8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH)

The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) was held in Guwahati, Assam. The session was hosted by the Government of India, with the Spices Board of India serving as the Secretariat under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

• Secretariat: Managed by the Spices Board of India under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).

About Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):

• A joint intergovernmental body of FAO and WHO established in 1963.
• Objectives:
  • Protect consumer health.
  • Ensure fair practices in international food trade.
• Develops international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice, recognized by the WTO for trade disputes.

Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH):

• Established in 2013 at India’s initiative.
• India serves as the Secretariat through the Spices Board.
• Has finalized standards for 16 spices, including pepper, turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron.

Current Session Focus:

• Developing new standards for:
  • Large cardamom
  • Sweet marjoram
  • Cinnamon
  • Dried coriander seeds

Significance:

• Strengthens India’s leadership role in global spice standardization.
• Ensures food safety, quality, and fair trade practices in the international spice market.
• Enhances global recognition of Indian spices in international trade and regulatory frameworks.