Which body is primarily responsible for food standards, consumer protection, and fair practices in food trade?

The Codex Alimentarius is the correct answer because it is an international food standards organization that sets guidelines and standards for food safety, quality, and fair trading practices in the food industry. Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Codex aims to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade by providing a framework for countries to develop their own food regulation systems.

The Codex standards are recognized globally and serve as a reference point for international trade, helping to harmonize food regulations across different nations. By doing so, it contributes to reducing trade barriers and ensuring that consumers worldwide have access to safe and high-quality food products.

In contrast, other options such as the Hand-in-Hand Initiative, Horn of Africa, and South-to-South Cooperation focus on broader developmental and cooperative goals rather than specifically addressing food standards and consumer protection in food trade. Therefore, the Codex Alimentarius distinctly serves the primary purpose of establishing and ensuring adherence to food standards, making it the relevant authority in this context.