An international forum on data-driven innovation in food safety, including the use of remote auditing and verification, is scheduled for October.
The event is sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Australian Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The Vienna Food Safety Forum is scheduled for October 3rd to 5th in Austria and will be open for both face-to-face and online participation.
Focus on remote audit and verification solutions. electronic health certificates; data generated by Voluntary Third Party Assurance (vTPA) programs;
UNIDO’s cooperation with the Australian Government builds on its engagement with the Standard Trade Development Facility (STDF) on remote inspections.
STDF helps developing countries meet international standards and gain market access. Founded by WTO, FAO, WHO, World Animal Health Organization and World Bank Group.
Growth of digital approaches
According to the event brief, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated attempts by food safety stakeholders to use data and information and communication technology (ICT) to optimize their operations.
“Digitalization and data-driven innovations, such as the acceptance of remote (virtual) audits and digital certification, are opening the door to new opportunities for the food safety community to create evidence-based, more resource-efficient and robust practices. I will open it,” he said.
“In addition, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital solutions for alternative decision-making by food regulators, businesses, food safety service providers, and academia. New solutions also require significant changes in current practices and capabilities, all of which carry some risk, but also create opportunities.”
Attendees will gain a better understanding of current digital trends in food safety by sharing their experiences using technology-driven innovations.
This three-day event will provide a platform for public, private and academic stakeholders to exchange experiences in the digital transformation of food safety practices. Participants may discuss the electronic exchange of certificates related to food transactions, the use of data generated by any third party assurance program, and the conduct of remote audits and inspections.
The plenary session will be streamed online based on pre-registration. There are 7 plenary sessions and 4 networking sessions.
Interpretation is available in English, French and Spanish. To register please follow this link.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here.)