The main purpose of this article is to show a general idea of the real role of the Codex Alimentarius and the impact of the Codex to member countries，by which some reference and experience can be given to the construction of national food safety standards system. An overview of the Codex Alimentarius was presented in this article. The background, purpose, role and mechanism of the Codex were introduced briefly. Some issues currently faced by the Codex were raised consequently based on the short analysis. Several points on enhancing national food safety standard system in China were provided at the second part of the article: emphasizing horizontal standards; developing more practical Code of Practice; improving the correspondence between commodity standards and horizontal standards; fully use of test method standards available from outside; developing integrated nutrition standards; improving the capability of building Risk Analysis. A constructive mechanism on the effective participation of China to international affairs including the Codex Alimentarius Committee was suggested as well.