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.
