Codex Alimentarius : Database on Maximum Limits for Pesticide Residue in Foods , or the food code tackles the maximum limits for pesticide residues. The Codex is a global reference point for consumers, food producers and processors, national food control agencies and the international food trade. Its influence extends to every continent, and its contribution to the protection of public health and fair practices in the food trade is immeasurable. The Codex Alimentarius system presents a unique opportunity for all countries to join the international community in formulating and harmonizing food standards and ensuring their global implementation. It also allows them a role in the development of codes governing hygienic processing practices and recommendations relating to compliance with those standards.

The Codex Alimentarius first steps were taken in 1961 as a co-effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In May 1963, the Sixteenth World Health Assembly approved the establishment of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme and adopted the statutes of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. In 1998, membership of Codex Alimentarius Commission comprised 163 countries, representing 97 percent of the world's population.

Codex Alimentarius comprises: Food standards for commodities, Codes of hygienic or technological practice, Pesticides evaluated, Limits for pesticide residues, Guidelines for contaminants, Food additives evaluated, and Veterinary drugs evaluated.