Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) represented India (as a member elected on a geographic basis (Asia)), in the CCEXEC session held in Rome. 

Key highlights of the Session

• India proposed Codex guidance on recycled materials in food packaging.
  • India also shared guidelines (developed by FSSAI) on recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers, bottles, etc.
• India advocated for standards development in spices (cardamom, turmeric, and vanilla).
  • This would facilitate smoother international trade.
• Also supported standards for vegetable oils, guidelines for the control of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli, etc.

About Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

• Genesis: An international food standards body established jointly by Food and Agriculture organization (FAO) and WHO in 1963.
• Objective: Protecting consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in food trade. Develops food standards called Codex Alimentarius (CA).
  • CA is a collection of international standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade.
    • These standards are voluntary in nature.
  • WTO Agreements on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement) encourages members to harmonise national regulations with CA.
• Members: 189  (188 Member Countries and 1 Member Organization (EU)).
• HQ: Rome