India participates in the 86th session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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    India participates in the 86th session of the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission

    Posted 08 Jul 2024

    2 min read

    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

    Related News 

    FSSAI proposed new Labelling Pattern 

    • FSSAI proposed that nutritional information regarding total sugar, salt and saturated fat in bold letters and relatively increased font size on labels of packaged food items
    • The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 specifies requirements to mention serving size and nutritional information on the food product label.
    • Significance: Empowering consumers to make healthier choices; help to combat the rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) 
    • Tags :
    • FSSAI
    • Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
    • Codex Alimentarius (CA)
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