Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8)
Context:
The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH8) successfully concluded in Guwahati, Assam.
Hosted by: Spices Board India, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Key Outcome of CCSCH-8 (The 8th Session):
The session finalized three new global standards for large cardamom, vanilla, and coriander.
These standards have been recommended for adoption by the main Codex Alimentarius Commission
With these additions, the CCSCH has now finalized standards for a total of 19 spices(includes pepper, turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom and saffron)
Significance for India:
As a leading producer and exporter of large cardamom and coriander, India is expected to benefit from these harmonized global benchmarks.
This will facilitate smoother market access and strengthen export competitiveness
The vanilla standard was long-pending due to complexity of flavour chemistry and processing diversity
IUCN Red list Status: Vanilla planifolia (Endangered)
About Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):
The CAC is an international food standards body established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 1963 with the objective of protecting consumer’s health and ensuring fair practices in food trade.
The Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS)of the World Trade Organization (WTO) recognizes Codex standards.
The CAC has 189 Members (comprising 188 member countries and 1 member organization that is the European Union). India became a member in 1964.
Codex standards are "voluntary in nature".
Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH):
The CCSCH was established in 2013 at the behest of India
It operates under the main Codex Alimentarius Commission
Secretariat of CCSCH
India serves as the Secretariat for the CCSCH.
The Spices Board, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, represents India as the Secretariat.
Role:
The Spices Board played a pivotal role in organizing the 8th session, coordinating participation, preparing working documents, and ensuring adherence to Codex procedures.