India secures adoption of seven Codex standards and advances global food safety, quality, and international trade through active participation at the 49th Codex Alimentarius Commission.
India has reinforced its position as a global leader in food safety and quality after achieving significant milestones at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49). The country played a key role in the adoption of seven Codex texts proposed by India, strengthening international food standards and supporting safer global food trade.
Among the major achievements was the adoption of worldwide standards for coriander and fresh curry leaves, marking an important step for India’s spice and horticultural sectors. The Commission also approved several India-led guidelines and standards covering food quality, safety, sampling, and analytical methods, reflecting the country’s growing influence in international food standard-setting.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, jointly established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), develops globally recognised food standards that facilitate fair trade while protecting consumer health. India’s active participation strengthens the acceptance of Indian food products in international markets by aligning domestic regulations with globally recognised benchmarks.
The achievements are expected to benefit a wide range of Indian food sectors, including spices, processed foods, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, seafood, cereals, and agricultural commodities. Harmonised food standards help exporters reduce technical trade barriers, improve product acceptance, and expand access to overseas markets.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Government of India have continued to play an active role in Codex activities by contributing scientific expertise and collaborating with international regulatory authorities to develop evidence-based food standards. These efforts support India’s objective of strengthening food safety while enhancing export competitiveness.
India’s accomplishments at CAC49 underscore the country’s expanding leadership in shaping global food regulations. The adoption of multiple India-led Codex standards is expected to boost confidence in Indian food products, strengthen international trade opportunities, and further position India as a trusted supplier of safe, high-quality food products worldwide.