Indian Delegation Participates in 54th Session of Codex Committee on Food Hygiene in Nairobi
Introduction: India took a significant step towards enhancing food hygiene standards with the presentation of its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Modernization of Food Streets at the 54th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) in Nairobi, Kenya. Led by officials from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the Indian delegation shared insights into the SOP during the pre-session meeting, aligning with key agendas aimed at advancing global standards in food safety.
Key Highlights:
- Presentation of SOP: The Indian delegation, represented by officials from FSSAI, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), presented India’s recently released SOP for Modernization of Food Streets at the pre-session meeting of the 54th session of CCFH. The SOP aims to improve food hygiene practices and standards in traditional markets.
- Alignment with Draft Guidelines: The presentation of the SOP was made in line with the proposed draft guidelines for Food Hygiene Control Measures in Traditional Markets for Food, a key agenda for the 54th session of CCFH. This underscores India’s commitment to promoting global standards in food safety and hygiene.
- Participation and Leadership: Dr. Satyen Kumar Panda, Advisor at FSSAI, led the Indian delegation and actively participated in the pre-session meeting with Coordinating Committee for Asia (CCASIA), the US delegation, and CCFH Chair. Dr. Panda presented the SOP to Dr. Evelyne Mbandi, Chairperson of CCFH, and Dr. Jing Tian, Chairperson of CCASIA, showcasing India’s efforts in enhancing food hygiene practices.
- Collaborative Efforts: As discussions continue during the session, the Indian Delegation remains committed to advancing global standards in food hygiene and safety. By sharing best practices and experiences, India aims to contribute to the collective efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of food products worldwide.
Conclusion: India’s participation in the 54th session of CCFH reflects its commitment to promoting food safety and hygiene on a global scale. Through the presentation of the SOP for the Modernization of Food Streets and active engagement in discussions, India aims to contribute to the development of robust standards and guidelines for ensuring the safety and quality of food products. As deliberations progress, the Indian Delegation remains dedicated to collaborating with international counterparts and sharing expertise for the benefit of all stakeholders in the food industry.