Global Shea Alliance: Codex Standard for Unrefined Shea Butter Opens New Markets for Food Products in Africa

Global Shea Alliance

Codex Standard for Unrefined Shea Butter Opens New Markets for Food Products in Africa

During the GSA Annual Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, four panelists from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Sidley Austin, and Bunge Loders Croklaan highlighted new market opportunities for shea-based food products in Africa arising with the recent approval of a regional Codex Alimentarius Standard on unrefined shea butter.

The Codex Alimentarius is a collection of globally recognized standards, codes of practice, and guidelines on food safety and quality. Deepak Raju, an associate of the legal firm Sidley Austin, explained: “Codex standards contribute to the safety and fairness of international trade in food, and facilitate predictability and harmonization of the rules. If national governments adapt their domestic regulations in light of the new standard, businesses will be able to market unrefined shea butter to consumers for food consumption based on a set of common rules across borders.” Potential applications include shea-based cooking oils and margarines directly sold to the consumer.

Through public private partnerships, the GSA promotes industry sustainability, quality practices and standards, and demand for shea in food and cosmetics.  Contact GSA Member Coordinator Prince Nunoo at pnunoo@globalshea.com for more information.