India secured a significant multilateral win at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in Geneva on 14 July 2025, with seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's chairmanship and co-chairmanship formally adopted by the Commission. The achievement, confirmed by an official statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, reinforces India's growing influence in shaping science-based international food standards.

Standards Adopted

The Commission adopted standards for dried coriander seeds and fresh curry leaves — both developed under India's direct chairmanship — along with five Codex texts developed under India's co-chairmanship. The standard for dried coriander seeds is expected to streamline trade in one of the world's most widely traded spices, while the fresh curry leaves standard establishes the first international benchmark for this regionally significant culinary herb.

The five co-chairmanship texts include standards for vanilla and large cardamom, which set internationally harmonised quality requirements for these globally traded commodities. They also include annexes to guidelines on the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing.

Food Safety and Labelling Measures

Among the other adopted texts are guidelines for the control of campylobacter and salmonella in chicken meat, aimed at strengthening measures to reduce foodborne illnesses linked to poultry. Additionally, provisions relevant to joint presentation and multipack formats under the general standard for the labelling of prepackaged foods were adopted, providing greater clarity and consistency in food labelling requirements globally.

New Work Approved for Cashew Kernels

In a separate but equally notable development, the Commission approved India's proposal to undertake new work for the development of a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables. According to the Ministry, the forthcoming standard is expected to facilitate fair trade, reduce technical barriers, and strengthen market access for Indian exports by enhancing the country's competitiveness in the global cashew trade — a sector in which India is a leading player.

Indian Delegation and Its Role

The Indian delegation was led by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), supported by technical experts from FSSAI and the Spices Board. The delegation participated actively across the Commission's deliberations, reflecting a coordinated, multi-agency approach to international standard-setting.

This outcome at Geneva marks a consolidation of India's chairmanship-driven agenda at Codex, and signals the country's intent to shape global food trade rules — not merely comply with them. The cashew standard process will be closely watched as a test of how quickly India can convert proposal approvals into enforceable international norms.