Ø Seven India-led Codex Texts including
standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves adopted; Commission Approves
India’s proposal to develop Codex standard for Cashew Kernels
·
Major Achievement: India recorded significant success at
the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held in Geneva,
Switzerland (6–10 July 2026).
·
Seven India-led Codex Texts Adopted: The Commission
adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's chairmanship
and co-chairmanship.
·
India-chaired Standards Adopted:
o
Codex Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds
o
Codex Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves
·
Five Co-chaired Codex Texts Adopted:
o
Codex Standards for Vanilla and Large Cardamom
o
Annexes to the Guidelines for Safe Use and Reuse of Water
in Food Production and Processing
o
Guidelines for Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella
in Chicken Meat
o
Labelling provisions for Joint Presentation and Multipack
Formats under the General Standard for Labelling of Prepackaged
Foods.
·
Cashew Kernel Standard Approved: CAC49 approved
India's proposal to develop a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under
the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV).
·
Benefits of Cashew Standard:
o
Harmonized international quality and safety requirements.
o
Easier global market access.
o
Reduced technical barriers to trade.
o
Enhanced competitiveness of Indian cashew exports.
·
Leadership Role: India was elected Co-Chair of the
Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS).
·
Indian Delegation: Led by Rajit Punhani, CEO of
the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), along with experts
from FSSAI and the Spices Board.
·
Importance of Outcomes:
o
Strengthens global science-based food standards.
o
Supports food safety and consumer protection.
o
Promotes fair international trade.
o
Benefits Indian farmers, exporters, food businesses, and
consumers.
·
India's Commitment: India reaffirmed its commitment to working
with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, FAO, WHO, and member countries to
develop transparent and globally harmonized food standards.
Key Takeaway
India strengthened its global leadership in food standard-setting
at CAC49 by securing the adoption of seven India-led Codex texts, gaining approval
to develop an international standard for cashew kernels, and expanding its leadership
role in shaping future global food safety regulations.
[ABS News Service/15.07.2026]
India achieved significant milestones
at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held
in Geneva, Switzerland from 6th to 10th July, 2026. The Commission
adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's chairmanship
and co-chairmanship, reinforcing India's contribution to the development of science-based
international food standards. In another major achievement, the Commission approved
India's proposal to undertake new work for the development of a Codex Standard for
Cashew Kernels.
The Indian delegation, led by
Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI), participated actively in the Commission’s deliberations along with technical
experts from FSSAI and Spices Board.
The Commission adopted the Codex Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds
and Fresh Curry Leaves, both developed under India's chairmanship.
The Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds would facilitate trade in one of the world's
most widely traded spices, while the Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves provides an
international benchmark for this regionally important culinary herb.
CAC49 also adopted five Codex
texts developed under India's co-chairmanship. These include the Codex Standards for Vanilla and Large Cardamom,
which establish internationally harmonized quality requirements for these globally
traded commodities; the Annexes
to Guidelines for the Safe Use and Reuse
of Water in Food Production and Processing, promoting sustainable
water management while ensuring food safety; the Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken Meat, strengthening
measures to reduce foodborne illnesses associated with poultry; and the Provisions
Relevant to Joint Presentation and Multipack Formats under the General Standard
for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods, providing greater clarity and consistency
in food labelling requirements.
A key achievement for India at
CAC49 was the Commission’s approval of India’s proposal to undertake new work for
the development of a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the Codex Committee
on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV). The proposal received overwhelming support
from Codex Members, recognizing the need for harmonized international quality and
safety requirements for one of the world’s most traded tree nuts. The new standard
is expected to facilitate fair trade, reduce technical barriers to trade, strengthen
market access for Indian exports by enhancing its competitiveness in the global
cashew trade.
Further, India has been elected
Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group established regarding New Food Sources
and Production Systems (NFPS), which will review existing regulatory frameworks,
identify gaps in Codex risk analysis principles, and consider the need for any future
Codex guidance.
India’s achievements at CAC49
reinforce the country’s commitment to strengthening the global food standards system
through scientific excellence, international collaboration and consensus-building.
The outcomes are expected to benefit Indian farmers, food businesses, exporters
and consumers, while contributing to safer food and more predictable international
trade.
India remains committed to working
closely with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, FAO, WHO and Member Countries in
developing science-based, transparent and globally harmonized food standards that
support food safety, consumer protection and fair trade.