Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

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Context:

Recently, India participated in the 86th session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

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Participation in the 86th Session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the CAC

India, represented by the CEO of FSSAI, is actively engaged in the 86th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission’s Executive Committee (CCEXEC) at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.
The CCEXEC plays a crucial role in assessing proposals for new initiatives and monitoring the advancement of standards development globally.
India strongly supported the progress of standards for various spices like small cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla during the session.
This effort holds particular significance for India, given its status as a major producer and exporter of these spices, aiming to enhance international trade efficiency.
India also advocated for the advancement of standards concerning vegetable oils, guidelines on controlling Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, and the safe management of water in food production and processing.
Additionally, India championed the proposal to develop Codex guidelines on food safety considerations linked to the use of recycled materials in food packaging.
This initiative is pivotal in addressing global issues such as climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainable practices.
India shared insights into FSSAI’s guidelines on recycling post-consumer PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) for applications in food contact, contributing valuable perspectives to the session.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international food standards organization established in May 1963, jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Its primary objective is to safeguard consumer health and promote equitable practices in food trade on a global scale.
The Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) within the World Trade Organization (WTO) recognizes Codex standards, guidelines, and recommendations as the reference standards for international trade and resolving trade disputes.
Currently, the Codex Alimentarius Commission comprises 189 members, including 188 Member Countries and 1 Member Organization, which is the European Union.
India has been a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission since 1964.

Codex standards encompass essential guidelines related to various aspects of food safety and quality.
These core Codex texts cover areas such as hygienic practices, labeling, contaminants, additives, inspection and certification procedures, nutrition, and residues of veterinary drugs and pesticides.
They are applied horizontally to a wide range of food products and categories.
In addition to these core standards, Codex also develops commodity standards tailored to specific food products, and there is an increasing focus on developing standards for broader food groups.
Regional Coordinating Committees develop standards applicable to their respective regions to ensure that regional needs and conditions are addressed within the Codex framework.

-Source: The Hindu