The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs began in Guwahati, Assam, on 13^th October, highlighting India’s role in the global spice sector. Organised by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the event brought together 81 delegates from 27 countries to discuss harmonised international standards for spices and culinary herbs.

Inaugurating the session, Governor of Assam, Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, welcomed the international delegates and highlighted the North Eastern region’s rich biodiversity and agricultural heritage. He noted that the 8th session of CCSCH would open new avenues to elevate quality standards through collaborative deliberations and strengthen the foundation of a food system that is safe, sustainable, and beneficial for all. The Governor also underscored Assam and the North-East’s growing potential as emerging spice hubs, emphasizing that enhanced processing facilities, value addition, and export promotion initiatives are improving farmers’ income and driving socio-economic development in the region.

Shri Acharya commended the joint efforts of the Government of India and the Spices Board in strengthening India’s spice value chain, aligning domestic standards with global benchmarks, and ensuring food safety and quality for consumers worldwide.

Addressing the gathering, Secretary, Spices Board, Smt. P. Hemalatha, IAS, said that spices have long shaped global trade, culture, and culinary traditions. She noted that spices such as black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves represent not just flavour but the cultural essence and heritage of civilizations. Highlighting the growing need for harmonised and science-based global standards amid rapid advances in food science and technology, she emphasised that unified standards are vital for ensuring safety, fairness in trade, and consumer trust. She further noted that Codex standards play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability across the global spice industry.

Delivering the special address, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Shri Rajit Punhani, highlighted the economic and cultural significance of the spice sector. He noted that the global spice industry, valued at USD 28.5 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 41.9 billion by 2033, and stressed the importance of harmonised, science-based food standards to ensure consumer safety and promote equitable trade.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr. M.R. Sudharshan, Chairperson, Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs; Dr. A.B. Rema Shree, Director (Research), Spices Board and Head, CCSCH Secretariat; Shri B.N. Jha, Director, Spices Board; and Shri Dharmendra Das, Director, Spices Board. Senior scientists, officials from the Spices Board and FSSAI, and representatives from Codex member countries were also present.

Established in 2013 at India’s initiative, the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs functions under the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the FAO and WHO, with India, through the Spices Board, serving as its Secretariat. So far, Codex has finalised standards for 16 spices, including pepper, turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron. The ongoing session will focus on developing new standards for large cardamom, sweet marjoram, cinnamon, and dried coriander seeds.

The CCSCH session will continue through the week, with discussions focused on aligning global standards, enhancing transparency, and promoting sustainable trade practices in the international spice sector.

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RT/ AN/ IB

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