The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) promised to introduce new food safety standards and assess and address risks, as stated by Sanjay Dave, its chairman, at its golden jubilee celebrations, which took place in Mumbai recently. The celebrations were a highlight of the fifth national research and development workshop for the food processing sector, which took the second day of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry's (FICCI) Food World India.
Dave, who also serves as advisor, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), said, “The work of standardisation in the food sector started in 1903, and subsequently a number of countries started adhering to them. They planned to set up CAC in 1961, and finally in July 1963, Codex – a joint body of the United Nations' (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) was set up,” he said. “We have formulated around 4,000 standards, which has been a phenomenal task. We are also encouraging all the countries to harmonise with Codex. Standards have been developed on the basis of science to make it truly global,” he said.
“The work of the Codex committee is increasing by leaps and bounds. It is important to involve producers, manufacturers, distributors, industries and consumers for the security of food. In fact, FSSAI has access to food standards and safety,” he added.
FSSAI's chief added, “The whole supply chain needs to be understood. Water is a huge area, which is need to be addressed. The water used for irrigation is not potable water. We have to differentiate between irrigation and cooking water.”
“Scientific standard-setting has become a part of our in-built function. India has a vast crop of scientists. The Codex session was very fruitful this year. The committee faced a few challenges, which need to be addressed. We would have to draw many developing countries to become members of Codex,” Chandramouli added.
Dave, who also serves as advisor, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), said, “The work of standardisation in the food sector started in 1903, and subsequently a number of countries started adhering to them. They planned to set up CAC in 1961, and finally in July 1963, Codex – a joint body of the United Nations' (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) was set up,” he said. “We have formulated around 4,000 standards, which has been a phenomenal task. We are also encouraging all the countries to harmonise with Codex. Standards have been developed on the basis of science to make it truly global,” he said.
“The work of the Codex committee is increasing by leaps and bounds. It is important to involve producers, manufacturers, distributors, industries and consumers for the security of food. In fact, FSSAI has access to food standards and safety,” he added.
FSSAI's chief added, “The whole supply chain needs to be understood. Water is a huge area, which is need to be addressed. The water used for irrigation is not potable water. We have to differentiate between irrigation and cooking water.”
“Scientific standard-setting has become a part of our in-built function. India has a vast crop of scientists. The Codex session was very fruitful this year. The committee faced a few challenges, which need to be addressed. We would have to draw many developing countries to become members of Codex,” Chandramouli added.
