Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL)

Even though it was recognized at the inception of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) that cereals, and particularly wheat, are priority global commodities, it wasn’t until 1978 that the Codex Committee on Cereals and Cereal Products (CCCCP) was established, hosted by the United States of America.

Previously, CAC meetings had also discussed corn, corn products, tubers and tuber products and concluded that these commodities were not suitable as subjects for international standards. It was a resolution put forward by Nigeria that finally saw the creation of the CCCCP. The resolution was passed in light of CAC’s support to make its work more relevant to developing countries, where cereals are not only vital staples but are also key trade commodities.

Three years later, CAC14 agreed to extend the remit of CCCCP to include pulses and legumes. The Committee was renamed as the Codex Committee on Cereals, Pulses and Legumes (CCCPL) and its terms of reference extended such that the new Committee was mandated "to elaborate worldwide standards and/or codes of practice as may be appropriate for cereals, pulses, legumes, and their products."

CCCPL was adjourned sine die in 1995 and reopened four years later to work by correspondence on a standard for instant noodles. Subsequent work has included work on a standard for quinoa and a group standard for whole millet grains.