India Strengthens Global Leadership in Food Standards at 49th Session of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49)

📌 Summary:

• At the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), held in Geneva, Switzerland (6–10 July 2026), the Commission adopted seven Codex texts developed under India's chairmanship/co-chairmanship
• Adopted under India's chairmanship: Codex Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves — facilitating global spice trade and setting benchmarks for these commodities
• Adopted under India's co-chairmanship (five texts): Standards for Vanilla and Large Cardamom; Annexes to Guidelines for Safe Use and Reuse of Water in Food Production; Guidelines for Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken Meat; and provisions on Joint Presentation/Multipack Formats for prepackaged food labelling
• Commission approved India's proposal for new work on a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels (under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables)
• Indian delegation led by FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani, with technical experts from FSSAI and the Spices Board

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS2 IR (India in global standard-setting bodies) + GS3 economy/health — food safety, agri-exports competitiveness, FSSAI's international role

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Codex Alimentarius Commission = joint body of FAO and WHO; sets international food standards; established 1963
• CAC49 held in Geneva, Switzerland (6–10 July 2026)
• India got standards adopted for Dried Coriander Seeds, Fresh Curry Leaves, Vanilla, Large Cardamom
• New work approved on Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels
• Indian delegation led by FSSAI; Spices Board also participated

🔑 Key Term: Codex Alimentarius — a collection of internationally recognised food standards, guidelines and codes of practice by the FAO-WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission to protect consumer health and ensure fair food trade.