Guwahati, October 15: India reaffirmed its leadership in the global spice sector as the 8th Session of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH) began in Guwahati, Assam. Organised by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, the event has drawn around 81 delegates from 27 countries to deliberate on developing harmonised international standards for spices and culinary herbs.
The Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs, established in 2013 at India’s initiative, functions under the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the FAO and WHO. India, through the Spices Board, serves as the Secretariat of the Committee. So far, Codex has finalised standards for 16 spices, including pepper, turmeric, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron. The ongoing session will discuss new standards for large cardamom, sweet marjoram, cinnamon, and dried coriander seeds.
Inaugurating the 8th Session of the Committee Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the Hon’ble Governor of Assam welcomed the international delegates to Guwahati and highlighted the region’s rich biodiversity and proud agricultural heritage. He noted that “ the 8th session of Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs will open new avenues to elevate quality standards through ideas and deliberations and will strengthen the foundation of a food system that is safe, sustainable, and beneficial for all”. Highlighting the potential of Assam and the North-Eastern region as emerging spice hubs, the Hon’ble Governor emphasized that enhanced processing facilities, value addition, and export promotion measures are significantly improving farmers’ income and contributing to the region’s social and economic development.
Furthermore, Shri Acharya lauded the collaborative efforts of the Government of India and the Spices Board in strengthening the value chain of Indian spices, aligning domestic standards with global benchmarks, and ensuring food safety and quality for consumers worldwide.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. P. Hemalatha, IAS, Secretary, Spices Board, said that spices have played a defining role in shaping global trade, culture, and culinary identity through centuries. She noted that spices such as black pepper, cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves represent much more than flavour—they embody the heritage and cultural essence of civilizations.
She emphasised that with rapid advances in food science and technology, the global spice trade requires unified and science-based quality standards. “Harmonised quality standards are essential not only to ensure safety and fairness in trade but also to strengthen consumer trust and market access,” she said, stressing the need for greater multilateral cooperation in production, processing, and value addition. Smt. Hemalatha highlighted that Codex standards play a crucial role in maintaining fairness and safety in global food trade. “These frameworks ensure that producers, traders, and consumers all benefit, promoting transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in the spice industry,” she noted.
Delivering the special address, Shri Rajit Punhani, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), underlined the economic and cultural significance of spices, noting that the global spice industry, valued at USD 28.5 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 41.9 billion by 2033. He emphasized the need for harmonized, science-based food standards to ensure consumer safety and promote equitable global trade.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Hilde Kruse, Senior Food Safety Officer, Codex Secretariat thanked the Government of India and the Spices Board for hosting the session and acknowledged India’s continued support in advancing harmonized global standards for spices and culinary herbs.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr M.R. Sudharshan, Chairperson of the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs; Dr A. B. Rema Shree, Director (Research), Spices Board and Head, CCSCH Secretariat; B.N. Jha, Director, Spices Board; and Dharmendra Das, Director, Spices Board. Senior scientists and officials from Spices Board, FSSAI and representatives from international Codex member countries also attended the ceremony.
The CCSCH session will continue through the week, with discussions aimed at aligning global standards, enhancing transparency, and promoting sustainable trade practices in the global spice industry.
