Dubai: The seventh International Food Safety Conference and the First Middle East Symposium of the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) will kick off on Tuesday at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. The two-day conference will discuss the latest developments and trends of food safety at global level.
The conference, with a theme titled "The future of food safety" has got a global recognition with the participation of World Health Organization (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Center for Science in Public Interest (CSPI), International Life Science Institute (ILSI), Dubai Health Authority, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Sharjah Municipality, Saudi Food and Drug Authority and Export Council of India.
Khalid Sharif Al-Awadi, director of Food Control Department and chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee, said this year's conference is special because it is also IAFP's first Middle East symposium on food safety.
"We have joined hands with the IAFP in the mission to advance food safety worldwide and protect the global food supply."
"There is no doubt that food safety has been the center of attention in the past year with consumers, especially after the E Coli outbreak in Germany. It seems that new and more challenging issues are arriving at our doorstep every day. It has never been important to stay in touch with current and emerging issues and latest science to learn solutions for new and old problems and to meet people and exchange ideas," Al-Awadi said.
Amina Ahmad, director of Accreditation Department, vice president of the Organizing Committee and chairperson of the Scientific Committee, said we have prepared diversified programs for the benefit of participants and visitors based on our previous experiences. The conference will host several lectures by some of the world leaders in food safety, seven symposiums, two technical sessions, four workshops and more than 40 poster presentations. More than 50 presentations will be made by eminent speakers from 15 different countries and local government authorities.
"The key topics include future and challenges of food safety, food safety audits and inspections, food-borne disease surveillance and investigation of disease outbreaks, microbiological testing, safety of animal products, role of cold chain management in food safety and labeling and consumer awareness," Amina said.
The conference and forum, organized by Dubai Municipality, is the biggest international food safety event hosted in the Middle East region that attracts regulators, industry professionals, researchers and students who work in the food safety disciplines. Over 1,200 participants have confirmed their attendance this year.
