India Champions Millet Standards at Rome Session

India received global recognition for steering the development of international food standards during the 88th Executive Committee session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88). The meeting, held at FAO headquarters in Rome from July 14–18, highlighted India’s leadership in setting global benchmarks for whole millet grains — a proposal Codex formally approved in 2023.

Millets and Fresh Dates Take Centre Stage

India is driving the standardisation of whole millet grains, with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal as co-chairs. The terms of reference for this work were finalised in April. The committee also endorsed India’s proposal for global standards on fresh dates, which will go before the 48th Codex Commission session in November for formal adoption. India will also co-chair upcoming efforts to develop standards for fresh turmeric and broccoli.

India Pushes for Outcome-Based Monitoring

During discussions on the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, India emphasised the need for outcome-based, measurable, and well-considered indicators to strengthen the global food safety monitoring framework. India’s leadership of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) since 2014 and its capacity-building programs for Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka earned praise from FAO. India urged inactive Codex members to use the Codex Trust Fund and showcased its mentorship programs as a model for regional cooperation.

India’s Role in Strengthening Global Food Systems

Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) participated in the Rome session, which opened under the leadership of FAO and WHO officials. The Codex Alimentarius Commission, a joint FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) -WHO (World Health Organisation) body, sets globally recognised food standards to ensure consumer safety and fair trade. India’s growing influence, especially in promoting traditional and underutilised crops like millets, reinforces its position as a key contributor to global food security.

Source: CNBCTV18