India Re-Elected to Codex Executive Committee

At the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48), India reaffirmed its leadership in global food safety and trade governance by being unanimously re-elected to the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC) for the Asia region. This re-election secures India’s position in the global food standard-setting process until 2027 and highlights its growing influence in international health and trade policy.

India’s Re-Election and Global Mandate

India’s re-election as Member Asia to the Codex Executive Committee was a unanimous decision by the global membership, marking a significant endorsement of its collaborative and technical leadership. This enables India to represent Asian interests in future food standard discussions and ensure balanced participation in Codex’s decision-making process.

The Indian delegation was led by Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and included officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other expert organizations. The leadership stressed efficiency, equitable standards, and better data systems, while also promoting the integration of modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence in Codex operations.

Focus on Data and Technological Efficiency

India played a crucial role during the CCEXEC89 session, especially in promoting the use of updated databases for,

• Food additives
• Pesticide residues
• Veterinary drugs
• Contaminants in food
• Methods of analysis

The delegation also encouraged AI-based tools for document translation, improving Codex’s operational speed and global accessibility.

Advancing Regional and Global Food Standards

India actively contributed to several Codex committees, advocating for science-based standards that reflect regional realities and trade needs.

Fruits and Vegetables

India chaired the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV), leading to,

• Adoption of the Standard for Fresh Dates at Step 8 – a key trade commodity.
• Forwarding of the Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves for adoption – supporting regional herb exports.

Pesticide Residues

India supported,

• New guidelines for monitoring pesticide reference material stability, enhancing lab reliability.
• Updates to the aflatoxin reduction code in peanuts, improving safety for an important export.

Food Additives and Analysis

India promoted,

• The alignment of food additive rules in the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA).
• Adoption of nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors in analysis methods, standardizing food composition testing across sectors.

Breakthrough on Cashew Kernel Standards

In a major win for India’s agro-trade interests, the country successfully revived the stalled Codex work on Cashew Kernel Standards. CAC48 agreed to issue a Circular Letter to collect global feedback, a key step before the draft standard progresses to CAC49.

This standard is vital for harmonizing global trade practices, enhancing India’s export potential in this high-value nut sector.

Expanding Regional Influence

India also,

• Supported transforming the regional standard for laver products into a global standard.
• Welcomed new work on standardizing pasteurized liquid camel milk, showcasing commitment to inclusive food trade development.

India’s Broader Delegation and Support Network

The Indian team included officials from multiple ministries and organizations, reflecting a strong, interdisciplinary approach,

• Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Spices Board
• Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• ICMR–National Institute of Nutrition (NIN)
• FICCI

Their combined expertise contributed to India’s influential presence at CAC48 and to the shaping of inclusive and science-based food policies.

Static Facts

• Event: 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC48)
• India’s Role: Re-elected to Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC) for Asia
• Term: Until CAC50 (2027)
• Key Leader: Rajit Punhani, CEO, FSSAI
• Major Adoptions
• Standard for Fresh Dates (Step 8)
• Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves (forwarded)
• Guidelines on Pesticide Reference Material Stability
• Aflatoxin Code update in peanuts
• Cashew Kernel Standard revived
• Nitrogen-to-Protein Conversion Factors added to analysis code
• Technology Push: Use of AI in document translation