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How is India Strengthening Global Food Standards Through Codex CAC49?

Summary: India strengthened its role in Codex Alimentarius Commission compliance at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6th to 10th July 2026. The Commission adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's chairmanship or co-chairmanship, including confirmed standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves. India's proposal to begin developing a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels was approved as new work this marks the start of a drafting process, not a finished standard. The Indian delegation was led by Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, supported by technical experts from FSSAI and the Spices Board. This update matters for Codex Alimentarius Commission compliance planning across India's spice, herb, and nut export sectors, even though none of these developments are yet legally binding in India. The Regulatory Framework Behind Codex Alimentarius Commission Compliance Compliance with the Codex Alimentarius Commission is based on internationally recognized standards and guidelines on food that have been created through collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), which countries can refer to but are not automatically obliged to follow when regulating food safety and international trade. This is the first step to understanding the commercial significance of the results reached within the framework of CAC49. What the Codex Alimentarius Commission Does? The Commission was established with four core objectives that directly shape global food trade: Protecting consumer health by developing internationally agreed food safety standards based on scientific evidence. Ensuring fair trade practices by giving countries a common, science-based reference point instead of relying on inconsistent national rules. Reducing technical trade barriers so that food products don't face arbitrary rejection or repeated re-testing when crossing borders. Coordinating standard-setting between FAO and WHO member states, giving Codex texts broad international scientific credibility. India's Evolving Role Within Codex India participates in the Codex Alimentarius Commission through its food safety regulator, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which represents Indian interests across various Codex technical committees. Over the past several sessions, India has increasingly taken on chairmanship and co-chairmanship roles in drafting new Codex texts for product categories where India holds major global production or export significance, a shift from being a standard-follower toward being a standard-shaper. Particular Detail Session 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) Session Geneva, Switzerland Session 6th to 10th July 2026 Indian Delegation Head Rajit Punhani, Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI Supporting Team Technical experts from FSSAI and the Spices Board Issuing Authority (India) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Press Release Date 14th July 2026 Governing Bodies Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) What Has Changed: The Standards Confirmed at CAC49? At CAC49, the Commission formally adopted seven Codex standards and guidelines developed under India's leadership. It separately approved new work to begin drafting a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels, two distinct outcomes that carry different compliance implications. It's important to treat these as separate developments rather than one bundled announcement. Standards Confirmed as Adopted Adopted Standard Relevance to Exporters Codex Standard for Dried Coriander Seeds Sets an internationally recognized quality benchmark for a major Indian spice export Codex Standard for Fresh Curry Leaves Establishes the first global Codex quality benchmark for this widely traded Indian herb Five additional Codex texts Not individually named in the official press release It's worth being precise here: the official government press release confirms seven total texts were adopted under India's leadership, but explicitly names only two: Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves. Businesses in other spice, herb, or agricultural export categories should track the official Codex Alimentarius Commission CAC49 session report once published in full, rather than assuming their product is or isn't among the remaining five. New Work Approved: Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels Separately, the Commission approved India's proposal to begin new work on a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels. This is a distinct and earlier-stage outcome: "New work approved" means the Commission has agreed a standard should be developed; it authorizes the technical committee process to begin. It does not mean a finished standard, quality parameters, or grading criteria currently exist. India, having proposed this work, is expected to play a leading role in shaping the draft, giving Indian cashew industry stakeholders a genuine opportunity to influence the eventual specification from an early stage. For India's cashew processing and export industry, where India ranks among the world's largest processors, this represents a multi-year opportunity rather than an immediate compliance