India, a member elected on a geographic basis (Asia), is actively participating in the 86th session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao is representing India in the session being held at the Headquarters of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome from July 1st to 5th, 2024.
Codex Alimentarius Commission: Adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Codex Alimentarius, sometimes known as the “Food Code,” is a set of standards, rules, and codes of practice. The Commission, also called CAC, was founded by FAO and WHO to safeguard consumer health and advance ethical food trade practices. It is the focal point of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. It convened for the first time in 1963. The Executive Committee (CCEXEC) shall consider specific matters referred to it by the Directors-General of FAO and WHO as well as the estimate of expenditure for the Commission’s proposed programme of work.
India, being a major producer and exporter of these spices, strongly supported the advancement of standards development for various spices, including small cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla to facilitate smoother international trade.
Furthermore, India supported the development of recommendations for the management of Escherichia coli that produces Shiga toxins, standards for specified vegetable oils, and the safe use and reuse of water in food preparation and processing.
India also championed the proposal for developing Codex guidance on food safety considerations related to the use of recycled materials in food packaging as it is crucial for controlling global challenges such as climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Moreover, India is appreciated by the CCEXEC members while sharing its experience with the guidelines developed by FSSAI on recycling post-consumer PET for food contact applications. India’s membership in the High-level Executive Committee (CCEXEC) demonstrates its commitment to enforcing strict food safety regulations and encouraging ethical behavior in the global food trade, which is commensurate with its significant influence in the global food sector.
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