By Vikas Sir, Founder & Senior Faculty – Cosmo Classes | 15 July 2026

The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) was held in Geneva, Switzerland from 6 to 10 July 2026. India led the adoption of seven Codex standards and guidelines, with its delegation headed by Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI.

Codex Alimentarius Commission

The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the joint intergovernmental body of the FAO and WHO. It develops international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice for food safety, quality and fair trade.

Standards Adopted at CAC49

Two standards — for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves — were developed under India's direct chairmanship. Five more were adopted under India's co-chairmanship, covering Vanilla, Large Cardamom, safe water use in food processing, Campylobacter and Salmonella control in chicken meat, and prepackaged food labelling.

India Role in Codex Work

India's proposal to begin work on a dedicated Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels was approved. India was also elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems (NFPS).

Important Facts for Exams

  • Codex established: 1963, under FAO and WHO.
  • Use: Reference points in international food trade and food safety regulation.
  • FSSAI: India's statutory food regulator under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
  • Foodborne bacteria: Campylobacter and Salmonella, linked to poultry.

Standards Snapshot

Under India Standards
Direct chairmanship Dried Coriander Seeds; Fresh Curry Leaves
Co-chairmanship Vanilla, Large Cardamom + 3 others
New work approved Cashew Kernels standard

Static GK on Codex and Food Trade

Cashew kernels are the edible seeds of Anacardium occidentale, traded globally. Exam hint: Codex standards support uniform quality, labelling and market access in food trade.

Practice Questions

Q1. CAC49 was held in which city?
A) Rome
B) Geneva
C) Paris
D) Vienna
Answer: B

Q2. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is jointly run by:
A) FAO and WHO
B) WTO and WHO
C) UNEP and FAO
D) UNIDO and WHO
Answer: A

Q3. India led adoption of how many Codex standards at CAC49?
A) 5
B) 6
C) 7
D) 9
Answer: C

Q4. Which new Codex standard did India get approved to begin?
A) Turmeric
B) Cashew Kernels
C) Black Pepper
D) Tea
Answer: B

Q5. FSSAI operates under which Act?
A) FSSA 2006
B) EPA 1986
C) PFA 1954
D) CPA 2019
Answer: A

Q6. Consider the statements:
1. Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves were under India's direct chairmanship.
2. Codex was established in 1963.
3. India was elected Co-Chair of the NFPS working group.
Which are correct?
A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 1 and 3
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D

UPSC / RPSC Relevance

  • UPSC Prelims: Codex, FAO, WHO, FSSAI.
  • UPSC Mains – GS Paper II/III: International institutions and food safety.
  • RPSC / SSC: International organisations current affairs.

Mains Descriptive Question

GS Paper II: "Leadership in global food-standard bodies advances India's trade and food-safety interests." Discuss with reference to CAC49. (250 words · 15 marks)