requirement. Implementation Timeline/Norms Codex standard adoption follows a defined multi-stage international process, and understanding where each of CAC49's outcomes sits on that timeline helps businesses distinguish between what requires immediate attention and what is still years away. Stage Domestic (FSSAI) regulatory review Cashew Kernels Draft standard developed by technical committee Domestic (FSSAI) regulatory review Not yet started Committee-level approval Completed (pre-CAC49) N/A Full Commission adoption Completed at CAC49 (10th July 2026) Not applicable yet New work formally approved N/A (already adopted) Completed at CAC49 (10th July 2026) Draft standard published for review Full text expected via official Codex publication Drafting process yet to begin Domestic (FSSAI) regulatory review Not yet confirmed in this release Not applicable standard doesn't exist yet Key distinction for compliance planning: The Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves standards are now finalized at the international level and awaiting full publication of the adopted text. The Cashew Kernels standard is only beginning its multi-year drafting journey, which typically involves several rounds of technical committee review before reaching adoption at a future Commission session. Why was This Implemented? India's growing leadership role in Codex standard-setting reflects a deliberate strategic shift from adapting to international food standards set by others to actively shaping the standards that govern products where India is a dominant global producer and exporter. A few structural reasons explain why this matters: India's export significance in these product categories. Importance of India's exports in these groups of products. India ranks among the world’s top producers and exporters of spices like coriander and curry leaves and among the processors of cashew kernels, which makes India highly concerned about having realistic Codex Standards. Reducing technical trade friction. Internationally agreed, science-based standards reduce the risk of inconsistent or arbitrary quality requirements imposed by individual importing countries. Strengthening India's negotiating position. Leading the technical drafting process, rather than simply reacting to standards set elsewhere, gives India and, by extension, Indian exporters more influence over eventual requirements. Institutional coordination. The joint participation of FSSAI and the Spices Board reflects a coordinated approach between India's domestic food regulator and its sector-specific export promotion body, which strengthens the credibility and technical depth of India's Codex contributions. Impact on Businesses The level of compliance with Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines for Indian food exporters varies according to their respective food groupings and the stage of adoption of the standard by that grouping, and one must not over-emphasise the influence of such emerging issues. Dried coriander seed exporters now have an internationally adopted quality reference point they can use in specification discussions with international buyers, once the full standard text is published. Fresh curry leaf exporters gain the first-ever global Codex benchmark for this product, which previously lacked a dedicated international quality standard. Cashew kernel processors and exporters face no immediate compliance change. Still, they should treat this as an early signal that a dedicated international standard is now in development, with India in a position to influence its content. Exporters of the five unnamed additional standards cannot yet determine their specific impact and should monitor official Codex publications for clarity. Domestic food businesses generally should note that Codex adoption does not automatically alter Indian law. Any domestic regulatory impact would require a separate, distinct action by FSSAI to review and incorporate these standards into Indian food safety regulations, something this press release does not confirm has happened or is planned. How Businesses Will Achieve Compliance? Since only two of the seven adopted standards are currently identified, and the Cashew Kernels standard doesn't yet exist in draft form, "compliance" at this stage means active monitoring and positioning rather than implementing fixed new requirements. Here is a practical, honest response path: Step 1: Identify Your Product's Relevance Determine whether your business exports Dried Coriander Seeds or Fresh Curry Leaves, since these standards are confirmed and finalized at the international level. Step 2: Obtain the Adopted Standard Text When the Codex Alimentarius Commission issues the full session report and standard texts from the CAC49 session, assess the quality standards established for your product. Step 3: Review the Gaps Between Internal and Codex Standards Determine if there are any gaps between your current internal specifications for quality control and testing and the newly released Codex standards. Step 4: Follow for the Five Remaining Standards Since the press release does not list all seven adopted standards, keep an eye out for future announcements from the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the FSSAI to determine whether or not your product falls under the adopted standards. Step 5: Participate in Drafting the Cashew Kernel