The 49th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's leadership in Geneva from July 6-10, 2026. According to reports from Devdiscourse, the Commission adopted the Codex Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves, both developed under India's chairmanship. The Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds would facilitate trade in one of the world's most widely traded spices, while the Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves provides an international benchmark for this regionally important culinary herb. These standards enhance trade for these essential commodities and demonstrate India's pivotal role in developing science-based international food standards.
CAC49 also adopted five Codex texts developed under India's co-chairmanship. As reported by Devdiscourse, these include the Codex Standards for Vanilla and Large Cardamom, which establish internationally harmonized quality requirements for these globally traded commodities. The Commission also adopted the Annexes to Guidelines for the Safe Use and Reuse of Water in Food Production and Processing, promoting sustainable water management while ensuring food safety. Additionally, the Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken Meat were adopted to strengthen measures reducing foodborne illnesses associated with poultry. The Commission also adopted clear labeling guidelines for prepackaged foods, enhancing transparency and consumer protection. These achievements underscore India's leadership in developing comprehensive food safety frameworks.
A key achievement for India at CAC49 was the Commission's approval of India's proposal to initiate the creation of a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV). According to reports from Devdiscourse, the proposal received overwhelming support from Codex members, recognizing the need for harmonized international quality and safety requirements for one of the world's most traded tree nuts. The new standard aims to establish harmonized international quality and safety criteria for cashews, facilitating global trade and reducing technical barriers, thereby boosting India's export competitiveness. This standard is expected to strengthen market access for Indian exports by enhancing its competitiveness in the global cashew trade.
Led by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Indian delegation participated actively in the Commission's deliberations along with technical experts from FSSAI and Spices Board. As reported by Devdiscourse, India has been elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group established regarding New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS), which will review existing regulatory frameworks, identify gaps in Codex risk analysis principles, and consider the need for any future Codex guidance. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that India remains committed to working closely with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, Food and Agriculture Organisation, World Health Organisation and Member Countries in developing science-based, transparent and globally harmonized food standards that support food safety, consumer protection and fair trade. India's participation in CAC49 reaffirms its commitment to enhancing global food safety standards through international cooperation and scientific advancement.
