Context: India has unanimously elected as a member representing Asian region in the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) during 46th meeting of FAO Headquarters in Rome.
About Codex Alimentarius Commission
- Codex Alimentarius or 'Food Code' is a collection of internationally adopted food standards and related texts presented in a uniform manner. These standards are developed by consensus and are based on the most robust up-to-date science available. Codex Alimentarius standards are adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- Codex Alimentarius Commission is a body established by FAO and WHO to develop food standards under Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Program.
- Codex Alimentarius Commission meets in regular session once a year alternating between Geneva and Rome.
- Codex Alimentarius Commission is based in FAO in Rome, Italy.
- Scope: Includes standards for all principal foods, whether processed, semi-processed or raw for distribution to the consumer. Codex texts are voluntary and do not have binding effect on national food legislation. However, WTO Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) and on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT Agreement) encouraged WTO members to harmonise national regulations with the international standards.
- Members of Codex Alimentarius Commission: Currently, Codex Alimentarius has 189 Codex Members and 1 Member Organisation i.e., European Union. Membership to Codex Alimentarius Commission is open to all member nations and associate members of FAO and WHO which are interested in international food standards.
Mandate of Codex Alimentarius
- Contribute to safety, quality and fairness of international food trade.
- Protection of consumer's health
- Promote coordination of all food standards at work.
Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius
- Executive Committee of Codex comprises of Chair, three vice Chairs along 6 regional and 7 elected representatives from various geographical groups of Codex.
- Between sessions, Executive Committee acts as the Executive organ of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius contributes substantially in International standard setting process for different food products and is involved in the decision making process. It makes proposals to Codex Alimentarius Commission regarding general orientation, strategic planning and programming of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
India's Proposal for Group Standards on Millets
- Codex Alimentarius Commission accepted India's proposal for development of global standards for millets.
- Currently, Codex Alimentarius Commission has brought out standards for Sorghum and Pearl Millets.
- India put forward a proposal for development of global standards for millets, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Proso millet and Little millet as group standards in case of pulses.
- Currently, FSSAI (a statutory regulatory body mandated for food standards) has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters. They are:
- Maximum limits for moisture content
- Uric acid content
- Extraneous matter
- Other edible grains
- Defects
- Weevilled grains
- Immature grains
- Shriveled grains.
- The group standard for millets developed by FSSAI will act as an important foundation for development of global standards for millets. The existing Codex standards for Sorghum and Pearl millet would also be reviewed while making group standards for millets.
- Important standards proposed by India include Standard for Okra, BWG Pepper, Aubergines, Dried and Dehydrated Garlic, Dried or Dehydrated Chilli Pepper and Paprika, Fresh Dates, Mango Chutney, Chili Sauce, Ware Potatoes and labelling requirements for non-retail containers.