing up unrelated standard-setting-sounding bodies with the actual WTO-referenced one.
Exam tip
WTO + food safety standards = Codex Alimentarius Commission (FAO-WHO), referenced under the SPS Agreement. A specific, frequently tested pairing.
Sources
- World Trade Organization — Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)
- Codex Alimentarius Commission (FAO/WHO) — Procedural Manual