Context:

The 86th session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission is being held in Rome.

More on the news

• India, as a member elected on a geographic basis (Asia), is actively participating in the 86th session of the Executive Committee (CCEXEC) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) represented India in the session being held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy from July 1 to 5, 2024.

Indian Agenda at the Session:

• India supported the advancement of standards development for various spices, like cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla. This initiative would facilitate smoother international trade.
• Additionally, India backed the progression of guidelines for the control of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC), and the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing.
  STEC can make a harmful substance (toxins) that can lead to a severe infection in humans
• India championed the development of Codex guidance on food safety for recycled materials in food packaging, addressing climate change, environmental protection, and sustainability.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission

• It is an international food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 1963.
• Currently the Codex Alimentarius Commission has 189 Codex Members made up of 188 Member Countries and 1 Member Organization (The European Union).
• It aims to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in the food trade.
• The Codex Alimentarius is an international food standard, guidelines and codes of practice that contribute to the safety, quality and fairness of this international food trade. 
• India joined the Commission in 1964.
• Since its foundation, the Codex system has evolved in an open, transparent and inclusive way to meet emerging challenges.

Codex Executive Committee

• • It comprises the Chairman, three vice Chairman, six regional coordinators and seven elected representatives from the various geographical groups of Codex. 
• • It can make proposals to the Commission regarding general orientation, strategic planning, and programming of the work of the Commission.