India Strengthens Global Leadership in Food Standards at Codex Alimentarius Commission 49th Session
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
India achieved significant milestones at the 49th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC-49) held in Geneva from July 6-10, 2026. The Commission adopted seven Codex documents developed under India's chairmanship or co-chairmanship, and approved India's proposal to develop a Codex standard for cashew kernels. These outcomes reinforce India's role in shaping global food standards.
Background
Codex Alimentarius Commission is a joint body of FAO and WHO that sets international food standards to protect consumer health and ensure fair trade practices. India has been actively participating in Codex work, with FSSAI leading the national delegation.
Key facts
CAC-49 adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's chairmanship or co-chairmanship.
Standards adopted include dried coriander seeds and fresh curry leaves (chaired by India).
Co-chaired documents include standards for vanilla and large cardamom, guidelines on safe use and reuse of water in food production, guidelines for controlling Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat, and provisions on combined presentation and multipack formats under the general standard for labeling of prepackaged foods.
Commission approved India's proposal to develop a Codex standard for cashew kernels under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV).
India was elected as co-chair of the electronic working group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS).
The Indian delegation was led by FSSAI CEO Shri Rajit Punhani, with technical experts from FSSAI and Spices Board.
The outcomes are expected to benefit Indian farmers, food industry, exporters, and consumers, and contribute to safer food and fairer international trade.
Prelims pointers
- Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is a joint body of FAO and WHO.
- CAC-49 was held in Geneva, Switzerland from July 6-10, 2026.
- FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) is the nodal agency for Codex in India.
- Spices Board of India is involved in developing standards for spices.
- New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS) working group.
- CCPFV: Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables.
- India's proposal for cashew kernel standard approved under CCPFV.
- Seven Codex documents adopted under India's leadership.
- Standards for dried coriander seeds, fresh curry leaves, vanilla, large cardamom, water reuse, Campylobacter/Salmonella control, and labeling provisions.
Mains angles
- GS2: India's role in international organizations and global governance.
- GS3: Food security, food safety standards, and international trade.
- GS3: Agriculture and export competitiveness.
- GS2: Bilateral and multilateral cooperation with FAO and WHO.