The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region had the greatest gain in the food security index with a 2.4-point increase from last year, according to the 2015 Global Food Security Index.

 

Despite the rapid strides the region has made, there is much room for improvement, it said.

 

The need for industries and authorities to collaborate and build a strong and secure food safety foundation is being met by gathering key industry players and regulating bodies in the biggest assembly for food safety in the region, said a statement.

 

A multitude of food safety professionals are expected to convene in Dubai, UAE at the World Food Congress, to take place from October 12 to 15 at the Crowne Plaza Dubai. 

 

The congress will provide timely and relevant sessions discussing the current food safety and cold chain challenges, issues and solutions as well as exclusive insights on temperature-controlled environment in food manufacturing facilities from Dr Ayman AbdElkader of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) on developing technologies in food management systems and best practices for food safety and cold chain. 

 

The highlights of the congress will include a panel discussion on national and international regulations and standards in cold chain optimization, led by Youssef Beydoun, head of Cargo Planning and Compliance, Dubai Airports Cargo and Logistics.

 

Doaa Said, director of the congress, said: “The Congress is developed and presented by stakeholders and leaders of the food safety industry. For four days, the food safety community gathers and brings together experts in the industry, government and solution providers to discuss the latest issues and challenges facing the food industry. We are encouraging attendees to register as early as now.

 

“We have several panel sessions and roundtable discussions to ensure our attendees have the opportunity to learn from the experts and meet colleagues in the industry.”

 

The key industry leaders panel sessions will include industry experts addressing pressing issues on local, regional and international policies and guidelines on food safety and cold chain. 

 

The food safety and food cold chain sessions will include discussions on topics ranging from food safety integrity, best practices and foodborne hazards to biofilm formation and technological advancements.

 

The roundtable discussions will revolve around emerging technologies to reduce food safety incidents, consumer satisfaction through food safety and quality, temperature-controlled environment in food manufacturing facilities and the future of cold chain with advanced technologies.

 

The pre-congress and post-congress workshops will include topics such as total quality management (TQM), food irradiation, food safety and HACCP in the UAE, cold chain risk management regulation and a review of Mena supply chain distribution. - TradeArabia News Service