**Executive Summary**
The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), held in Geneva from July 6 to 10, 2026, resulted in the adoption of seven India-led food standards and guidelines. Key outcomes include the approval of India’s proposal to develop a global standard for cashew kernels and India’s election as Co-Chair for the working group on New Food Sources and Production Systems. These milestones aim to harmonize international quality requirements, enhance food safety, and facilitate fair trade for Indian exports.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Adopted International Standards**
* **Spices and Herbs:** Adoption of Codex Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves (led by India) to facilitate trade and provide international benchmarks.
* **Harmonized Commodities:** New standards for Vanilla and Large Cardamom to establish uniform global quality requirements.
**Food Safety and Labeling Guidelines**
* **Water Management:** Adoption of Annexes to Guidelines for the Safe Use and Reuse of Water in Food Production and Processing to promote sustainability and safety.
* **Pathogen Control:** New guidelines for the control of *Campylobacter* and *Salmonella* in chicken meat to reduce foodborne illnesses.
* **Labeling Consistency:** Provisions for Joint Presentation and Multipack Formats under the General Standard for the Labelling of Prepackaged Foods to improve consumer clarity.
**New Proposals and Leadership Roles**
* **Cashew Kernels:** Approval to initiate the development of a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels to reduce technical barriers to trade and enhance market access.
* **Regulatory Oversight:** India elected as Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS) to review regulatory frameworks and identify gaps in risk analysis.
**Impact Analysis**
**Exporters**
* **Impact:** Exporters will benefit from reduced technical barriers and enhanced competitiveness in global markets due to harmonized international quality and safety requirements.
* **Action Required:** Align export products and processes with the newly adopted Codex standards to ensure international compliance.
**Farmers and Food Businesses**
* **Impact:** These stakeholders will benefit from a more predictable international trade environment and scientific standards that support market access and fair trade.
* **Action Required:** Adopt science-based production and processing practices that meet the quality benchmarks established by the Commission.
**Consumers**
* **Impact:** Consumers will gain access to safer food products and more consistent, transparent food labeling information.
* **Action Required:** No specific action required, though consumers can rely on the updated labeling formats for better-informed purchasing decisions.
Key Entities Referenced
Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC): The international food standards body that adopted seven India-led food standards and approved India's proposal for cashew kernel standards during its 49th session.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): The primary Indian regulatory body that led the national delegation and technical experts in developing the adopted international food standards.
Codex Standards: The international benchmarks adopted for commodities including Dried Coriander Seeds, Fresh Curry Leaves, Vanilla, and Large Cardamom to facilitate global trade.
Shri Rajit Punhani: Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI who led the Indian delegation at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Geneva.
Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV): The specific committee under which the Commission approved India’s proposal to develop a new international standard for Cashew Kernels.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India Strengthens Global Leadership in Food
Standards at 49th Session of the Codex
Alimentarius Commission (CAC49)
Seven India-led Codex Texts including standards for Dried
Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves adopted;
Commission Approves India’s proposal to develop Codex
standard for Cashew Kernels
प्रव तथ: 14 JUL 2026 6:15PM by PIB Delhi
India achieved significant milestones at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49)
held in Geneva, Switzerland from 6th to 10th July, 2026. The Commission adopted seven Codex standards
and guidelines developed under India's chairmanship and co-chairmanship, reinforcing India's
contribution to the development of science-based international food standards. In another major
achievement, the Commission approved India's proposal to undertake new work for the development of a
Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels.The Indian delegation, led by Shri Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, Food Safety and Standards
Authority of India (FSSAI), participated actively in the Commission’s deliberations along with technical
experts from FSSAI and Spices Board.
The Commission adopted the Codex Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves,
both developed under India's chairmanship. The Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds would facilitate trade
in one of the world's most widely traded spices, while the Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves provides an
international benchmark for this regionally important culinary herb.
CAC49 also adopted five Codex texts developed under India's co-chairmanship. These include the Codex
Standards for Vanilla and Large Cardamom, which establish internationally harmonized quality
requirements for these globally traded commodities; the Annexes to Guidelines for the Safe Use and
Reuse of Water in Food Production and Processing, promoting sustainable water management while
ensuring food safety; the Guidelines for the Control of Campylobacter and Salmonella in Chicken
Meat, strengthening measures to reduce foodborne illnesses associated with poultry; and the Provisions
Relevant to Joint Presentation and Multipack Formats under the General Standard for the Labelling of
Prepackaged Foods, providing greater clarity and consistency in food labelling requirements.
A key achievement for India at CAC49 was the Commission’s approval of India’s proposal to undertake
new work for the development of a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the Codex Committee on
Processed Fruits and Vegetables (CCPFV). The proposal received overwhelming support from Codex
Members, recognizing the need for harmonized international quality and safety requirements for one of
the world’s most traded tree nuts. The new standard is expected to facilitate fair trade, reduce technical
barriers to trade, strengthen market access for Indian exports by enhancing its competitiveness in the
global cashew trade.
Further, India has been elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group established regarding New
Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS), which will review existing regulatory frameworks,
identify gaps in Codex risk analysis principles, and consider the need for any future Codex guidance.India’s achievements at CAC49 reinforce the country’s commitment to strengthening the global food
standards system through scientific excellence, international collaboration and consensus-building. The
outcomes are expected to benefit Indian farmers, food businesses, exporters and consumers, while
contributing to safer food and more predictable international trade.
India remains committed to working closely with the Codex Alimentarius Commission, FAO, WHO and
Member Countries in developing science-based, transparent and globally harmonized food standards that
support food safety, consumer protection and fair trade.
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SR
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