National Codex Committee of India: Steering Food Standards

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When you purchase a jar of turmeric powder or a packet of cumin seeds, you expect them to meet certain quality and safety standards. But who ensures that Indian food products align with global benchmarks while also protecting domestic consumer interests? The answer lies in an important yet often overlooked body: the National Codex Committee of India. This committee serves as the vital bridge between India’s food regulatory framework and international food standards, playing a crucial role in shaping how food safety is governed both nationally and globally.

Table of Contents

What is the Codex Alimentarius Commission?

Before understanding the National Codex Committee, it’s essential to know about the Codex Alimentarius Commission. This international food standards body was established jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1963. Its primary objectives are protecting consumer health and ensuring fair practices in food trade. The Codex Alimentarius-Latin for “food code”-consists of internationally recognized standards, guidelines, and codes of practice covering all aspects of food production and safety.

The Commission currently has 189 members comprising 188 countries and one member organization (the European Union). These standards hold significant weight because the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures recognizes Codex standards as reference points for international trade and trade dispute settlement. India became a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 1964, making it one of the early adopters of this international food standards framework.

Structure and composition of the National Codex Committee

The National Codex Committee (NCC) of India was constituted by FSSAI for maintaining liaison with the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been designated as the nodal point for this liaison, known as the National Codex Contact Point of India (NCCP).

The committee operates through a well-defined hierarchical structure designed to handle the complexity of food standards work:

National Codex Committee: This is the apex coordinating body that oversees India’s participation in Codex activities. It includes representatives from various ministries, scientific institutions, consumer organizations, and industry associations.

Shadow Committees: Currently, 12 Shadow Committees exist on various subject matters corresponding to the different Codex Committees at the international level. These shadow committees mirror the work of international Codex bodies, allowing India to develop informed positions on technical matters.

Who leads the Shadow Committees?

The chairpersons of these Shadow Committees are officers in the rank of Joint Secretary or above in the concerned departments, ministries, or food authorities. These senior officials handle relevant subjects at the policy level and also serve as NCC members, ensuring seamless coordination between technical work and policy decisions.

Key functions and responsibilities

The National Codex Committee’s work extends far beyond simply attending international meetings. According to the FAO-WHO Codex Alimentarius profile for India, the Shadow Committees perform several critical functions:

Studying Codex documents: Committee members analyze Codex documents under consideration by the Commission and its subsidiary bodies, collecting and revising relevant information related to technology, economics, health, and control systems.

Formulating national positions: Based on their technical assessments, the committees develop India’s official stance on various agenda items and forward these positions to the National Codex Contact Point for submission to the Codex Secretariat after government approval.

Providing scientific input: The committees gather scientific and technical inputs from identified stakeholders, enabling India to submit valuable data such as monitoring information on contaminants in food, pesticide residues, and other relevant parameters.

Stakeholders involved in the process

India’s positions on Codex texts are framed based on inputs from a wide range of stakeholders. The identified contributors include:

Government bodies: Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Food Processing, and various departments including Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and specialized boards like the Spices Board and Tea Board.

Research institutions: Organizations such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its subsidiary institutions, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) provide scientific expertise.

Industry and consumer associations: Representatives from industry bodies and consumer organizations ensure that both commercial interests and consumer protection concerns are adequately represented.

India’s leadership role in Codex

India has emerged as a significant player in the Codex Alimentarius system. One notable achievement is India’s role as the host country for the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH). This committee was established in 2013 at India’s proposal, with the Spices Board serving as its secretariat.

The 8th Session of CCSCH concluded successfully in Guwahati in October 2025, finalizing standards for three spices-large cardamom, vanilla, and coriander. With these additions, the committee has now established standards for 19 spices including pepper, turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, and saffron.

India also serves as the Regional Coordinator for the FAO/WHO Regional Coordinating Committee for Asia (CCASIA), which makes it a member of the Codex Executive Committee. This position allows India to influence strategic planning and the overall direction of the Commission’s work.

Recent contributions to global food standards

India’s engagement in Codex activities has been increasingly recognized globally. At the 88th Session of the Codex Executive Committee held in Rome in July 2025, India’s leadership in developing a group standard for whole millet grains was appreciated. This work, chaired by India with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal as co-chairs, reflects India’s commitment to promoting traditional and nutritious foods globally.

