New Delhi- India’s efforts in leading the global standardization of millets and other agricultural products received widespread appreciation at the 88th Executive Committee meeting of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), held from July 14 to 18, 2025, at the FAO Headquarters in Rome.
A major highlight was the recognition of India’s leadership in framing a group standard for whole millet grains, which had earlier been approved during the 47th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47). The current meeting reviewed the ongoing progress of this work, chaired by India in collaboration with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal. The formal framework for this initiative had been finalized during the 11th Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL11) held in April this year.
India, an elected member of the Codex Executive Committee, played an active role in various agenda items throughout the session, which was inaugurated by senior FAO and WHO officials, including Mr. Godfrey Magwenzi and Dr. Jeremy Farrar. Key dignitaries like Dr. Allan Azegele, Chairperson of the Codex Commission, and Ms. Sarah Cahill, the Commission’s Secretary, were also present along with representatives from several member nations.
Among other achievements, India’s contribution to finalizing international standards for fresh dates—based on recommendations of the 23rd Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV23)—was commended. These standards are now set for final approval at the upcoming CAC48 in November 2025. Furthermore, India will co-chair the upcoming initiatives to draft global quality standards for fresh turmeric and fresh broccoli.
India also participated in shaping the monitoring framework of the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, advocating for meaningful and outcome-based Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The finalized SMART KPIs will be presented for endorsement at CAC48.
In addition, India showcased its regional capacity-building initiatives for neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste, which have been recognized by the FAO. These initiatives include Codex Trust Fund (CTF)-supported training and mentorship programmes. Drawing from its successful partnership model, India proposed including such training as measurable progress indicators under Codex’s strategic objectives.
India also continues to lead the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), a position it has held since the committee’s inception in 2014.
The Indian delegation, comprising officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), played a pivotal role in reinforcing India’s growing leadership in global food safety, standardization, and regional cooperation during the Rome session.
