New Standards Set For Coriander, Curry Leaves And Cardamom

GENEVA-The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission here has adopted seven standards and guidelines developed under India’s chairmanship and co-chairmanship.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has also approved an Indian proposal to develop a global standard for cashew kernels; the move will boost exports of one of the world’s most widely traded tree nuts.  

Cashew kernels do not currently have a dedicated Codex standard. India said the new standard, would harmonize international quality and safety requirements, reduce technical barriers to trade and strengthen market access for Indian exporters.

The standard for dried coriander seeds is expected to facilitate trade in one of the world’s most widely traded spices, while the standard for fresh curry leaves provides an international benchmark for the regionally important culinary herb.

The five Codex texts include standards for vanilla and large cardamom that establish internationally harmonized quality requirements for the globally traded commodities.

They also include annexes to guidelines on the safe use and reuse of water in food production and processing; guidelines for controlling campylobacter and salmonella in chicken meat to strengthen measures against foodborne illnesses associated with poultry; and provisions on joint presentation and multipack formats under the general standard for the labelling of prepackaged foods. (IANS)