India calls for stricter quality standards for spices at global meeting
India has expressed support for stricter quality standards for several spices, including cardamom, vanilla and turmeric, at a global meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Rome, the government said on Wednesday.
According to an official statement, India, as a geographically elected member (Asia), is participating in the 86th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) Executive Committee (CCEXEC).
G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), represented India at the session held at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) headquarters in Rome from July 1 to 5.
The CAC, an international body established by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade. Its Executive Committee plays a crucial role in reviewing proposals for new work and monitoring progress in the development of standards.
“During the session, India strongly supported the development of standards for several spices, including small cardamom, turmeric and vanilla. This initiative is particularly important for India, as a major producer and exporter of these spices, as it would facilitate smoother international trade,” the statement said.
India also supported the development of standards for the said vegetable oils, guidelines for the control of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing.
In addition, India has been pushing for the proposal to develop Codex guidelines for food safety aspects related to the use of recycled materials in food packaging.
This initiative is crucial to addressing global challenges such as climate change, environmental protection and sustainability.
India shared its experience with the guidelines developed by FSSAI for recycling of post-consumer PET for food contact applications. These guidelines were well received and appreciated by the committee members.
The country’s participation as a member of the Executive Committee underscores the country’s commitment to setting robust food safety standards and promoting fair practices in global food trade, reflecting the country’s critical role in the international food industry, the statement said.
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First print: 04 Jul 2024 | 12:34 PM IST