India’s Renewed Leadership in Global Food Standard Governance

India’s Strengthened Position

India’s Renewed Leadership in Global Food Standard Governance: India’s unanimous re-election to the Codex Executive Committee (CCEXEC) reinforces its role in shaping global food safety and trade norms. The new term extends India’s mandate until 2027, enabling it to represent Asian perspectives in Codex’s standard-setting process. This development reflects growing global confidence in India’s technical leadership and commitment to equitable food governance.
Static GK fact: The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established jointly by the FAO and WHO in 1963.

Delegation and Strategic Focus

The Indian delegation at CAC48 was led by Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI, along with senior officials from multiple ministries and research bodies. Their interventions centred on strengthening science-based standards, improving efficiency, and expanding the use of modern tools in Codex operations. India emphasized the need for balanced participation, better digital systems, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence in translation and documentation workflows.

Data Systems and Technology Integration

During the CCEXEC89 session, India highlighted the importance of updated global databases that track food additives, pesticide residues, contaminants, veterinary drug levels, and analytical methods. The delegation supported the adoption of AI-based translation tools, ensuring faster circulation of Codex documents and more inclusive participation by member countries.
Static GK Tip: FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Advancing Committee-Level Outcomes

India contributed significantly across several Codex committees. As chair of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV), India oversaw key technical adoptions, including the Standard for Fresh Dates at Step 8. It also helped move forward the Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves, supporting wider trade opportunities for regional produce.

Strengthening Pesticide and Additive Norms

India supported international guidelines on the stability of pesticide reference materials, which improve global laboratory practices. It also backed updates to the aflatoxin reduction code for peanuts and worked to harmonize additive rules under the General Standard for Food Additives (GSFA). Another notable adoption was the inclusion of nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors, which help standardize food composition analysis.
Static GK fact: Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by Aspergillus fungi, commonly affecting crops like peanuts and maize.

Breakthrough on Cashew Kernel Standards

A major achievement was India’s successful revival of the stalled Cashew Kernel Standard. CAC48 decided to circulate a global Circular Letter to gather member feedback, laying the groundwork for discussions at CAC49. This standard is expected to streamline trade practices and enhance export competitiveness for cashew-producing countries, including India.

Broader Regional Engagement

India also backed global transformation of laver product standards and supported new work on pasteurized liquid camel milk. These initiatives underline India’s commitment to inclusive and diverse food trade systems.
Static GK Tip: India is among the world’s largest producers and exporters of cashew nuts.

Multidisciplinary National Backing

India’s influence at CAC48 was supported by officials from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Spices Board, MPEDA, ICAR, NIN, and FICCI. Their coordinated inputs strengthened India’s advocacy for science-based, regionally sensitive food standards.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India’s Renewed Leadership in Global Food Standard Governance: