04 July 2013, Rome-- As Codex Alimentarius celebrated its 50th anniversary the FAO and WHO Directors-General and national governments united in their praise for its benefits. Codex has established more than 200 food standards and more than 100 guidelines and codes of practice for food production and processing. Maximum permissible levels have been established for thousands of food additives, contaminants, pesticides and veterinary drug residues. FAO and WHO carry out capacity development programmes that promote effective participation of developing countries to ensure that the 185 member countries of Codex all have a voice in the standard setting process.