Kochi: The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), the international body for establishing standards for spices and herbs, will convene its 7th session in Kochi from January 29th to February 2. The significant meeting of international experts from member countries will chart out new global standards for spices to ensure quality and common fair-trade practices. Spices Board India is the secretariat of the CCSCH. This committee is a part of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) which works under the joint auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The commission has over 194 member countries. The WTO recognizes the commission as the international reference point for resolving disputes related to food safety and consumer protection.
The CCSCH7 session marks a significant milestone, as it is the only Codex commodity committee currently chaired and hosted by India, underscoring the country’s pivotal role as a major producer, exporter, and consumer of spices. The meeting is expected to witness participations of around 150 delegates from 44 countries, reflecting a global commitment to advancing the standards for spices and culinary herbs. This year’s session will focus on the development of standards for six spices, namely allspice, juniper berries, star anise, vanilla, turmeric, and cardamom. The development of these standards is crucial for ensuring quality, safety, and fair-trade practices in the global spice market.
The CCSCH7 session in Kochi is a testament to India’s leadership in the global spice sector and its commitment to enhancing the international trade and quality standards of spices and culinary herbs. The outcomes of this session are expected to have a significant impact on the global spice industry, benefiting producers, traders, and consumers worldwide.