Codex Alimentarius Commission: India’s Wins at CAC49
Why in the news
Geneva hosted the 49th Codex Commission session, where India saw seven standards it steered get adopted.
India’s gains
| Outcome | Item |
|---|---|
| Standards led by India | Dried coriander seeds; fresh curry leaves |
| From India’s co-chaired work | Vanilla; large cardamom |
| New standard to be developed | Cashew kernels (under CCPFV, the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables) |
| Leadership role | Co-Chair, electronic working group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS) |
About Codex Alimentarius
- Latin for Food Code: international food standards, guidelines, codes of practice and recommendations.
- Global reference for aligning national food safety rules and easing trade.
- Founded by the FAO in 1961; WHO joined in 1962; secretariat at FAO headquarters, Rome.
- Aims: consumer health, fair trade practices, fewer technical trade barriers.
Functions
- Standards for additives, contaminants and toxins, pesticide and veterinary drug residues.
- Guidelines on hygiene, labelling, processing and packaging.
- Draws on expert risk assessments such as JECFA; the food safety reference under the WTO SPS Agreement.
Exam angle
- Parent bodies: FAO and WHO.
- Session: CAC49, Geneva.