The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for "food law" or "food code") is a collection of internationally adopted food standards. Food labelling is the primary means of communication between the producer and seller of food on the one hand and the purchaser and consumer on the other. The standards and guidelines on food labelling published in various volumes of the Codex Alimentarius are now collected and republished in this compact format to allow their wide use and understanding by governments, regulatory authorities, food industries and retailers, and consumers.