The 88th Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC88), which was held in Rome

What it is?

Codex Alimentarius is a compilation of globally accepted food standards, guidelines, and codes of conduct. It encourages food safety, protects consumers, and supports fair-trade practices in global food trade.

Founded in: 1963 by WHO and FAO.

Main Office: Rome, Italy.

Goals:

To safeguard consumer health and encourage equitable practices in food commerce.

To help nations align their food regulations to minimize non-tariff obstacles.

Main Characteristics:

Standards based on science: Developed with contributions from international risk assessment organizations (e.g. JECFA, JMPR).

WTO alignment: Serves as a benchmark for the SPS Agreement in trade disputes within the WTO.

Optional yet impactful: While not required, it shapes national laws globally.

Thorough coverage: Encompasses hygiene, additives, labeling, pesticide residues, contaminants, and more.

Clear procedure: Accessible, diverse committee dialogues guarantee equitable worldwide representation.

India’s Involvements:

Millet Standard Leadership: India led initiatives to create a Codex standard for whole millets, co-led by Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.

Codex Committee Leadership: Holds the position of Chair for the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since 2014.

Fresh Produce Standards: Chaired new guidelines on dates, co-leading the standardisation of turmeric and broccoli.

Regional Capability Development: Delivered training to Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka with guidance from the Codex Trust Fund.

Strategic Planning Position: Aided in developing SMART KPIs for Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031.