Codex Commission (CAC49) in Geneva adopts India-led standards for coriander seeds, curry leaves, large cardamom and vanilla
The 49th Codex Alimentarius Commission session in Geneva, held from 6 to 10 July 2026, adopted seven India-led texts, including standards for dried coriander seeds, fresh curry leaves, large cardamom and vanilla, and approved India's proposal for a cashew kernel standard.
Summary
The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 to 10 July 2026, adopted seven Codex texts developed under India's chairmanship or co-chairmanship. These include the standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves (India as chair) and for Vanilla and Large Cardamom (India as co-chair). The Commission approved India's proposal for new work on a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables, and India became Co-Chair of an Electronic Working Group on new food sources and production systems. The Indian delegation was led by FSSAI CEO Rajit Punhani. Background: the Codex Alimentarius Commission was established jointly by the FAO and WHO; India hosts the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), one of five Codex commodity committees, with the Spices Board as its Secretariat.
Key facts
- Session
- CAC49, Geneva, 6–10 July 2026
- India-led texts adopted
- 7
- Standards (India chair)
- Dried Coriander Seeds; Fresh Curry Leaves
- Standards (India co-chair)
- Vanilla; Large Cardamom
- New work
- Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels (under CCPFV)
- Delegation head
- Rajit Punhani, CEO, FSSAI
- Codex
- Set up jointly by FAO and WHO
- CCSCH
- Hosted by India; Spices Board is Secretariat; 8th session in Guwahati, October 2025
Practice MCQs 3 questions
The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), held from 6 to 10 July 2026, took place in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Geneva
CAC49 was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 to 10 July 2026.
At CAC49, the Codex Commission approved India's proposal for new work on a standard for which product?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Cashew kernels
The Commission approved India's proposal to develop a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established jointly by the FAO and the WHO. 2. India hosts the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), with the Spices Board as its Secretariat. 3. The standards for large cardamom, coriander and vanilla were finalised at the CCSCH session held in Kochi in 2024. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the standards were finalised at the Eighth Session of the CCSCH, held in Guwahati in October 2025.