Standard If your business involves either cashew kernel processing or export, engage the Spices Board and industry associations while the standards are still being drafted; at this point, industry technical input is at its greatest. Step 6: Follow the FSSAI for Domestic Regulations Monitor any future communications or draft regulations from the FSSAI regarding these Codex standards since the domestic standards would be aligned through a different process. Compliance Monitoring Checklist Action Item Applicable To Priority Track official CAC49 session report publication All food exporters High Review full Dried Coriander Seeds standard text Coriander exporters High Review full Fresh Curry Leaves standard text Curry leaf exporters High Monitor for identification of remaining 5 standards All spice/herb/agri exporters Medium Engage industry body on Cashew Kernels drafting Cashew processors/exporters Medium Monitor FSSAI for domestic regulatory alignment signals All food businesses Medium Benefits for Businesses Clearer international quality reference points for coriander seed and curry leaf exporters, reducing dependence on inconsistent, country-specific import requirements. Early influence opportunity for the cashew industry, since India's leadership in drafting the new standard allows Indian stakeholders to shape requirements before they're finalized, rather than adapting after the fact. Superior negotiating power internationally because India's involvement in Codex standard-setting as a result of the growing technical credibility that will help in trade negotiations going beyond these particular products. Lesser trade friction in the long run since there is always less risk of rejection or quality disputes at the port of entry because of the internationally accepted standards. Greater coordination through FSSAI and Spices Board as the two entities work together. Opportunity or Additional Work: How Businesses Should View This Update This is fundamentally a positive development for Indian food exporters rather than an additional compliance burden, since it does not impose new mandatory requirements it creates an early-mover opportunity for businesses willing to engage proactively with the standards being shaped. Opportunity Case: With India at the forefront in the development of standards that will apply to the products that it imports in large quantities, there is an increased likelihood that the international benchmarks will consider the production practices of Indian industries. About the cashew exporting industries, participating in the drafting process is cheap yet very productive. The case for added vigilance: Businesses do need to invest time in monitoring official Codex publications and FSSAI communications, since the full detail of five of the seven adopted standards, and any domestic regulatory follow-up, is not yet public. Passive businesses risk missing the window to align specifications early or provide technical input. The balanced view: This is no compliance directive that demands an urgent response; it provides an opportunity for strategic monitoring and engagement. Those organizations that keep abreast of developments and actively engage with the Spices Board and FSSAI will have a significant competitive advantage over those firms that only respond after standards have been developed and adopted. Business Opportunities Created Compliance advisory services for exports that will assist firms in keeping track of Codex publications and specifications after the complete texts are made available. Engagement activities within industry associations for stakeholders in the cashew industry who wish to contribute to the development of the Cashew Kernels standard. Quality certification and testing services aligned to the new Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves standards, once published in full. Trade documentation and specification-sheet updating services for exporters wanting to reference the newly adopted Codex standards in buyer communications. Regulatory monitoring and alert services tracking both Codex Alimentarius Commission publications and any future FSSAI domestic alignment activity. Corpseed's Core Message India's outcomes at CAC49 reflect a genuine shift in the country's role within global food standard-setting from adapting to international rules to actively shaping them. For Indian exporters of coriander seeds, curry leaves. Eventually, cashew kernels, this is a meaningful development. Still, the smart response is measured: track official publications closely, engage early where the opportunity exists, and avoid treating early-stage developments like the Cashew Kernels "new work approval" as if they were finished, binding requirements. At Corpseed, our advice to food exporters is straightforward: build a monitoring system for official Codex Alimentarius Commission publications and FSSAI communications now, rather than waiting for a buyer dispute to force reactive compliance. Businesses that engage proactively, especially in the still-open Cashew Kernels drafting process, position themselves to shape requirements in their favor, rather than simply complying with standards decided without their input. Want help tracking these Codex developments against your export specifications? Talk to Corpseed's food compliance advisory team for a product-specific monitoring and readiness assessment.

