India's Pivotal Role in Setting Global Food Standards

India Re-Elected to the Codex Executive Committee

In a significant development at the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48), India was unanimously re-elected to the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC) for the Asia region. This re-election secures India's role in shaping global food standards and highlights its growing influence in international health and trade policies until 2027.

India's Commitment to Global Food Safety

The unanimous re-election of India as Member Asia to the Codex Executive Committee underscores its collaborative leadership and technical expertise. This position allows India to advocate for Asian interests in global food standard discussions, ensuring balanced participation in Codex's decision-making process.

The Indian delegation at CAC48 was led by Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other expert organizations. The delegation emphasized the importance of efficient operations, equitable standards, and the integration of modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence in Codex activities.

Enhancing Data and Technological Efficiency

During the CCEXEC89 session, India played a pivotal role in promoting the use of updated databases for:

• Food additives
• Pesticide residues
• Veterinary drugs
• Contaminants in food
• Methods of analysis

The delegation also advocated for AI-based tools to improve document translation, thereby enhancing Codex's operational speed and global accessibility.

Advancing Food Standards Regionally and Globally

India actively contributed to various Codex committees, promoting science-based standards that align with regional realities and trade needs.

As the chair of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV), India led the:

• Adoption of the Standard for Fresh Dates at Step 8, a crucial trade commodity.
• Forwarding of the Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves for adoption, supporting regional herb exports.

In the realm of pesticide residues, India backed:

• New guidelines for monitoring pesticide reference material stability to enhance laboratory reliability.
• Updates to the aflatoxin reduction code in peanuts, improving safety for this significant export.

In food additives and analysis, India championed the:

• Alignment of food additive rules in the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
• Adoption of nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors in analysis methods, standardizing food composition testing across sectors.

Progress in Cashew Kernel Standards

In a vital breakthrough for India's agro-trade interests, the country successfully revived the stalled Codex work on Cashew Kernel Standards. CAC48 agreed to issue a Circular Letter to gather global feedback, paving the way for the draft standard to progress at CAC49. This initiative is crucial for harmonizing global trade practices and boosting India's export potential in the high-value cashew nut sector.

Expanding Regional Influence and Collaborations

India also facilitated the transformation of the regional standard for laver products into a global standard and welcomed new efforts to standardize pasteurized liquid camel milk, reflecting its commitment to inclusive food trade development.

The Indian delegation comprised officials from various ministries and organizations, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary approach:

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Spices Board
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)
• FICCI

Their combined expertise contributed significantly to India's influential presence at CAC48 and the shaping of inclusive, science-based food policies.