Codex
Alimentarius Commission
Prelims:
International
Organizations, Agriculture
Mains:
GS
Paper II-Governance, GS Paper III-Agriculture, Science & Technology
Current
relevance:
At the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
(CAC49) held in Geneva, Switzerland, India secured major achievements,
including the adoption of seven India-led Codex standards and guidelines
and approval to develop a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels.
At a glance:
About Codex
Alimentarius Commission (CAC):
1.
It is a joint body of
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health
Organization (WHO), established in 1963 to develop international
food standards.
2.
Develops science-based
international food standards to protect consumer health and facilitate fair
food trade.
Key outcomes for
India:
Seven
India-led Codex Texts Adopted
1.
Under India's Chairmanship:
i.
Codex Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds – promotes harmonized quality standards and facilitates global spice trade.
ii.
Codex Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves – establishes the first international quality benchmark for curry leaves.
2.
Under India's Co-chairmanship:
i.
Adopted Codex Standards
for Vanilla and Large Cardamom to establish internationally harmonised
quality requirements.
ii.
Guidelines for the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing to promote food safety and sustainable
water management.
iii.
Guidelines for
controlling Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat to
reduce foodborne illnesses.
iv.
Food labelling provisions for joint presentation and multipack formats to
improve clarity and consistency in food labels.
3.
Cashew Kernel Standard Approved:
i.
CAC approved India's
proposal to develop a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV).
ii.
Expected to improve
export competitiveness, reduce technical barriers, and facilitate fair
international trade.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2284554®=3&lang=1