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India achieved significant milestones during the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) held in Geneva, Switzerland, reaffirming its active role in shaping global food standards and promoting safe, science-based international food trade.

About the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the international food standards-setting body, jointly established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 1963.

Its primary objective is to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in international food trade by developing harmonised, science-based food standards, guidelines and codes of practice.

The Commission is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and holds its annual sessions alternately in Geneva and Rome.

Membership and Governance

Membership is open to all Member Nations and Associate Members of FAO and WHO interested in international food standards.

At present, the Commission comprises:

• 189 Codex Members
  • 188 Member Countries
  • 1 Member Organization – European Union (EU)

India became a member in 1964.

The Commission functions through:

• Codex Alimentarius Commission
• Executive Committee
• Codex Secretariat
• Codex Subsidiary Bodies (Committees and Task Forces)

Funding

The activities of the Commission are financed through the regular budgets of FAO and WHO, with the programme of work approved by the governing bodies of both organisations.