At international level, there exist two main standard-setting
organizations: the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) and the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The CAC was established in 1963 to develop food standards, guidelines and related texts as part of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Program.
The CAC function is twofold: improvement of consumer protection
and promotion of fair practices in food international trade. The CAC
sets standards on food quality and safety, including food commodity
standards and codes of hygienic or technological practice. In
addition, it evaluates pesticides, food additives and veterinary
drugs and establishes limits for pesticide residues and guidelines
for contaminants.