Subject

FSSAI Second Amendment Regulations 2026: Complete Compliance Guide for Food Businesses

Summary: On 23rd June 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Second Amendment Regulations, 2026 in the Gazette of India. This notification brings two important changes for every food business in India, from big manufacturers to small shopkeepers. This guide breaks down the entire notification in simple language, explains what has actually changed, why it matters, and how your business can stay compliant without confusion. The Regulatory Framework Every food business in India, whether it makes food, packs food, stores food, or sells food, must follow rules made under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This is the main law that governs food safety in the country. Under this Act, FSSAI made the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011. These are the master rules that tell every Food Business Operator (FBO) what license conditions they must follow and what hygiene standards they must maintain. FSSAI has the legal power, under Section 92(2)(o) read with Section 31 of the Act, to amend these regulations whenever needed, with the Central Government's prior approval. That is exactly what has happened now. FSSAI followed the correct legal process: it first published a draft amendment on 23rd January 2026, invited objections and suggestions from the public and industry for 30 days from 27th January 2026, reviewed those responses, and only then issued the final, binding regulation on 23rd June 2026. This amends the original 2011 Regulations (notified 1st August 2011), which had last been amended on 10th March 2026. What Has Changed? The amendment touches two specific parts of the 2011 Regulations. Let's look at each one closely. 1. Daily Record-Keeping Condition (Schedule 2, Annexure 3 License Conditions) This is about Serial Number 8 under the "Conditions of License" list, which every licensed food manufacturer must follow. Earlier, this condition required maintaining daily records of production and raw material utilization. Now, it clearly requires these records to be maintained separately, meaning two distinct daily records instead of one combined entry. Importantly, this condition does not apply to non-manufacturing food businesses, so traders and distributors who don't manufacture anything are out of its scope. 2. Storage Rule for Raw Materials and Food Products (Schedule 4, Part II, Para 5.2.5) This is part of the general hygiene and sanitary requirements every FBO applying for a license must follow, under the "Food Operations and Controls" section. Earlier, the storage requirement was fairly general. Now, storage of raw materials, ingredients, work-in-progress, and processed/cooked/packaged food must strictly follow FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) principles. In simple words, the oldest stock and the stock closest to its expiry date must be used or sold first. This is a globally recognized food safety practice used to cut down on spoilage and wastage. This requirement does not apply to retailers. S. No. Where What Changed Who Is Exempted 1 Schedule 2, Annexure 3, Condition 8 Separate daily record of production and raw material use Non-manufacturing food businesses 2 Schedule 4, Part II, Para 5.2.5 Mandatory FIFO and FEFO storage system Retailers Implementation Timeline/Norms Unlike many regulations that give businesses a grace period of 6 months or a year, this amendment has no separate transition period. The notification clearly states it comes into force "on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette," meaning the rule is applicable from 23rd/24th June 2026 itself, the day it was published. Date Event 23rd January 2026 Draft amendment notified for public objections 27th January 2026 Draft made available to the public (30-day clock starts) Late February 2026 30-day objection/suggestion window closes 23rd June 2026 Final regulation notified in the Gazette Immediate Regulation comes into force, no additional waiting period What this means for businesses: There is no "wait and watch" option here. Since the regulation is already in force, food businesses covered under these provisions should start aligning their record-keeping and storage practices right away to avoid compliance gaps during FSSAI inspections or license renewals. Why This Was Implemented? FSSAI did not make this change randomly. There are clear, practical reasons behind both amendments: Better traceability of food: Separate records of production and raw materials make it much easier for FSSAI to trace back a food safety issue to its source, such as a specific batch of raw material. Reducing food wastage and spoilage- making FIFO/FEFO a formal requirement (instead of just a "good practice") ensures older or near-expiry stock is used first, cutting down food waste across the supply chain. Consumer safety: When expired or near-expired ingredients don't sit at the back of the storeroom while fresh stock is used first, the chances of expired food reaching consumers go down significantly. Reducing unnecessary burden on small players- FSSAI