Standardization:

Acting for the entire dairy sector and in close cooperation with relevant standards organizations as ISO, IDF, CEN und DIN, the German Dairy Association is involved in standardization and harmonization at a national and an international level. The VDM  thus takes an active part in shaping national and international standardization regulations. International standardization of analytical methods is increasing in importance. This does not only apply to international standardization at an ISO/IDF level but also to the respective application of these standards as EN-standards in Europe according to the Vienna Agreement. In the long term and following the European harmonization efforts, the EN-standards will replace the former national standards in the member countries of the EU. The standards known in Germany as DIN EN ISO standards can then be included in the Official Collection of Methods according to § 64 of the German Foodstuffs and Feed Code and will thus be available for the official control of foodstuffs.

Harmonization:

In addition to its work in the area of standardization of analytical methods, the VDM provides advice to Codex Alimentarius through its participation in government delegations or in IDF Committees. Codex Alimentarius was created in 1962 by FAO and WHO. More than 150 countries are members of this organization. Its main aim is to develop internationally accepted food standards and basic principles for food production. By this, Codex wants to ensure the protection of the health of the consumers as well as fair trade practices on a worldwide basis. Standards and directives are presently developed in 16 Codex Committees. The VDM as the German National Committee of IDF closely cooperates with IDF regarding the work for Codex Alimentarius. Since the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture delegates the German representatives to the sessions of the Codex Committees, this ensures that the interests of the dairy industry are represented and safeguarded by the VDM. This also refers to its member associations.