Codex Alimentarious Commission

Why is in news? Codex Alimentarius Commission Praises India’s Standards on Millets

The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC), an international food safety and quality standard-setting body has praised India’s Standards on Millets and accepted its proposal for the development of global standards for millets during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy.

India has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters, which received resounding applause at the international meet.

Codex currently has standards for Sorghum and Pearl Millet.

India put forward a proposal for the development of global standards for millets, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet and Little millet as group standards as in case of pulses.

The proposal was unanimously endorsed in the session at FAO Headquarters in Rome, which is being attended by representatives from 161 member countries, including the European Union (EU).

The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare congratulated the Indian delegation on this momentous occasion which coincides with the celebration of 2023 as the International year of Millets. He added that India has played a pivotal role in making the millet choice of the common man. India’s proposal will set the benchmark in highlighting millet and its benefits worldwide.

About CAC:

The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC), an international food safety and quality standard-setting body created by WHO and FAO of the United Nations in 1961 with 189 member.

It is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations relating to food, food production, food labelling, and food safety.

The Commission's main goals are to protect the health of consumers, to facilitate international trade, and ensure fair practices in the international food trade.

The CAC does not have regulatory authority, and the Codex Alimentarius is a reference guide, not an enforceable standard on its own.

The current session marks the 60th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, of which India has been a member since 1964.

India has so far chaired 12 EWGs and co-chaired 28 EWGs relating to various Codex standards/texts and guidelines.

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.