The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has teamed up with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSAII), to celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, with a seminar targeted towards students throughout India.

The seminar focused on the role of Codex in protecting consumer health while facilitating fair practices in the food trade, and highlighted how enhanced collaborations across countries can contribute to a better food safety, providing effective risk communication, regulatory harmonization, and the ability to address complex global challenges.

Opening the meeting, Ms. Shreya Pandey, Technical Advisor, CII Taskforce on Food Regulatory Affairs and Head, recalled that the journey of India within the Codex Alimentarius Commission reflected the commitment of the country to ensuring that food is safe, nutritious, and of the highest quality. “Industry has been keenly participating through a mechanism of stakeholder review ensuring trade aspects are also captured in India's inputs” - added Ms. Pandey – “Let’s keep the momentum and ensure that India’s leadership in Codex continues from strength to strength in coming years”.

Together we can ensure the Codex is fit for the future

G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, Chief Executive O­fficer, FSAII, highlighted that the collaboration between India and Codex has made a profound impact on the national and international food safety and trade regulatory framework. “India’s proposal for establishing group standards for millets has been accepted at CAC46 meeting and India’s initiative for establishing global standards for millets garnered acknowledgement and support from member countries” – said Mr Rao – “Let us recognize the profound impact this partnership has on safeguarding public health, promoting fair trade, and building a resilient global food system”.

Talking about the impacts of Codex standards on international trade, Steve Wearne, CAC Chairperson, commented that the use of international standards worldwide contributed to public health reducing at the same time costs by making trade transparent and efficient. “Codex standards constitute the benchmark for food trade. Together we can ensure the Codex is fit for the future”, concluded CAC Chairperson, Wearne.

At the end of the event, CII and FSSAI presented a coffee table book which captured the journey of India in Codex, providing an opportunity to the readers to witness the milestones achieved by the country as well as the on-going efforts made towards harmonization of standards at international level.

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Watch the recording of the event

In the news: India Celebrates 60 years of Codex