India has been unanimously elected as a member representing Asian region in the Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) during its 46th meeting being held at FAO Headquarters at Rome.
Key points
- Executive Committee is an important arm of the CAC and the member countries have a considerable interest in getting its membership.
- In this capacity, India would not only get an opportunity to contribute substantially in the International standard setting process for different food product categories but will also be involved in the decision making process.
- The Executive Committee supports in the management of the Commission’s programme of standards development by conducting a “critical review” of proposals to undertake work and monitors the progress of standards development.
- The Executive Committee comprises of the Chair, three vice Chairs, six regional coordinators and seven elected representatives from the various geographical regions of Codex.
Standards on Millets
- The Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC) has praised India’s Standards on Millets and accepted its proposal for the development of global standards for millets during its 46th session held in Rome, Italy.
- The CAC is an international food safety and quality standard-setting body created by WHO and FAO of the United Nations with 188 member countries,
- 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 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).
