India Strengthens Global Leadership in Food Standards at 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49)

India achieved several important milestones during the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49)held in Geneva from 6 to 10 July 2026.

According to the official PIB release, the Commission adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's chairmanship and co-chairmanship. It also approved India's proposal to begin work on developing a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels. 

The FSSAI website listed the update on 16 July 2026. 

What is Codex Alimentarius?

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international food-standard-setting body established jointly by the FAO and WHO.

It develops international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice relating to food safety, quality and fair practices in food trade.

For Food Technology and FSO aspirants, Codex is particularly important under the topic of:

International Food Laws & Standards

What did India achieve at CAC49?

1. Seven India-led Codex texts adopted

The Commission adopted seven Codex standards/guidelines developed under India's chairmanship or co-chairmanship. 

These included:

A. Dried Coriander Seeds

The Codex Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds was developed under India's chairmanship.

The international standard provides a common benchmark for the product and can support international trade in one of the world's widely traded spices. 

B. Fresh Curry Leaves

The Codex Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves was also developed under India's chairmanship.

It provides an international benchmark for this important culinary herb. 

C. Vanilla

A Codex Standard for Vanilla was adopted under India's co-chairmanship.

The standard establishes internationally harmonised quality requirements for the commodity. 

D. Large Cardamom

The Codex Standard for Large Cardamom was also adopted under India's co-chairmanship.

This is particularly significant for India because large cardamom is an important Indian spice and an internationally traded commodity. 

E. Safe Use and Reuse of Water

CAC49 also adopted the Annexes to the Guidelines for the Safe Use and Reuse of Water in Food Production and Processing.

The work addresses the important balance between water sustainability and food safety. 

F. Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken Meat

The Commission adopted guidelines concerning the control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat.

These guidelines are important from a food-safety perspective because both pathogens are associated with foodborne illness.

The objective is to strengthen measures for controlling these hazards in poultry production and processing. 

G. Labelling of Prepackaged Foods

Another important outcome relates to Joint Presentation and Multipack Formats under the General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods.

The provisions aim to provide greater clarity and consistency in food-labelling requirements. 

Major New Work: Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels

One of the most important outcomes for India was the Commission's approval of India's proposal to undertake new work for developing a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels.

The proposed work will be taken forward under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV). 

Why is this important?

Cashew is an important internationally traded tree nut, and an internationally harmonised standard could help establish common expectations regarding quality and safety.

According to the official release, the proposed standard is expected to:

• Facilitate fair trade
• Reduce technical barriers to trade
• Strengthen market access
• Support the competitiveness of Indian cashew exports

India elected Co-Chair of an Electronic Working Group

India also achieved another important position at CAC49.

India was elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS).

The working group will examine existing regulatory frameworks, identify gaps in Codex risk-analysis principles and consider whether additional Codex guidance may be required in the future. 

This is particularly relevant in the context of emerging food technologies and new food sources and production systems.

Who led the Indian delegation?

The Indian delegation at CAC49 was led by Shri Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, along with technical experts from FSSAI and the Spices Board. 

India's participation therefore involved both food-safety regulatory expertise and technical expertise related to spices.

Why is CAC49 important for India?

The significance goes beyond food standards.

Internationally harmonised standards can influence:

Food safety

Common scientific standards can support consumer protection and safer food.

International trade

Harmonised standards can make it easier for exporters and importing countries to work with common quality and safety expectations.

Indian farmers and producers

International standards for Indian commodities can potentially improve market recognition and facilitate access to international markets.

Indian food exporters

Greater alignment with international standards can help reduce technical barriers to trade.

India's role in global food regulation

India's leadership and participation in Codex committees demonstrates its growing role in international food-standard setting.

The official release states that the outcomes are expected to benefit Indian farmers, food businesses, exporters and consumers, while supporting safer food and more predictable international trade.