Codex recognition: India’s millet standards praised at Rome meet; fresh date, turmeric norms also advanced

India’s international management in meals security and standard-setting obtained a lift at the 88th Executive Committee assembly of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CCEXEC88), with its millet grain standards incomes reward at the high-level gathering held in Rome from July 14 to 18.According to an official assertion, the worldwide discussion board acknowledged India’s efforts in spearheading the event of group standards for complete millet grains. The initiative—chaired by India in coordination with Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal—was first cleared at the forty seventh session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC47) in 2024, and reviewed once more in the course of the Rome meet, ANI reported aniThe phrases of reference for the millet standardisation initiative have been finalised earlier this 12 months at the eleventh session of the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL11) in April 2025.India, a present elected member of CCEXEC, performed a distinguished function at the Rome assembly, which was inaugurated by Godfrey Magwenzi, Deputy Director-General and Director of Cabinet at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).The Executive Committee also recommended India’s management in advancing new worldwide standards for fresh dates—a proposal stemming from the twenty third session of the Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV23). These draft standards at the moment are set to be reviewed for closing adoption at the forty eighth CAC session scheduled for November 2025.India will also co-chair upcoming Codex initiatives to develop international standards for fresh turmeric and broccoli.During the Rome meet, India contributed considerably to the shaping of the Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, significantly in establishing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aimed at guaranteeing efficient implementation and accountability.India also highlighted its regional capacity-building efforts in international locations akin to Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which have been recognised by the FAO for his or her impression. It urged underrepresented Codex member states to make the most of the Codex Trust Fund to help mentorship and strengthen meals security techniques.The Indian delegation, comprising officers from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), performed a key function in selling inclusive worldwide standards whereas advancing nationwide priorities.