Why in the News?

• The 88th Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC88) in Rome recognised India’s millet standard and leadership in Codex committees.

Concerning Codex Alimentarius:

What is it?
• A set of globally accepted food standards, recommendations, and codes of practice is known as Codex Alimentarius.
• It encourages fair trade, consumer protection, and food safety in global food trade.
• FAO and WHO established it in 1963.
• Headquarters: Italy’s Rome.

Goals:
• To protect the health of consumers and advance ethical food trade practices.
• To help nations standardise food laws in order to lower non-tariff obstacles.

Important attributes:
• Standards based on science: framed using suggestions from international risk assessment organisations (like JECFA and JMPR).
• WTO alignment: Provides a point of reference for the SPS Agreement in trade disputes before the WTO.
• Influential but voluntary: Although not required, it has an impact on national/global laws and disputes.
• Complete coverage: Covers contaminants, pesticide residues, labelling, additives, and hygiene, among other things.
• Transparent procedure: Fair worldwide representation is ensured by inclusive, open committee discussions.

India’s Input:

Millet Standard Leadership:
• India led the development of the Codex standard for whole millets, with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal serving as co-chairs.

Spices and Herbs Leadership:
• Since 2014, he has served as the chair of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH).

Fresh Produce Standards:
• Co-chaired the standardisation of broccoli and turmeric and spearheaded the creation of new standards for dates.

Building Regional Capacity:
• Under the guidance of the Codex Trust Fund, training was given to Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Strategic Planning Contribution:
• Contributed to the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031 SMART KPIs as part of my strategic planning role.