INDIA STRENGTHENS GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN FOOD STANDARDS

INDIA STRENGTHENS GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN FOOD STANDARDS

Why in News?

• India achieved significant milestones at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held in Geneva, Switzerland (6–10 July 2026).
• The Commission adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India’s chairmanship and co-chairmanship.
• India also secured approval for the development of a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels.
• Further, India was elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS), highlighting its growing leadership in global food governance.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Seven India-led Codex standards and guidelines adopted.
• Codex Standards adopted for:
  • Dried Coriander Seeds
  • Fresh Curry Leaves
• Five additional Codex texts adopted under India’s co-chairmanship.
• India’s proposal to develop a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels
• India elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS).
• Strengthens India’s contribution to science-based international food standards and global food trade.

INDIAN DELEGATION

Led by

• Rajit Punhani
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Members
• Officials from:
  • Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  • Spices Board India

WHAT IS CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION?

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the international food standards-setting body, established jointly by:

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• World Health Organization (WHO)

Established

• 1963

Meaning of Codex Alimentarius

• Latin term meaning:
  • “Food Code” or “Food Book”

Headquarters

• Rome, Italy (Hosted by FAO)

OBJECTIVES OF CAC

The Commission seeks to:

• Protect consumer health.
• Ensure fair practices in international food trade.
• Develop science-based food standards.
• Harmonize food regulations across countries.
• Facilitate global food trade.
• Reduce technical barriers to trade.

FUNCTIONS OF CAC

The Commission develops international:

• Food standards.
• Codes of practice.
• Food safety guidelines.
• Food labelling standards.
• Food hygiene standards.
• Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides and veterinary drugs.
• Standards for food additives and contaminants.

IMPORTANCE OF CODEX STANDARDS

International Food Benchmark

Codex standards provide globally accepted benchmarks for:

• Food quality.
• Food safety.
• Consumer protection.
• International trade.

RECOGNITION UNDER WTO

The World Trade Organization (WTO) recognizes Codex standards under the:

• Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures.

This helps:

• Reduce trade disputes.
• Harmonize food regulations.
• Facilitate exports and imports.

INDIA’S MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AT CAC 49

1.  Adoption of Seven India-Led Codex Texts

A. Codex Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds

Significance

• Establishes internationally harmonized quality standards.
• Facilitates trade in one of the world’s most widely traded spices.
• Improves product quality and market acceptance.
• Benefits Indian spice exporters.

B. Codex Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves

Significance

• Provides an international quality benchmark.
• Enhances export opportunities.
• Promotes global recognition of an important Indian culinary herb.
• Supports consumer confidence.

2. Adoption of Five Codex Texts under India’s Co-Chairmanship

(i) Codex Standard for Vanilla

• Harmonizes international quality requirements.
• Facilitates global trade.

(ii) Codex Standard for Large Cardamom

• Establishes common quality standards.
• Benefits spice-producing and exporting countries.

(iii) Annexes to Guidelines for the Safe Use and Reuse of Water in Food Production and Processing

Objective

• Promote sustainable water management.
• Ensure food safety.
• Encourage efficient resource utilization.

(iv) Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken Meat

Purpose

Strengthen measures to reduce food-borne illnesses caused by:

• Campylobacter
• Salmonella

(v) Food Labelling Provisions

The Commission adopted provisions relating to:

• Joint presentation of food products.
• Multipack formats.
• General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods.

Benefits

• Uniform labelling practices.
• Better consumer information.
• Greater transparency.

Approval for Codex Standard on Cashew Kernels

India’s Proposal Accepted

• The Commission approved India’s proposal to initiate work on a:
  • Codex Standard for Cashew

Kernels

• under the:
  • Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV).

Why is this Important?

Cashew is among the world’s most traded tree nuts.

A Codex standard will:

• Harmonize international quality requirements.
• Improve food safety.
• Facilitate fair trade.
• Reduce technical barriers to trade.
• Enhance export competitiveness.
• Improve market access for Indian cashew exports.

Benefits for India

India is a major:

• Producer.
• Processor.
• Exporter of cashew kernels.

The proposed standard will:

• Increase export opportunities.
• Strengthen India’s position in the global cashew market.
• Improve farmer incomes.
• Promote value-added agricultural exports.

INDIA ELECTED CO CHAIR OF NFPS WORKING GROUP

What is NFPS?

• NFPS = New Food Sources and Production Systems

Role of the Electronic Working Group

The Working Group will:

• Review existing regulatory frameworks.
• Identify gaps in Codex risk analysis principles.
• Examine emerging food production systems.
• Recommend future Codex guidance.

Importance

The Working Group will help develop international guidance on emerging food technologies such as:

• Alternative proteins.
• Cultured meat.
• Precision fermentation.
• Novel food ingredients.
• Future food production systems.

ROLE OF FSSAI

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

Established

• 2008

Parent Ministry

• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Legal Basis

• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Functions

FSSAI is responsible for:

• Regulating food safety.
• Framing food standards.
• Licensing food businesses.
• Monitoring food quality.
• Consumer awareness.
• Representing India in Codex meetings.

CHALLENGES

• Harmonizing domestic standards with Codex requirements.
• Compliance costs for MSMEs.
• Strengthening food testing infrastructure.
• Capacity building for exporters.
• Regulating emerging food technologies.
• Ensuring effective implementation of standards.

WAY FORWARD

• Strengthen Food Safety Infrastructure
• Promote Science-Based Regulation
• Support Exporters
• Deepen International Cooperation
• Leverage India’s Leadership

 

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