India Wins Codex Approval for Global Cashew Kernel Standard

New Delhi, Jul 14 (PTI) The Codex Alimentarius Commission has approved an Indian proposal to develop a global standard for cashew kernels, the government said on Tuesday, adding that the move will boost exports of one of the world's most widely traded tree nuts.

The decision was taken at the 49th session of the Commission held in Geneva from July 6-10.

The Commission also adopted seven food standards and guidelines developed under India's chairmanship or co-chairmanship, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

The Indian delegation was led by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Chief Executive Rajit Punhani.

Cashew kernels do not currently have a dedicated Codex standard. India said the new standard, to be developed under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables, would harmonise international quality and safety requirements, reduce technical barriers to trade and strengthen market access for Indian exporters.


FSSAI said the proposal received broad support from Codex members.

Among the standards adopted at the session were those for dried coriander seeds and fresh curry leaves, both developed under India's chairmanship.

The coriander standard is intended to support trade in one of the most widely traded spices, while the curry leaf standard sets an international benchmark for the herb, the ministry said.

The Commission also adopted five texts developed under India's co-chairmanship: standards for vanilla and large cardamom, annexes to guidelines on the safe use and reuse of water in food production, guidelines to control campylobacter and salmonella in chicken meat, provisions on joint presentation and multipack formats under Codex labelling rules.

India was also elected co-chair of an electronic working group on new food sources and production systems, which will review existing regulatory frameworks and consider whether further Codex guidance is needed, FSSAI said.

India said it remains committed to working with the Commission, the FAO, the WHO and member countries to develop science-based international food standards.