The Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (CCFFV) held its 23rd session in Mexico City, Mexico from the 25th February to the 1st of March, 2025.

The CCFFV Committee has successfully supported and endorsed Fiji’s submission on the New Standard for Fresh Turmeric.

Fiji had initially proposed the Fresh Turmeric Standard at the Coordinating Committee for North America and South West Pacific (CCNASWP) 17th session that was held in Nadi on February 3rd to 7th, 2025.

The submission was supported by the members of the CCNASWP region and advised to make direct submission to the CCFFV for endorsement.

Representative of Fiji’s National Codex Committee members Mr. Kemueli Seuseu and Mr. Penaia Mua attended the CCFFV23 to present the proposal.

On the 27 of February 2025, Fiji in its first CCFFV attendance, presented the discussion paper on the development of a Standard for Fresh Turmeric (CRD06) at the CCFFV23 meeting, and highlighted the importance of the agriculture sector for food security and economic livelihood. Establishing an International Codex standard for Fresh Turmeric would enhance exports, safeguard consumer health, and promote fair trade.

Fiji’s submission at the CCFFV23 meeting was timely and supported by key players including China, India, and Kenya co-chairing the work, which will be led by Fiji.

Ms. Lisa Ralph, New Zealand’s Primary Industries Senior Policy Analyst and Codex Contact Point stated that this is an excellent development and congratulated Fiji on the submission. Ms. Ralph congratulatory message was supported by other members of the North America and South West Pacific (NASWP) region.

At the conclusion of the CCFFV meeting, the Chair of CCFFV23, Codex Secretariat Representatives and Committee members congratulated Fiji on this remarkable achievement and therefore agreed to forward the new work on Fresh Turmeric to the 48th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission that is scheduled to be held in Rome from November 10 to November 14, 2025.

ENDS

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