CAC49 Adopts Seven Codex Standards Under India’s Leadership

The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 July to 10 July 2026. India led the adoption of seven Codex standards and guidelines at the session, and the Indian delegation was headed by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Codex Alimentarius Commission

The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the joint intergovernmental body of the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization. It develops international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice for food safety, quality, and fair trade.

Standards Adopted at CAC49

Two adopted standards covered Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves, and both were developed under India’s direct chairmanship. Five other Codex texts were adopted under India’s co-chairmanship and covered Vanilla, Large Cardamom, safe water use in food processing, control measures for Campylobacter and Salmonella in chicken meat, and prepackaged food labelling.

India’s Role in Codex Work

India’s proposal to begin work on a dedicated Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels was approved at CAC49. India was also elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS), which is a Codex mechanism for technical work on emerging food systems.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established in 1963 and functions under FAO and WHO.
• Codex standards are used as reference points in international food trade and food safety regulation.
• FSSAI is the statutory food regulator of India under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Campylobacter and Salmonella are major foodborne bacteria associated with poultry and other animal products.

Cashew Kernels and Food Trade

Cashew kernels are the edible seeds of the cashew tree, Anacardium occidentale, and are traded globally as a processed nut product. A Codex standard for cashew kernels can support uniform quality parameters, labelling, and market access in international trade.