Indian Spices Gain Global Recognition
India has achieved a significant milestone in global food standards with the adoption of three international Codex standards for spices at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held in Geneva, Switzerland. The achievement reinforces India’s growing leadership in developing science-based global food standards and is expected to boost international trade in Indian spices.
The Commission adopted the Codex Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves, both developed under India’s chairmanship. In addition, the Codex Standard for Large Cardamom, developed under India’s co-chairmanship, was also adopted. These standards establish internationally harmonized quality and safety benchmarks, making global trade more transparent and predictable while enhancing consumer confidence.
The adoption of these standards is particularly significant for India, one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of spices. Standardized global quality requirements are expected to facilitate exports, reduce technical barriers to trade, improve market access for Indian farmers and exporters, and strengthen the country’s position in the international spice market.
Beyond spices, the Commission also adopted several other Codex texts developed under India’s co-chairmanship, including standards for Vanilla, guidelines on the safe use and reuse of water in food production, food safety measures for Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat, and provisions related to food labelling for prepackaged foods. These measures aim to promote food safety, sustainability, and greater transparency in global food trade.
In another major achievement, the Commission approved India’s proposal to begin work on developing a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels, recognizing the need for harmonized international quality and safety requirements for one of the world’s most traded tree nuts. India was also elected as Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems, further strengthening its influence in shaping future global food regulations.
The Indian delegation, led by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), actively participated in the Commission’s deliberations alongside technical experts from FSSAI and the Spices Board. The achievements at CAC49 underscore India’s commitment to advancing science-based, transparent, and globally harmonized food standards that support consumer protection, food safety, and fair international trade.
