CODEX ALIMENTARIUS COMMISSION

GS-2-International organisation

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international body established in May 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its primary objective is to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade.

Key Functions and Recognition:

• Codex Standards: The CAC develops standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to regulate various aspects of food production, such as hygiene, labelling, contaminants, additives, and residues of veterinary drugs and pesticides. These standards apply both horizontally across product categories and specifically to individual commodities.
•  International Recognition: Codex standards are recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO), particularly under the Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS). These standards serve as reference points for international trade and resolving trade disputes.

Members:

• The Codex Alimentarius Commission has 189 members, including 188 countries and the European Union.
• India became a member of the CAC in 1964.

India’s Role and Contribution:

At the 86th Session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the CAC, India actively participated, with the CEO of FSSAI representing the country. The committee reviewed and supported the development of various food standards:

• India emphasized advancing standards for key spices like small cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla, important for India as a major producer and exporter of these spices.
•  India supported standards related to vegetable oils, guidelines on controlling Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, and the safe use of water in food production and processing.
• India championed a proposal for food safety considerations regarding the use of recycled materials in food packaging, highlighting its importance for sustainability, climate change, and environmental protection.
• India also shared its FSSAI guidelines on recycling post-consumer PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) for food contact applications.

Through these efforts, India is contributing to shaping global food safety and trade standards.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India FSSAI is an autonomous statutory body established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI is responsible for protecting and promoting public health by regulating and supervising food safety and quality in India, operating under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.