clearly built in exemptions: non-manufacturing businesses don't need the detailed production record, and retailers don't need to implement full FIFO/FEFO systems. This shows the intent was to target actual risk points rather than adding paperwork everywhere. Global alignment- FIFO and FEFO are internationally recognised food safety and quality management practices (used in HACCP and ISO 22000 systems), bringing Indian food regulations closer to global standards. Impact on Businesses The impact of this amendment is different depending on what kind of food business you run, so it helps to break it down by category. Food manufacturers feel the full weight of both changes. They must now maintain separate daily records of production and raw material utilization, and they must also reorganize their storage practices to follow FIFO and FEFO principles strictly. This means updating internal record formats, whether on paper registers or in digital/ERP systems, so that production data and raw material consumption data no longer sit together in one combined entry. Food processors and packagers are in a similar position to manufacturers. Since they handle raw materials, work-in-progress, and packaged food, both the record-keeping conditions and the storage conditions apply to them directly. They need to plan for Labeling systems that show manufacturing and expiry dates clearly, and warehouse layouts that push older or near-expiry stock out first. Warehousing and storage businesses are affected mainly by the second change. Even if they don't manufacture anything themselves, if they store raw materials or processed and packaged food on behalf of others, the FIFO/FEFO storage requirement applies to them. Whether the record-keeping condition applies depends on whether they also carry out any manufacturing activity. Non-manufacturing food business operators, such as pure traders and distributors who don't produce or process food themselves, get relief from the record-keeping condition since it is explicitly stated not to apply to non-manufacturing businesses. However, if they store processed or packaged food, the FIFO/FEFO storage rule can still apply to them. Pure retailers, like convenience stores and supermarkets selling packaged food directly to consumers, are the least affected group. Since they don't manufacture food, the record-keeping condition doesn't apply to them. Since the notification specifically exempts retailers from the FIFO/FEFO storage requirement, they are free from that obligation too. Restaurants and food service businesses need to check their own operations carefully. If they only serve food prepared fresh for immediate consumption, they may fall closer to non-manufacturing status. But if they process, prepare in bulk, or store ingredients and packaged food over time, both conditions are likely to apply. In practical terms, this means the businesses that must act immediately are manufacturers, processors, and storage operators. They need to redesign how they record daily production and raw material figures, and how they physically arrange stock so that older or soon-to-expire items are used or sold first. Retailers and non-manufacturing traders, on the other hand, get genuine regulatory relief here. They don't need to build new systems for these two specific conditions, which meaningfully reduces their overall compliance burden compared to businesses further up the supply chain. How Will Businesses Achieve Compliance? Compliance here is achievable and doesn't require expensive overhauls if done systematically. Here's a step-by-step approach. Step 1: Identify Your Business Category First, confirm whether you are a manufacturer, non-manufacturer, or retailer under FSSAI's definitions. This decides which of the two new conditions apply to you. Step 2: Update Record-Keeping Systems (For Manufacturers) Maintain a separate daily production register and a separate daily raw material utilization register. These can be kept physically or through software/ERP tools. FSSAI does not mandate a specific format, only that the records be maintained and kept distinct. Keep records dated, signed, and ready for inspection at any time. Step 3: Redesign Storage Practices Around FIFO/FEFO Label all raw materials and finished goods with the manufacturing date and expiry date. Arrange storage racks so older stock is placed in front and used first (FIFO). Where expiry dates vary due to different batches, prioritize the stock expiring soonest (FEFO). Use colour-coded labels, batch numbers, or barcode/QR systems for easy identification. Step 4: Train Staff Warehouse and production staff must understand FIFO/FEFO practically, not just in theory. Simple visual charts near storage areas help staff follow the system correctly every day. Step 5: Conduct Internal Audits Do monthly or quarterly internal checks to confirm records are being maintained, and FIFO/FEFO is actually being followed on the ground, not just on paper. Step 6: Keep Documentation Ready for FSSAI Inspection FSSAI officers can inspect these records during routine checks or license renewal. Non-compliance can lead to license