Introduction of the Codex Nutrition Session
  • This event involves India taking part in the 44th Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) gathering in Germany.
  • As a crucial forum for the evolution of global standards for food safety and nutrition, the CCNFSDU is under the auspices of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).
  • The committee cultivates international guidelines particularly suited to specific dietary foods, including infant formulas, dietary supplements and medical foods.
Background of the Codex Alimentarius Commission
  • Initiated in 1963, the CAC is a joint venture between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • The central aim of the CAC is to reinforce consumer health protection and fair food trade practices.
  • A total of 189 members, including India, contribute their unique inputs to augment these international food standards.
India's Contributions at the 44th Session of CCNFSDU
  • During the 44th Session of CCNFSDU, India emphasised the desire to refresh the FAO/WHO probiotic guidelines from 2001 and 2002, drawing attention to their present relevance after two decades.
  • A call from India advocating for harmonised regulations was made to bolster global trade.
  • Additionally, India proposed a revised method of  calculating  the  Nutrient  Reference Value-Requirement (NRV-R) for children between the ages of 6 to 36 months, which was accepted by the committee.
Importance of Nutrient Reference Value-Requirement (NRV-R)
  • NRV-R refers to nutritional intake recommendations that are grounded in current scientific research, established for specific target groups or demographics.
About the Codex Alimentarius Commission
  • The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is an international food standards body jointly founded by the FAO and the WHO in May 1963.
  • Its purposes are to protect consumer health and guarantee fair practices in the food trade.
Recognition and Membership of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
  • The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Agreement on Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) recognises Codex standards, guidelines and recommendations as reference points for international trade and trade dispute resolution.
  • Currently, the 189 membership spots of the Codex Alimentarius Commission are occupied by 188 countries plus the European Union. India joined Codex Alimentarius in 1964.