The country has also made significant interventions on topics ranging from nutrient reference values for infants to probiotic guidelines for foods and food supplements. At the 44th session of the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses in October 2024, India’s positions on several agenda items were officially incorporated into the final report.

Impact on Indian food industry and consumers

The work of the National Codex Committee has tangible benefits for both the food industry and consumers:

Trade facilitation: By aligning domestic standards with international benchmarks, Indian food exporters gain smoother access to global markets. Codex standards provide clear benchmarks that reduce trade barriers and enhance consumer trust in the global food supply chain.

Consumer protection: The rigorous scientific evaluation of food safety issues helps protect Indian consumers from unsafe or substandard food products, whether domestically produced or imported.

Scientific advancement: The committee’s work drives the development of robust risk assessment capabilities within India. Various Scientific Panels and the Scientific Committee set up by FSSAI coordinate risk assessments and provide scientific advice to support regulatory decisions.

Challenges and the path forward

While India has made significant strides in Codex participation, challenges remain. Ensuring consistent representation across all Codex committees requires substantial resources and expertise. The country must also balance international harmonization with protecting unique domestic food traditions and practices.

India has been actively building capacity in this area, including conducting training programs for neighboring countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka-an effort recognized by FAO. This regional leadership strengthens South Asia’s collective voice in international food standards discussions.

What do you think? How aware were you of India’s role in shaping international food standards? Do you believe greater public awareness of these processes would help improve food safety practices in our daily lives?

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References
  1. https://fssai.gov.in/cms/codex.php
  2. https://fssai.gov.in/cms/c-codexindia.php
  3. https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/about-codex/members/detail/en/c/15721/
  4. https://www.indianspices.com/box7_codex_ccsch.html
  5. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2180448
  6. https://www.mohfw.gov.in/?q=en/pressrelease-269
  7. https://www.mohfw.gov.in/?q=en/pressrelease-99
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Food Laws and Standards

1 Prevention of Foods Adulteration Act Rules

  1. Enforcement of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act 1954
  2. PFA Act Definitions
  3. Functions / Responsibilities of Various Authorities
  4. Central Food Laboratories
  5. Role of Food Inspectors
  6. Penalties
  7. Powers of State Governments
  8. Discussion on Amendments to the PFA Act and Rules
  9. Shortcomings
  10. Harmonization of PFA ACT with Codex

2 Foods Safety and Quality Requirements

  1. General Hygienic and Sanitary Practices to be Followed by Food Processing Units
  2. Quality Assurance
  3. Food Quality and Safety

3 Foods Safety and Standard Act, 2006

  1. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
  2. General Structure of the Food Safety and Standards Act
  3. Compliance and Penalties
  4. Food Safety and Standards Act Regulations

4 Essential Commodities Act, 1955

  1. The Aim of the Act
  2. Various Sections of the Essential Commodities Act
  3. Various Control Orders in the Act
  4. Fruit Products Order, 1955
  5. Meat Food Products Order, 1973
  6. Milk and Milk Products Order, 1992
  7. Edible Oils Packing (Regulation) Order, 1998
  8. Vegetable Oils Products (Regulation) Order, 1998
  9. Sugar Control Order, 1966

5 Codex Alimentarious Commission (CAC)

  1. Historical Background
  2. Objectives of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
  3. Membership of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
  4. Structure of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
  5. The Codex Alimentarius Commission at Work
  6. The Codex Alimentarius and WTO

6 WTO Implications

  1. Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) and the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA)
  2. Implications of the SPS and TBT Agreements on Food Standards
  3. Role of Codex Standards in International Food Trade
  4. Dispute Settlement Mechanism
  5. Impact on Developing Countries

7 Other International Standards Setting Bodies

  1. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
  2. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
  3. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
  4. The World Health Organization (WHO)
  5. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  6. International Non-Governmental Organizations

8 FTDR Act, 1992 and Foreign Trade Policy

  1. Salient Features of Foreign Trade Development and Regulation Act 1992
  2. Foreign Trade Policy
  3. General Provisions Regarding Export/Import
  4. Pre-requisite of Import/Export
  5. Export Promotion Schemes
  6. Regulations of Exports

9 Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963

  1. Salient Features of the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963
  2. Prior to Liberalization
  3. Present Scenario
  4. Systems for Export Inspection and Certification
  5. In Process Quality Control (IPQC) System
  6. Self Certification (SC) System
  7. Food Safety Management Systems based Certification (FSMSC)
  8. Procedure for Approval and Renewal
  9. Procedure for Surveillance
  10. Residue Monitoring Plans (RMP)
  11. Provisions and Requirements for Items Covered Under Mandatory Export Certification
  12. Equivalence/Recognition Agreements

