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