Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the 8th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs in Guwahati on Monday. During his address, he emphasized that the current session would pave the way for enhanced quality standards through discussions and ideas, thereby strengthening the foundation of a food system that is safe, sustainable, and beneficial for all.
This five-day global meeting is organized by the Spices Board in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, bringing together delegates from 27 countries, including international policymakers, scientists, and trade experts. They will discuss harmonized Codex standards that ensure the safety, quality, and fair trade of spices and culinary herbs.
Attending the meeting are Rajit Punhani, CEO of FSSAI; P. Hemalatha, Secretary of the Spices Board; Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Safety Officer from the Codex Alimentarius Commission; and M.R. Sudharshan, Chairperson of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs, among representatives from international Codex member countries.
Established in 2013 and chaired by India, the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) has developed 14 international standards for 16 spices to date. This committee functions under the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which operates under the jointly auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The commission comprises over 194 member countries.
The World Trade Organization recognizes the commission as the international reference point for resolving disputes related to food safety and consumer protection. The ongoing session in Guwahati aims to further reinforce these efforts, underscoring India’s leadership in establishing global benchmarks for spices and herbs.
Published on October 13, 2025.
