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86th Session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission
Context: India’s Participation in the 86th Session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission, which was held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome.
Codex Alimentarius Commission:
- An international body established by FAO and the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 1963.
- Aims to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in food trade.
- CCEXEC reviews proposals for new work and monitors the progress of standards development
Session and its Significance to India:
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), represented India.
- India supported the advancement of standards development for spices such as small cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla to facilitate smoother international trade.
- Backed the progression of standards for named vegetable oils, guidelines for controlling Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, and the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing.
- India also championed the proposal for developing Codex guidance on food safety considerations related to the use of recycled materials in food packaging.
- Shared FSSAI’s guidelines on recycling post-consumer PET for food contact applications, which were well-received.
- Significance:
- Reflects India’s dedication to establishing robust food safety standards.
- Promotes fair practices in the global food trade.
- Highlights India’s pivotal role in the international food industry.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
- Established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
- The Government of India is the Administrative Ministry for the implementation.
- Purpose: Lays down science-based standards for food articles. Regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and import of food.
- Objective: Ensures the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption.