India Achieves Major Breakthrough in Global Trade: Codex Ratifies Seven New Food Standards, Boosts Agri-Exporters

India Achieves Major Breakthrough in Global Trade: Codex Ratifies Seven New Food Standards, Boosts Agri-Exporters​

India cemented its position as a global leader in food security and scientific standardization at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held in Geneva. This significant outcome reinforces India's proactive commitment to developing internationally harmonized standards, providing crucial backing for the nation's agricultural trade sector.

The Indian delegation, led by Shri Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), worked closely with technical experts from FSSAI and Spices Board throughout the critical deliberations. The Commission adopted several key Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's leadership.

Seven Key Codex Texts Adopted Under Indian Leadership​

A significant achievement at CAC49 was the adoption of seven Codex texts, half of which were developed under India's chairmanship. These newly ratified standards span crucial areas of global commodity trade and food safety regulation.

Under India’s direct chairmanship, the Commission adopted the Codex Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves. The standard for Dried Coriander Seeds is set to streamline the international trade of this widely traded spice. Furthermore, the Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves establishes a definitive international benchmark for this regionally vital culinary herb.

Strengthening Global Food Safety Through New Guidelines​

The Commission also approved five Codex texts that were developed under India's co-chairmanship. These guidelines address critical issues related to sustainable production and consumer safety across multiple sectors.

Key among these are the Annexes to Guidelines for the Safe Use and Reuse of Water in Food Production and Processing, which promotes sustainable water management while safeguarding food security. Additionally, the adopted Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken Meat will strengthen global measures aimed at reducing poultry-related foodborne illnesses.

Breakthrough Standard Approved for Cashew Kernels​

A pivotal moment for Indian agricultural exports was the unanimous approval of India's proposal to develop a new Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV). This move received robust support from all Codex Members.

The new standard is designed to provide harmonized international quality and safety requirements for this high-volume tree nut. This global recognition is expected to significantly reduce technical trade barriers, ultimately boosting market access and competitiveness for Indian cashew exporters in the world market.

India Elected Co-Chair of New Food Sources Working Group​

Demonstrating continued influence, India was elected as Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group established regarding New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS). This role mandates reviewing existing regulatory frameworks and identifying gaps within Codex risk analysis principles.

This appointment reinforces India's deep scientific involvement in shaping future global food policy. The outcome of these achievements underscores that India is committed to contributing scientific excellence and consensus-building to the global food standards system. These developments are expected to benefit Indian farmers, exporters, businesses, and consumers alike.