suspension, cancellation, or penalties under the FSS Act. Compliance Checklist Table Action Item Applicable To Priority Separate production & raw material registers Manufacturers High Digital/manual record-keeping system Manufacturers High FIFO/FEFO labelling and layout Manufacturers, processors, and storage units High Staff training on FIFO/FEFO Manufacturers, processors, and storage units Medium Internal compliance audit All applicable FBOs Medium Confirm exemption status Non-manufacturers, retailers High Benefits for Businesses While this looks like a compliance requirement, it actually brings real business value: Reduced food wastage and spoilage- FIFO/FEFO ensures older and near-expiry stock is used first, directly cutting down losses and improving profit margins over time. Better inventory accuracy- separate, disciplined record-keeping gives businesses a clearer picture of raw material usage and production efficiency. Faster and easier recalls- clean, separated records let a business trace and recall affected batches quickly if a food safety issue ever arises, protecting brand reputation. Smoother FSSAI inspections and audits- Businesses with organised records face fewer queries, delays, or penalties during license renewal or surprise inspections. Improved buyer and export confidence- Large retail chains, export buyers, and institutional clients increasingly expect FIFO/FEFO discipline and clean documentation as part of vendor selection. Foundation for future certifications- These practices align closely with HACCP, ISO 22000, and other recognized food safety standards, making it easier to pursue certifications later. Lower risk of penalties- Proactive compliance reduces the chances of license suspension, cancellation, or fines due to missing or disorganized records. Stronger internal control- clear separation of data helps management track production efficiency and raw material costs more precisely, supporting better business decisions. Right Decision or Additional Burden? This is a fair question that every food business owner is asking.  The Case for the Right Decision The rule targets real, known risk areas, expired stock reaching consumers and untraceable production data both of which have caused food safety issues in India before. FSSAI has deliberately exempted non-manufacturers and retailers, showing the rule is proportionate rather than a blanket burden. FIFO/FEFO and separated records aren't new concepts either; most organized food businesses already follow some version of this informally, and the rule makes it a formal, enforceable requirement. The Case for Additional Burden Small and medium manufacturers without digital systems will need to invest time, and possibly money, in setting up proper record-keeping. There is no transition period, meaning businesses must comply immediately with limited preparation time. Physical redesign of storage areas for FIFO/FEFO can also involve real cost for businesses with large or complex inventories. The Balanced View Overall, this amendment leans more toward being a right regulatory decision than an unnecessary burden, because it directly targets food safety and traceability while keeping small non-manufacturing players and retailers exempted. The main challenge for businesses is the speed of compliance required, not the substance of the rule itself. Business Opportunities Created Every new compliance requirement also opens the door for new business and service opportunities. FSSAI compliance consulting and documentation support firms, inventory and warehouse management software providers, barcode/QR-based batch tracking system vendors, staff training and certification institutes, warehouse and storage rack solution providers, and food safety auditors can all find growing demand as businesses race to align with this amendment. Food businesses that act early and set up strong systems now will not only stay compliant but can also position themselves as more trustworthy suppliers to large retailers, exporters, and institutional buyers who prefer working with organized, well-documented vendors. Corpseed's Core Message Regulatory changes like the FSSAI Second Amendment Regulations, 2026, are not meant to slow businesses down; they are meant to build a safer, more transparent food ecosystem in India. The good news is that this amendment is practical, targeted, and workable, with sensible exemptions for smaller and non-manufacturing businesses. At Corpseed, our message to every food business is simple: don't wait for an inspection to discover a compliance gap. Understand exactly which part of this amendment applies to your business, set up your record-keeping and FIFO/FEFO systems correctly, and treat this as an opportunity to strengthen your food safety credibility, not just as another government formality. Whether you need help understanding your FSSAI license conditions, setting up compliant documentation systems, or getting expert guidance on the latest FSSAI regulations, staying proactive today is always cheaper and easier than fixing violations tomorrow.

Department: FSSAIAuthority: Government of India

🏷️01-07-2026