Codex Alimentarius Commission

• 04 Jul 2024

Source: ET

Why in News?

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

What is Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)?

• About:
  • CAC is an international food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 1963 with the objective of protecting consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in food trade.
• Recognition:
  • The Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) recognises Codex standards, guidelines and recommendations as reference standards for international trade and trade dispute settlement.
• Members:
  • Currently the Codex Alimentarius Commission has 189 Codex Members made up of 188 Member Countries and European Union.
    • India became the member of Codex Alimentarius in 1964.

• Codex Standards:

  • General Standards, Guidelines and Codes of Practice: These core Codex texts typically deal with hygienic practice, labelling, contaminants, additives, inspection & certification, nutrition and residues of veterinary drugs and pesticides and apply horizontally to products and product categories.
  • Commodity Standards: Codex commodity standards refer to a specific product although increasingly Codex now develops standards for food groups.
  • Regional Standards: Standards developed by the respective Regional Coordinating Committees, applicable to the respective regions.
• 86th Session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the CAC:
  • India, represented by the CEO of FSSAI, is actively participating in the 86th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission's Executive Committee (CCEXEC) at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.
    • The CCEXEC plays a critical role in reviewing proposals for new work and monitoring the progress of standards development.
  • During the session, India strongly supported the advancement of standards development for various spices, including small cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla.
    • This initiative is particularly significant for India, being a major producer and exporter of these spices, as it would facilitate smoother international trade. 
    • India backed the progression of standards for vegetable oils, guidelines for the control of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, and the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing.
    • India, also championed the proposal for developing Codex guidance on food safety considerations related to the use of recycled materials in food packaging. 
  • This initiative is crucial in addressing global challenges such as climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability. 
  • India shared its experience with the guidelines developed by FSSAI on recycling post-consumer PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) for food contact applications.

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.

Related Events and Campaigns

• World Food Safety Day

• Eat Right India

  • Eat Right Station

  • Eat Right Mela

• State Food Safety Index

• RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil)

• Food Safety Mitra

• 100 Food Streets

Read more: Journey of Spices in India

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
2. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (a)

Q. As regards the use of international food safety standards as reference point for the dispute settlements, which one of the following does WTO collaborate with? (2010)

(a) Codex Alimentarius Commission

(b) International Federation of Standards Users

(c) International Organization for Standardization

(d) World Standards Cooperation

Ans: (a)

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Mains:

Q.1 Elaborate the policy taken by the Government of India to meet the challenges of the food processing sector. (2021)