Scribd
Upload
22 views

Codex

mm

Uploaded by

Vineeta Panthri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
22 views

Codex

mm

Uploaded by

Vineeta Panthri
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Codex Alimentarius Commission

The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established in 1963 by


the FAO and the WHO to address concerns about the international food trade
and the need for harmonized food standards.

 Currently, the Codex Alimentarius Commission has 189 Codex Members


made up of 188 Member Countries and 1 Member Organization (The
European Union). India became a member of Codex Alimentarius in
1964.

The primary objective of the Codex Alimentarius Commission is to develop


international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to ensure the
safety, quality, and fairness of international food trade. Here are key aspects
of the Codex Alimentarius Commission:

 The commission is composed of member countries, and subsidiary


bodies, including committees, task forces, and expert groups support its
work.
 Decisions within the commission are made by consensus, and its
leadership includes a Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons elected from
member countries.

Functions and Responsibilities:

 Standard Development: Codex develops international food standards,


guidelines, and codes of practice to ensure the safety, quality, and
fairness of food products in international trade.
 Harmonization of Standards: Codex works to harmonize food
standards globally, facilitating international trade and reducing barriers
related to differences in national food standards.
 Consumer Protection: Codex aims to protect the health of consumers
by setting science-based standards that address food safety and
nutritional quality.
 Fair Trade Practices: The commission promotes fair trade practices in
the food industry by establishing guidelines that contribute to fair
competition and consumer confidence.
 Risk Assessment and Management: Codex conducts risk
assessments related to food safety and develops risk management
guidelines to address potential hazards in the food supply chain.
 Codex Texts: Codex texts include a wide range of standards, such as
those for food additives, contaminants, residues of veterinary drugs,
hygiene, labeling, and methods of analysis and sampling.

Work Areas:

 Codex Committees: The Codex operates through various committees


that focus on specific areas, such as the Codex Committee on Food
Additives, the Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods, and the
Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses.
 Task Forces and Expert Groups: Codex establishes task forces and
expert groups to address emerging issues and conduct in-depth studies.

Global Importance of Codex Alimentarius Commission


Codex standards and guidelines are internationally recognized and utilized by
member countries, providing a basis for international trade agreements and
negotiations.

WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary


Measures (SPS Agreement): Codex plays a crucial role in the WTO SPS
Agreement, where its standards are referenced to address food safety
concerns and ensure a science-based approach to trade disputes.

Codex standards contribute to building consumer confidence by assuring the


safety and quality of food products in the global marketplace.

Challenges
 Differing National Interests: Differing national interests and priorities
among member countries can pose challenges in achieving consensus
on certain standards.
 Emerging Issues: Rapid changes in the food industry, technology, and
global trade can present challenges in addressing emerging issues and
updating standards accordingly.
 Resource Constraints: Limited resources, both financial and human,
can sometimes impede the commission’s ability to carry out its work
effectively.

The global standard for millet


India has framed a comprehensive group standard for 15 types of millets
specifying 8 quality parameters, which received resounding applause at the
international meet. Codex currently has standards for Sorghum and Pearl
Millet.

 India put forward a proposal for the development of global standards for
millets, particularly for Finger millet, Barnyard millet, Kodo millet, Proso
millet, and Little millet as group standards as in the case of pulses.
 The proposal was unanimously endorsed in the session at FAO
Headquarters in Rome, which is being attended by representatives from
161 member countries, including the European Union (EU).

With the CAC endorsing the proposal, work on the submission of project
documents and the development of draft standards will now be initiated by
India.

The group standards on millets framed by FSSAI for 15 types of millets,


specify 8 quality parameters that will act as an important foundation for the
development of global standards.

1. maximum limits for moisture content


2. uric acid content
3. extraneous matter
4. other edible grains
5. defects
6. weevilled grains
7. immature grains
8. shriveled grains

The existing Codex standards for Sorghum and Pearl millet would also be
reviewed while making the group standards for millets.

Earlier, Important standards proposed by India include Standards 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.

Conclusion
The Codex Alimentarius Commission plays a crucial role in facilitating
international food trade and ensuring that food standards are based on sound
scientific principles. Its work contributes to consumer protection, fair trade
practices, and the harmonization of global food standards.

You might also like