THE USER'S MANUAL ON CODEX - Department of Biotechnology

k The stand taken is in conformity with the national policy, legislation and standards – for example, in
case exclusive breastfeeding for six months is advocated in Codex meetings, such a practice should also
be a part of India’s national policy or legislation.
k Comments on Codex documents are offered taking the approach of the harmonization of national
standards with Codex.
k Views expressed protect the interest of the Indian industry as well as consumers.
3.3 Backing of Data Base
As most of the rejection of Indian commodities in the export market is due to stringent Codex requirements
on mycotoxins, heavy metals, microbiological contaminants, pesticides residues and sometimes veterinary
drugs in fish, the Commodity Promotion Boards/Councils/Authorities dealing with cashew, coffee, fish,
spices and tea should come forward to generate chemical use patterns and residue data on heavy
metals, pesticide residues and the level of mycotoxins by getting them tested in accredited laboratories
so as to enable India to be present effectively at Codex forums.
Research institutions such as the CFTRI, ITRC and NIN, with vast experience in the field of food technology
and safety, should not only generate data on technological need vis-à-vis the risk assessment of the
chemicals such as mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticide residues and so on under Indian conditions, but
also collate available scientific studies/literature on the subject at the national/regional/international
levels so as to equip the NCCP-India with the background document highlighting updated information
for presentation to the international forum.
3.4 Supports from INGOs
The stakeholders, such as national non-governmental organizations, consumer organizations/dairy
federation, while commenting on the Codex documents should also explore the possibilities of seeking
support from their parent INGOs in the meetings of Codex towards the stand taken by India.
4. DISSEMINATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
India’s contribution to Codex is likely to suffer from transparency and collective wisdom from all sectors
until and unless all stakeholders initiate action in their respective fields for the dissemination and exchange
of information. For a vast country such as India, with a diversified field of interest in agriculture/industry/
trade/consumer protection, the NCCP-India, even with its regional centers, will fall short of expectations.
It is, therefore, incumbent on the part of stakeholders associated with the working of the NCCP-India
and the NCC to disseminate and exchange information relating to Codex activities at international and
national levels by:
k Holding periodical seminars/workshops.
k Arranging training programs.
k Bringing out periodical newsletters.
k Sharing information/documents.
5. CONCLUSION
A number of stakeholders representing central ministries, state governments, export promotion agencies,
research institutions, industries and consumers at the national level are involved in formulating India’s
views on Codex. All these stakeholders have to be proactive by keeping track of the development in
Codex vis-à-vis the implications of Codex standards/texts on India’s export/import. They should provide
technical justification/data to the NCCP-India for consolidating India’s position in Codex.
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