The Codex Alimentarius Commission, often referred to as Codex, is an international body established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Read here to learn more.
Codex Alimentarius Commission has praised India’s Standards on Millets and accepted its proposal for the development of global standards for millets during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy.
India has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters, which received resounding applause at the international meet. Codex currently has standards for Sorghum and Pearl Millet.
India put forward a proposal for the development of global standards for millets, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, and Little millet as group standards as in the case of pulses. The proposal was unanimously endorsed in the session at FAO Headquarters in Rome, which is being attended by representatives from 161 member countries, including the European Union (EU).
Codex Alimentarius Commission
The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established in 1963 by the FAO and the WHO to address concerns about the international food trade and the need for harmonized food standards.
- Currently, the Codex Alimentarius Commission has 189 Codex Members made up of 188 Member Countries and 1 Member Organization (The European Union). India became a member of Codex Alimentarius in 1964.
The primary objective of the Codex Alimentarius Commission is to develop international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to ensure the safety, quality, and fairness of international food trade. Here are key aspects of the Codex Alimentarius Commission:
- The commission is composed of member countries, and subsidiary bodies, including committees, task forces, and expert groups support its work.
- Decisions within the commission are made by consensus, and its leadership includes a Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons elected from member countries.
Functions and Responsibilities:
- Standard Development: Codex develops international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to ensure the safety, quality, and fairness of food products in international trade.
- Harmonization of Standards: Codex works to harmonize food standards globally, facilitating international trade and reducing barriers related to differences in national food standards.
- Consumer Protection: Codex aims to protect the health of consumers by setting science-based standards that address food safety and nutritional quality.
- Fair Trade Practices: The commission promotes fair trade practices in the food industry by establishing guidelines that contribute to fair competition and consumer confidence.
- Risk Assessment and Management: Codex conducts risk assessments related to food safety and develops risk management guidelines to address potential hazards in the food supply chain.
- Codex Texts: Codex texts include a wide range of standards, such as those for food additives, contaminants, residues of veterinary drugs, hygiene, labeling, and methods of analysis and sampling.
Work Areas:
- Codex Committees: The Codex operates through various committees that focus on specific areas, such as the Codex Committee on Food Additives, the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods, and the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses.
- Task Forces and Expert Groups: Codex establishes task forces and expert groups to address emerging issues and conduct in-depth studies.
Global Importance of Codex Alimentarius Commission
Codex standards and guidelines are internationally recognized and utilized by member countries, providing a basis for international trade agreements and negotiations.
WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement): Codex plays a crucial role in the WTO SPS Agreement, where its standards are referenced to address food safety concerns and ensure a science-based approach to trade disputes.
Codex standards contribute to building consumer confidence by assuring the safety and quality of food products in the global marketplace.
Challenges
- Differing National Interests: Differing national interests and priorities among member countries can pose challenges in achieving consensus on certain standards.
- Emerging Issues: Rapid changes in the food industry, technology, and global trade can present challenges in addressing emerging issues and updating standards accordingly.
- Resource Constraints: Limited resources, both financial and human, can sometimes impede the commission’s ability to carry out its work effectively.
The global standard for millet
India has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets specifying 8 quality parameters, which received resounding applause at the international meet. Codex currently has standards for Sorghum and Pearl Millet.
- India put forward a proposal for the development of global standards for millets, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, and Little millet as group standards as in the case of pulses.
- The proposal was unanimously endorsed in the session at FAO Headquarters in Rome, which is being attended by representatives from 161 member countries, including the European Union (EU).
With the CAC endorsing the proposal, work on the submission of project documents and the development of draft standards will now be initiated by India.
The group standards on millets framed by FSSAI for 15 types of millets, specify 8 quality parameters that will act as an important foundation for the development of global standards.
- maximum limits for moisture content
- uric acid content
- extraneous matter
- other edible grains
- defects
- weevilled grains
- immature grains
- shriveled grains
The existing Codex standards for Sorghum and Pearl millet would also be reviewed while making the group standards for millets.
Earlier, Important standards proposed by India include Standards for Okra, BWG Pepper, Aubergines, Dried and Dehydrated Garlic, Dried or Dehydrated Chilli Pepper and Paprika, Fresh Dates, Mango Chutney, Chili Sauce, Ware Potatoes, and labeling requirements for non-retail containers.
Read: International Year of Millets
Conclusion
The Codex Alimentarius Commission plays a crucial role in facilitating international food trade and ensuring that food standards are based on sound scientific principles. Its work contributes to consumer protection, fair trade practices, and the harmonization of global food standards.
Previous year question
Q. As regards the use of international food safety standards as a reference point for dispute settlements, which one of the following does WTO collaborate with? (2010)
(a) Codex Alimentarius Commission
(b) International Federation of Standards Users
(c) International Organization for Standardization
(d) World Standards Cooperation
Related article: Food irradiation; Food fortification
-Article by Swathi Satish
Leave a Reply