10 Export Regulations and Promotion Bodies

  1. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
  2. Marine Product Export Development Authority (MPEDA)
  3. Coffee Board
  4. Spices Board
  5. Tobacco Board
  6. Tea Board of India
  7. The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPC)

11 Plant and Animal Quarantine

  1. History of Plant Quarantine
  2. Plant Quarantine Regulations in India
  3. The Destructive Insects and Pests Act 1914 (DIP Act)
  4. Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003 (PQ Order)
  5. Implementation of Plant Quarantine
  6. WTO-SPS Regulations
  7. Roles and Implementation of Plant Quarantine (PQ)
  8. Animal Quarantine

12 Customs Act and Import Control Regulations

  1. Items Allowed for Import/Export
  2. Compliance with Laws
  3. Procedure for Import of Goods into India
  4. Steps for Obtaining Importer/Exporter Code (IEC No.)
  5. Requirement of Import Authorization
  6. Special Import Provisions
  7. Procedure for Import Clearance in India
  8. Levy of Customs Duty
  9. Import of Goods by Post
  10. Warehousing of Imported Goods
  11. Green Channel for Import Cargo Clearance
  12. Imports by 100% EoUs/SEZ Units
  13. Duty Free Imports
  14. Special Economic Zone Scheme (SEZ)
  15. Import of Commercial Samples
  16. Exchange Control Regulations and Imports

13 Other Laws Related to Food Products

  1. Standards of Weights & Measures Act, 1976
  2. The Insecticides Act, 1968
  3. Consumer Protection Act, 1986
  4. Customs Act, 1962
  5. The Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles & Infant Food (Regulation of Production, Supply & Distribution) Act, 1992 & Rules, 1993
  6. Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986
  7. The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
  8. The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

14 Voluntary National Standards- BIS and AGMARK

  1. Bureau of Indian Standards (Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986)
  2. License under BIS to use ISI Certification Mark
  3. Powers and Functions of BIS
  4. Establishment, Publication and Promotion of Indian Standards
  5. Establishment, Maintenance and Recognition of Laboratories
  6. Food Safety Management Systems Certification Scheme
  7. Applicability of BIS under PFA Act
  8. AGMARK {Agricultural Produce (Grading & Marking) Act, 1937]
  9. Standardization and Grading of Agricultural Commodities
  10. Formulation of Grade Standards
  11. Grading and Certification of Agricultural Commodities
  12. Grading and Certification for Internal Trade
  13. Grading and Certification for Exports
  14. Infrastructure for the Certification Programmes
  15. Role of Central Agmark Laboratory & Regional Agmark Laboratories
  16. Applicability of Agmark Standards under PFA Act

15 National Agencies for Implementation of International Food Laws and Standards

  1. Role of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare/ Directorate General of Health Services (Codex Contact Point)
  2. Codex Alimentarius Commission [CAC]
  3. National Codex Contact Point [NCCP]
  4. National Codex Committee of India
  5. Agencies involved in implementation of provisions of Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade.
  6. WTO TBT Enquiry Point – Role of Bureau of Indian Standards
  7. Guidance for Stakeholders for Commenting on TBT Notifications
  8. Agencies involved in implementation of provisions of Agreement on SPS Measures.
  9. Role of States/Local Bodies
  10. National Food Control Acts/Rules
  11. Implementation of Food Related Acts
  12. Agencies involved in quality control and preshipment inspection for exports.
  13. Role of Export Inspection Council
  14. Role Directorate and Marketing of Inspection
  15. Role of Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India
  16. Role of Ministry of Environment and Forest
  17. Regulatory Reforms in Bio-technology
  18. Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC)
  19. Role of Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture in implementing Insecticides Act, 1968.
  20. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in use of Pesticides
  21. Codex Maximum Limits for Pesticides Residues in Food & TBT Agreement

16 Food Labelling

  1. Food Labelling: Definition, Requirements and Scope
  2. Essential Commodities Act
  3. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act
  4. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
  5. The Fruit Products Order, 1955
  6. The Meat Food Products Order, 1973
  7. Packaging and Labelling Requirements under FSSAI
  8. Consumer Protection Act