New Delhi: India, global standards, spices, vegetable oils, Codex Alimentarius Commission, FAO, WHO, FSSAI, sustainability, food trade.India has endorsed the adoption of global standards for spices and vegetable oils at the 86th session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), according to a statement by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Wednesday.

The CCEXEC session, held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome from July 1-5, is instrumental in reviewing proposals for new initiatives and overseeing the progress of standards development.

The CAC, established by the FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade.

During this session, India, represented by G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ardently supported the development of standards for various spices, including small cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla. The MoHFW highlighted that this move is particularly significant for India, a leading producer and exporter of these spices, as it would facilitate smoother international trade.

Additionally, India supported the advancement of standards for specific vegetable oils and guidelines for controlling Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. The country also advocated for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing. Moreover, India championed the proposal for developing Codex guidance on food safety considerations related to the use of recycled materials in food packaging. The ministry emphasized that these initiatives are crucial in addressing global challenges such as climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability.

India shared its experience with the FSSAI guidelines on recycling post-consumer PET for food contact applications during the session. The ministry noted that India’s participation in the High-level Executive Committee (CCEXEC) underscores its commitment to establishing robust food safety standards and promoting fair practices in the global food trade. This involvement reflects India's pivotal role in the international food industry.

India's endorsement of these standards is expected to not only enhance the quality and safety of food products but also strengthen its position in global food trade. By supporting these initiatives, India aims to contribute significantly to global food safety and sustainability efforts, ensuring that consumer health is protected and fair practices are promoted across the international food trade.

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