Why in the news?

• India has been unanimously re-elected to the Codex Executive Committee, representing Asia in global food standards development until 2027.

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

• What is it?: The Codex Alimentarius Commission is an intergovernmental body established to develop food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in the food trade.
• Formation
  • Established: 1963
  • By: Jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy
• Members: Over 180 countries, including India
• Objectives:
  • Protect the health of consumers.
  • Ensure fair trade practices in the food trade.
  • Promote coordination of food standards globally.
  • Provide a reference in WTO disputes under the SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Agreement.
• India and Codex
  • India is a member since 1964.
  • National Codex Contact Point (NCCP): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  • India hosts CCASIA (Coordinating Committee for Asia).
  • Plays an active role in shaping Codex standards, especially for spices, cereals, and dairy.