The 46th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), an international body dedicated to food safety and quality standards, witnessed a significant milestone for India. The CAC, created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, with 188 member countries, praised India's Standards on Millets and accepted its proposal for the development of global standards for millets.
Notably, India proposed the development of global standards for millets, with a particular focus on Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, and Little millet as group standards, similar to those for pulses. This proposal was unanimously endorsed during the session at FAO Headquarters in Rome.
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, congratulated the Indian delegation on this significant achievement, coinciding with the celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets. He emphasized India's pivotal role in making millets the choice of the common man and highlighted that India's proposal will set a benchmark in promoting millets and their benefits globally.
The Indian delegation, led by the CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), G Kamala Vardhana Rao, proposed international group standards for millets, considering the declaration of 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’ and reflecting on the growing international trade in these products.
Following the endorsement by the CAC, India will now initiate work on the submission of project documents and the development of draft standards. The group standards on millets framed by FSSAI, specifying 8 quality parameters, will act as a crucial foundation for the development of global standards. The existing Codex standards for Sorghum and Pearl millet will also be reviewed during the process.
During the session, CEO of FSSAI, G Kamala Vardhana Rao, presented the book on Standards of Millets to CODEX Chairman, Mr. Steve Wearne. The current session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission marks its 60th anniversary, with India being a member since 1964. India has chaired 12 EWGs and co-chaired 28 EWGs related to various Codex standards, texts, and guidelines.
Some of the significant standards proposed by India include those for Okra, BWG Pepper, Aubergines, Dried and Dehydrated Garlic, Dried or Dehydrated Chilli Pepper and Paprika, Fresh Dates, Mango Chutney, Chili Sauce, Ware Potatoes, and labeling requirements for non-retail containers.
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