India’s leadership in global food safety and international standards for traditional crops received praise during the 88th Executive Committee session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), held at FAO Headquarters, Rome. India’s proposal to develop global standards for whole millet grains approved in 2023, was highlighted as a model initiative in promoting nutrition and fair trade.
Key Highlights
- Event: 88th Session of the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88).
- Venue: FAO HQ, Rome, Italy.
- India’s Role: Lead country for developing global standards for whole millet grains.
- Co-Chairs: Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal.
- Progress:
- Terms of Reference finalised at April 2025 cereals committee session.
- Recognised for advancing millet standards on global platforms.
Other Indian Initiatives Recognised
- Fresh Dates Standards: India’s proposal endorsed; to be tabled for formal adoption at the 48th Codex Alimentarius Commission session (Nov 2025).
- Future Standards Co-Chairing: Fresh turmeric and fresh broccoli.
- Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031 Input: India recommended outcome-based, measurable monitoring indicators.
- Regional Capacity-Building:
- Led Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since 2014.
- Trained stakeholders from Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
- Promoted Codex Trust Fund utilisation by less active member states.
- Successful mentorship programmes with Bhutan & Nepal highlighted.
Representation
- Indian Delegation: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare + Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- Session Hosted By: Senior officials from FAO & WHO.
About Codex Alimentarius Commission
- Nature: Joint body of FAO & WHO.
- Mandate: Develop internationally recognised food standards, guidelines, codes of practice.
- Objectives:
- Ensure consumer health protection.
- Promote fair practices in global food trade.
- Importance for India: Platform to showcase leadership in traditional & underutilised crops like millets.
Strategic Importance for India
- Strengthens India’s position as a global advocate for millets, aligning with International Year of Millets 2023 momentum.
- Enhances export potential for millets, spices, and fresh produce.
- Supports Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in agri-food sectors.
- Builds India’s influence in global food governance and standard-setting bodies.
Millets in India
- Major Types: Jowar (Sorghum), Bajra (Pearl millet), Ragi (Finger millet), Foxtail millet, Proso millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Little millet.
- Nutritional Profile: Rich in dietary fibre, proteins, minerals (iron, calcium), gluten-free.
- Top Millet-Producing States: Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana.
- International Year of Millets: 2023 (UNGA declaration on India’s proposal).
Codex Alimentarius
- Founded: 1963.
- HQ: Rome, Italy.
- Membership: 189 members (188 countries + EU).
- Parent Bodies: FAO (1945, Rome HQ) & WHO (1948, Geneva HQ).
- Relevance: Standards set by Codex are used by WTO in resolving trade disputes related to food safety.
FSSAI
- Established: 2008 under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
- HQ: New Delhi.
- Function: Regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food in India to ensure safety.
- Current CEO (Aug 2025): G. Kamala Vardhana Rao.