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.
Organised by the Spices Board, the event has drawn around 81 delegates from 27 countries to deliberate on developing harmonised international standards for spices and culinary herbs.
Rajit Punhani, CEO, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), noted that the global spice industry, valued at $28.5 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $41.9 billion by 2033. He emphasized the need for harmonized, science-based food standards to ensure consumer safety and promote equitable global trade.
P. Hemalatha, Secretary, Spices Board 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 said.
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.
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.
Published on October 14, 2025
