India is laying strong emphasis on development of spices sector with high importance on production of quality spices ensuring food safety. This was stated by Dr A Jayathilak, chairman, Spices Board, while inaugurating the 27th Sub-committee meeting of the ISO on Spices, Culinary Herbs and Condiments in Cochin on Monday.
Jayathilak further urged for development of standards to ensure quality and food safety. He stated, “Today’s multifaceted spice trade industry and fast-changing world calls for a close partnership between countries.
According to him, globalisation presents many challenges and it is necessary that the countries work in co-operation for mutual benefits.
The Sub-committee meeting was held in India after a gap of 30 years. It was attended by delegates from Spain, Sri Lanka and Iran besides India. Experts in the field of quality, food safety, and scientists from Indian Institute of Spices Research, CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute), Agmark, Spices Board, and representatives of the spice industry participated in the three-day event.
This meeting was designed to enhance development of spice trade through global standards. The Sub-committee named as ISO / TC 34 / SC 7 for spices, culinary herbs and condiments is looking into general methodology for sensory evaluation including nutritional aspects besides setting of physical standards on par with international standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the nodal office of ISO in India for development of national standards.
