Why in news?
The 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) concluded in Guwahati on 17 October 2025. Delegates from more than 30 countries agreed on new international quality standards for large cardamom, vanilla and coriander, which will be submitted to the Codex Alimentarius Commission for adoption. India, the session’s host, reaffirmed its role as a leader in global spice standard‑setting.
Background
The Codex Alimentarius Commission is a joint initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that develops food standards to protect consumers and facilitate fair trade. Commodity committees like the CCSCH focus on specific sectors. The CCSCH was established in 2013 at India’s initiative, with the Spices Board serving as its secretariat.
- Previous achievements: Before the 2025 meeting, the committee had finalised standards for 16 spices, including black pepper, cumin, nutmeg, turmeric, saffron and cardamom. These standards specify definitions, quality grades, permissible defects and labelling requirements.
- 8th session highlights: The session brought together 81 delegates (some reports mention 140) from 27–38 countries. The new standards were difficult to finalise, especially for vanilla, due to its complex flavour chemistry and processing variations. Agreement required balancing scientific rigour with practical trade needs.
- Benefits: Uniform Codex standards provide clear benchmarks for farmers, processors and exporters worldwide. For producer nations like India—which grows a significant share of the world’s large cardamom and coriander—harmonised standards can facilitate market access, enhance export competitiveness and boost income. For vanilla, largely imported into India, standards ensure consistent quality for consumers and manufacturers.
India’s leadership
By hosting CCSCH8, India underscored its position as the “Spice Bowl of the World”. The Spices Board coordinated scientific inputs, organised working documents and ensured compliance with Codex procedures. Officials highlighted the North‑East’s rich spice diversity and the economic and cultural significance of the sector. The global spice industry was valued at about USD 28.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow rapidly, making standardisation essential.
Source: Press Information Bureau · PIB