Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs

The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) recently held its 8th session (CCSCH8) successfully in Guwahati, India. This is an important development in the realm of international food standards related to spices and culinary herbs.

What is the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH)?

• Establishment: The committee was established in July 2013 by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) during its 36th meeting in Rome.

• Role: The primary mandate of the committee is to develop and harmonize international standards for spices and culinary herbs in their dried and dehydrated forms, whether whole, ground, or cracked/crushed.

• Location: India is the host country for this committee, and the Spices Board of India in Kochi serves as the secretariat for CCSCH.

Objectives and Mandates:

The main objectives of the CCSCH are:

• Developing Standards: To create global standards for spices and culinary herbs that are in line with worldwide best practices.

• Collaboration: The committee works closely with other international organizations to ensure there is no duplication in the development of food standards.

• Harmonization: One of the key goals is to harmonize standards for these products internationally, which can help improve quality control and trade regulations.

Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):

The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs is a subsidiary body under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which is the international body responsible for setting food standards worldwide.

Key Facts About the Codex Alimentarius Commission:

• Establishment: CAC was established in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Objective: The CAC’s primary goal is to protect consumer health and promote fair practices in international food trade.

• Headquarters: The headquarters of the Codex Alimentarius Commission is in Rome, Italy.

• Member Countries: The CAC currently has 189 members, which include 188 countries and the European Union.

• India’s Membership: India became a member of the Codex Alimentarius Commission in 1964.

Key Functions of CAC:

1. Standard-setting: Establishes food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to ensure food safety and quality.

2. Promoting Fair Trade: Ensures that food standards are fair and transparent, encouraging international trade.

3. Protecting Health: The commission ensures that food products are safe for consumers and that foodborne diseases and contamination are minimized.

Funding:

• The Codex Alimentarius Commission is funded through the regular budgets of the WHO and the FAO.

Significance of CCSCH and Spices:

India is one of the largest producers and exporters of spices and culinary herbs globally. The standards developed by the CCSCH are crucial for ensuring that these products are of high quality and safe for global consumption.

• With India’s large share in the global spice trade, the Codex standards help Indian exporters meet international requirements, which in turn can lead to greater market access and trade opportunities.

Spices in the Global Context:

Spices are not just culinary essentials; they also have a significant impact on global health, being used in traditional medicine and offering antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, setting global standards helps ensure that these products are both safe and effective for consumers worldwide.

Outcomes of the 8th Session in Guwahati (CCSCH8):

The 8th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs in Guwahati was a significant milestone. It focused on:

• Reviewing Existing Standards: Discussions likely centered around updating and reviewing the standards for various spices and culinary herbs to ensure they align with current scientific knowledge and trade practices.

• Promoting Harmonization: Ensuring that the standards set by CCSCH are in line with international trade agreements and scientific advancements in food safety.

Conclusion:

The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs plays a vital role in ensuring that the spice industry operates smoothly and that quality standards are maintained globally. With India at the helm, this committee's work directly impacts the Indian spice industry, helping the country maintain its leadership position in the global spice market while ensuring the safety and health of consumers worldwide.