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Are global standards for functional foods necessary, or desirable? The Codex Alimentarius, or the food code, is the international system to insure uniform food quality. The United Nations, through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) oversees Codex activities. Codex committee meetings are held annually around the world. About 163 nations participate in Codex, and members have options for accepting Codex standards. While functional foods have not yet been a focus of Codex activities, there is interest in setting international policies. The Codex Committee on Food Labeling met in Ottawa, Canada, in early May 2000, and reviewed Proposed Draft Recommendations on Health Claims. Safety and truth-in-labeling are major considerations. Separate labeling standards exist for foods for special dietary purposes. The new proposed health claim guidelines will be discussed with reference to existing policies and regulations in the United States and Europe.