Global experts to explore ways to enhance food safety
Dubai (WAM): Leading food safety experts from across the world will gather in Dubai next month to share information and explore ways for enhancing food safety.
The 4th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, being held from the 24 to 26 February 2009 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, will be an ideal venue for anyone committed to food safety.
Announcing this at a press conference on Monday, Salah Amiri, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for General Support Services Sector, said the main topics to be covered by the conference include novel food chain intervention, prevention and detection strategies, efficient food safety management systems, harmonisation of standards and educational programs..
He noted that Dubai Municipality had this year an extensive cooperation with the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), world's leading association of food safety professionals, in organising the conference and ensuring its international exposure.
"IAFP, established in the year 1911, holds symposia in different regions of the world. We are looking at the prospect of hosting the IAFP's first symposium in the Middle East in Dubai in 2010," he said.
The conference will provide a forum for education, knowledge transfer and development of new skills and professional development of all involved in managing food safety, said Mr. Amiri.
"Though governments play an important part in ensuring food safety, the ultimate responsibility for investing in the physical and managerial resources that are necessary for implementing appropriate controls lies with the food industry," he noted.
Mr. Amiri added that the conference sponsors had taken an extra step in the food safety enhancement programs in the region by providing the technical expertise as well as financial support to organise the region's biggest food safety event.
Addressing the press conference, Khalid Mohammed Sharif, Director of the Food Control Department at the Dubai Municipality, said: "Dubai International Food Safety Conference aims to offer a long term commitment to the enhancement of food safety in the region. We've received tremendous response from the food regulators and the food industry alike," said Khalid.
The conference will feature several interactive programs from both local and international speakers, tailored to the unique and diverse requirements of the audience. Its main theme, "Food Safety in light of Food Security," will address approaches to enhance food safety and at the same time reduce food wastage.
It will focus on key areas to improve trade-related judgments including the use of strong scientific principles and effective food safety management systems.
The conference will comprise of five plenary sessions on the main theme "Food Safety in Light of Food Security", eight symposia on different topics, poster sessions and technical sessions. Three pre-conference workshops will complement the main conference, making this one of the most comprehensive meetings on food safety in the region, he said.
Various programs during the conference will discuss recent food safety issues and the benefits and effectiveness of new standards, and methods that many countries have established for enhancing and regulating food safety.. Symposia topics include Food Safety Updates, Advancements in Food Testing, Food Safety Education, Pesticides Management in Foods and Best Practices.
Renowned scientists from international agencies, governments, health and research institutions, as well as the industry will share their perspectives; discuss best practices and harnessing of new technologies for sustainable actions to secure safer and better food supply.