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India has achieved a major achievement in the 49th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission held in Geneva. The Commission formally adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines prepared under India’s chairmanship and co-chairmanship, further strengthening India’s role in the development of science-based international food standards.

In another important achievement, the Commission has also approved India’s proposal to develop a new Codex standard for cashew kernel.

The Indian delegation was led by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Technical experts from FSSAI and Spices Board also took active participation in the meetings of the Commission.

The Commission approved global standards for dried coriander seeds and fresh curry leaves developed under the chairmanship of India. Apart from this, five other Codex documents developed under the co-chairmanship of India were also adopted.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the new standard for dried coriander seeds will ease international trade of one of the world’s most traded spices. At the same time, the standard of fresh curry leaves will set the global quality standards for this important food item.

The five Codex documents co-chaired by India also include international quality standards for vanilla and black cardamom. This will ensure quality uniformity in global trade of these products.

These documents also include appendices on guidelines to the safe use and reuse of water during food production and processing.

In addition, guidelines to the prevention of Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria in chicken meat have also been approved, which are aimed at reducing foodborne illnesses from poultry products.

Additionally, new provisions for combined packaging and multipack formats have also been included in the rules to labeling of pre-packaged foods, which will make food labeling more clear and uniform.

The ministry said that the Commission has also approved India’s proposal to prepare a new Codex standard for cashew kernel under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables.

The Government believes that this new standard will promote fair trade, reduce technical barriers to trade and enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports in the global cashew market as well as facilitate access to new markets.