Codex recognition: India’s millet standards praised at Rome meet; fresh date, turmeric norms also advanced
India’s global leadership in food safety and standard-setting received a boost at the 88th Executive Committee meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), with its millet grain standards earning praise at the high-level gathering held in Rome from July 14 to 18.According to an official statement, the international forum acknowledged India’s efforts in spearheading the development of group standards for whole millet grains. The initiative—chaired by India in coordination with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal—was first cleared at the 47th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47) in 2024, and reviewed again during the Rome meet, ANI reported aniThe terms of reference for the millet standardisation initiative were finalised earlier this year at the 11th session of the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL11) in April 2025.India, a current elected member of CCEXEC, played a prominent role at the Rome meeting, which was inaugurated by Godfrey Magwenzi, Deputy Director-General and Director of Cabinet at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).The Executive Committee also commended India’s leadership in advancing new international standards for fresh dates—a proposal stemming from the 23rd session of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV23). These draft standards are now set to be reviewed for final adoption at the 48th CAC session scheduled for November 2025.India will also co-chair upcoming Codex initiatives to develop global standards for fresh turmeric and broccoli.During the Rome meet, India contributed significantly to the shaping of the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, particularly in establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aimed at ensuring effective implementation and accountability.India also highlighted its regional capacity-building efforts in countries such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which were recognised by the FAO for their impact. It urged underrepresented Codex member states to take advantage of the Codex Trust Fund to support mentorship and strengthen food safety systems.The Indian delegation, comprising officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), played a key role in promoting inclusive international standards while advancing national priorities.
