India Wins Unanimous Re-Election to Codex Executive Committee, Strengthening Global Food Safety Leadership

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: India concluded a triumphant participation at the 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48) in Geneva, securing unanimous endorsement for its commitment to collaborative global food governance. Emphasizing streamlined operations, advanced data management, and fair standards, the event bolstered food safety and trade worldwide.

Led by FSSAI CEO Shri Rajit Punhani, alongside delegates from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and technical experts, India achieved a landmark re-election to the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC) for Asia—unanimously endorsed until CAC50 in 2027. This role amplified Asian priorities in technical and trade arenas.

At CCEXEC89, India spearheaded efficiency talks, advocating robust databases for food additives, pesticide residues, veterinary drugs, methods, and contaminants, while promoting AI-driven document translation for agility.

Protecting regional interests, the delegation integrated localized data into standards. In the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV), chaired by India, the Standard for Fresh Dates reached Step 8 for adoption, and Fresh Curry Leaves advanced similarly, enhancing exports.

The Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) adopted guidelines on pesticide reference stability, crucial for Asian MRL data, refined aflatoxin practices for peanuts, and aligned food additives under GSFA.

In the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS), “Nitrogen to Protein Conversion Factors” were annexed to CXS 234-1999, standardizing food assessments.

A key agri-trade victory: India revived the Standard for Cashew Kernels via a CAC48 Circular Letter, targeting CCEXEC90 review and CAC49 adoption.

India also supported global elevation of Asia’s laver products standard and new work on pasteurized liquid camel milk.

This session underscored India’s multilateral spirit, fostering universal safety, quality, and equitable trade, with contributions from MoHFW, Commerce Ministry, Spices Board, MPEDA, ICMR-NIN, ICAR, and FICCI experts.