The 7th session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) took place in Kochi from 29th January 2024 to 2nd February 2024. Notably, this session marked the first physical meeting of the committee since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Attendance and Achievements
- A total of 109 delegates from 31 countries participated in CCSCH7.
- The session resulted in the finalization of quality standards for five spices: small cardamom, turmeric, juniper berry, allspice, and star anise.
- These standards have been recommended for adoption at the final Step 8 by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).
Grouping of Spices
- CCSCH successfully implemented the strategy of grouping spices.
- The committee finalized the first group standard for ‘spices derived from fruits and berries,’ covering juniper berry, allspice, and star anise.
Draft Standards and Proposals
- The draft standard for vanilla progressed to Step 5, with one more round of scrutiny by member countries before discussion in the next session.
- Proposals for developing Codex standards for Dried Coriander Seeds, Large Cardamom, Sweet Marjoram, and Cinnamon were accepted.
Regional Participation and Future Meetings
- The 7th session witnessed the significant participation of Latin American countries for the first time.
- The next CCSCH meeting is scheduled after 18 months.
Electronic Working Groups (EWGs)
- During the interim period, EWGs chaired by various countries will continue the multinational consultation process to develop standards based on scientific evidence.
Overview of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
- CAC, established by FAO and WHO, is an international intergovernmental body with over 194 member countries based in Rome.
- CAC formulates internationally accepted standards related to human food through various Codex committees, including CCSCH.
CCSCH Establishment and India’s Role
- CCSCH was established as a Commodity Committee under CAC in 2013.
- India has been hosting CCSCH since its inception, with the Spices Board India serving as the Secretariat organization for organizing committee sessions.
Role and Recognition of CAC Standards
- CAC standards are recognized by the WTO as international reference points for resolving trade disputes related to food safety and consumer protection.
- The standards developed by CAC committees, including CCSCH, are voluntary and adopted by member countries as reference points to align their national standards.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- Where was the 7th session of CCSCH held?
- A) Rome
- B) Kochi
- C) Geneva
- D) New York
- Answer: B) Kochi
- How many delegates attended CCSCH7 from different countries?
- A) 50
- B) 75
- C) 109
- D) 150
- Answer: C) 109
- Which spices had their quality standards finalized in CCSCH7?
- A) Cardamom, Turmeric, Vanilla
- B) Juniper Berry, Allspice, Star Anise
- C) Cinnamon, Large Cardamom, Coriander Seeds
- D) Marjoram, Small Cardamom, Allspice
- Answer: B) Juniper Berry, Allspice, Star Anise
- What was the significant achievement regarding the grouping of spices in CCSCH7?
- A) Finalizing quality standards for multiple groups
- B) Implementing the strategy for the first time
- C) Creating a new committee for grouped spices
- D) Rejecting the concept of grouping spices
- Answer: B) Implementing the strategy for the first time
- Which country has been hosting CCSCH since its establishment?
- A) Italy
- B) India
- C) USA
- D) Brazil
- Answer: B) India