A Story of Change- India and Codex -

Sanjay Dave

Former Chairperson, CAC

Structure of the Story…

� Historical account

� Initiatives taken by India

� What did India achieve..?

� Suggestions for Criteria for CTF 2

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Expected Output from CTF 1

• Widening participation

• Quality of participation

• Scientific/technical participation

Courtesy Codex Sectt.

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India before and after CTF - a summary

� 1964 - Became Codex member

� Until 2000 - Hardly any contribution

� Until 2004 - Participation in 1-2 sessions(no prioritization and no consistency in comments)

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� 2005 onwards - Participation in 4-5 sessions (widening)

� 2008 onwards - Chairing / Participation in WGs; co-hosted; increase in exports(quality of participation)

� 2011 onwards - More active (scientific contribution)

more to see4

What was India’s Strategy..?

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�Set up a Food Safety and Standards Authority

�Improve food security situation

�Enhance exports

�Harmonize Food Standards with Codex (FSS Act)

�Objective to participate in Codex Discussions1. get international recognition; 2. be abreast with international changes; 3. revise India’s national standards; 4. improve market access; and 5. get India known as a safe food destination

What did India do..?

The Steps taken

� Different Ministries agreed to Work Together

� Different Ministries agreed to pool Resources

� Codex Participation based on Prioritization

- Prioritization based on Food Produced and Imported

- Prioritization based on Food Safety Objectives & Criteria

- Training the people (Critical)

� Set-up National Codex and Mirror Committees

� Hired 3 young food technologists for the Codex Contact Point

� Identified stakeholders from Govt., Academia, Industry

� Framed Rules and Procedures for ALL participants

� And….. moved ahead….. 66

Strong Team-work was the key

� High commitment at senior level (FSS Act)

� Coordinated effort by different Ministries-- nominated officials for Codex Sessions -- officials would meet regularly

� Scientists, Academia, Industry, NGOs also contribute

� Strong Codex Contact Point (CCP)-- exclusive officials for CCP -- clear responsibilities -- highly motivated and proactive

� Invested in capacity building through Codex workshops

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India’s Current Role in Codex

� India started with 5 Committees 10 years ago� Now participates in all Codex sessions� Is a member of 27 Working Groups� Has initiated 11 New Work Proposals� Is hosting one Codex Committee

(committed to co-host in other developing countries)

� Is the Coordinator for CC-Asia� Co-hosts one Codex Committee in 1-2 years

(to build capacity in different areas)

� Now builds capacity in other countries� Also contributes to CTF 88

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A few achievements due to Codex

� Experience with Quality Assurance in Perishables

� Experience with Judgment of Equivalence

� Harmonization of India’s Food Standards with Codex Alimentarius

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� Experience with Quality Assurance in Perishables: CCFH, CCFFV, CCPR, CCMAS, CCFICS

THE GRAPES STORY

What did India gain…!

� Self confidence among farmers

� Culture for food quality (CCFFV) and safety (CCFH)

� Increased implementation of GAP (CCFH)

� Farmers earned more value

� Benefits went to 40,000 farmers and 150 exporters

� Increased FOB realization per carton of 5 kg.

� Value - addition through improved packaging

� World - wide acknowledgement of our labs.(CCMAS)

� No rejections for the last 12 years (CCPR)

� Zero paper-work and transparency (CCFICS)11

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� Experience with Judgment of Equivalence: CCFL, CCFICS

THE ORGANIC PRODUCTS STORY

Process followed by India for Equivalence Determination (CCFICS)

� Initial Proposal with full dossier to the EU and US

� Q & A back-and-forth (information exchange)

� Changes in Standards and Procedures as necessary (CCFL)

� Visit for on-site Review and Assessment

� Implementation of Traceability

� Great amount of follow-up

� Agreement on format for Export Certificates

� Listing of Certification Bodies

� Equivalence (unilateral)13

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Export of Organic Products from India

Source: APEDA14

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� Harmonization of India’s Food Standards with Codex Alimentarius

Revised India’s Food Standards

Other International

Best Practices

Codex Standards

Existing FSSR Standards

16FSSR: Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011

Process for Harmonisation of Standards with Codex

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Vertical

Standards

• Quality standards of food products, e.g., FFV, MMP, FFP, etc.

• To review category specific and/or product specific food safety standards

Horizontal

Standards

• Standards which apply across all products categories, e.g., food additives, contaminants, etc.

• Need to equip with Codes of Practice

Vertical Standards

List of ‘Vertical Standards’ not available in India but

adopted by Codex

List of ‘Vertical Standards’ currently available in India but

may need harmonization with Codex

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New standards format:

1. Name of the Standard

2. Scope

3. Description

4. Composition and Quality Factors

5. Food Additives

6. Contaminants, Toxins and Residues

7. Hygiene

8. Packaging, Labeling / Claims

9. Methods of Analysis and Sampling

10. Processing Aids

Horizontal Standards

List of ‘Horizontal Standards’ not available in India but

adopted by Codex

List of ‘Horizontal Standards’ currently available in India but

may need harmonization with Codex

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What kind of Standards are these?

Standards which apply across allVertical Products Categories and include Codes of Practice

1. Food Adds., Processing Aids

2. Food Contaminants (Heavy Metals,

Mycotoxins, NOTS)

3. Microbiological Limits (specific)

4. Pesticide Residues

5. Residues of Vet. Drugs

6. Methods of Analysis/Sampling

7. Miscellaneous (e.g., melamine)

Change in India’s Economic Situation(over 6 - 8 years)

� Total Food Exports = US $ 22 b US $ 43 b

� Total Food Imports = US $ 24 b US $ 34 b

� Contributes to 14% of GDP 16%

� Global share: < 1% 1.4%

� Share in merchandise exports is 10.7% 12%

� Export to developed markets: 14% 24%

� Anaemia, malnourishment, underweight situation; food security; exports; and tourism have all improved20

CTF 2 – is the right approach

� Focus on capacity building (design of TCP is critical; hand-holding)

� Countries should contribute financially

� Eligibility Criteria should include demonstration of:- Strategy of beneficiary country (prioritization)

- Documented Policy on Food Safety (to bring consistency)

- Level of commitment at institutional level - Progress of initiatives by CCP / Govt. - Level of commitment on availability of funds and people

� CTF support for physical participation (if any) in Codex be based on progress on above criteria (review the graph)

� CTF support for integration of Codex with National Standards

� Graded and Flexible approach will be good (consideration be also given to a package proposal)21

Thank you

☺☺☺☺

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