GFSI Conference

In this session, industry leaders will discuss the ongoing evolution of the Global Food Safety Initiative, emphasising the vision and strategy that drive food safety forward and highlighting recent initiatives aimed at raising the bar on GFSI standards, updates to certification databases and the Race To The Top framework. Panelists will offer their perspectives on the changing landscape of food safety management and GFSI’s leadership role.

As the industry faces new challenges, such as integrating sustainable practices and adopting advanced technology, the session will explore how such factors impact food safety practices across global supply chains. Moderated by Isabelle Kumar, panelists will examine the implications of sustainability, technological innovations, and GFSI’s commitment to maintaining high standards. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of GFSI’s role in shaping a safer, more resilient food industry for the future.

In today’s fast-evolving food landscape, safeguarding public health through robust food safety practices is more critical than ever. Through a series of special keynote addresses spanning the GFSI conference, including Dr. Pamela Byrne (Food Safety Authority of Ireland), Noel Keeley (Musgrave), Dr. Donald Prater (U.S. FDA) and Patrick Wall (University College Dublin), we will showcase what is at the forefront of thought leader’s minds when it comes to food safety innovation, regulation and implementation, focusing on the collaborative efforts needed to drive positive impact across the industry.

Together, these keynote addresses will highlight the importance of unified action to meet the challenges of modern food safety and the transformative steps being taken to protect consumers and enhance the future of food retail. Attendees will gain an understanding of the dynamic intersection of food safety, technology and sustainability, equipping them with actionable strategies to strengthen food safety measures in their own organisations.

Join this session as we explore the critical intersection of food safety, security, and corporate social responsibility in today’s business landscape. We will examine both corporate and consumer perspectives on integrating food safety with broader CSR initiatives, addressing the delicate balance between safety, quality and sustainability strategies.

Speakers will explore the impact of food safety agendas on food security and discuss a holistic approach where safety and social responsibility work in tandem. We will  highlight the importance of consumer education in maintaining food safety and explore strategies for effective communication. The session will conclude with a moderated debate, bringing together industry and consumer viewpoints to foster a comprehensive dialogue on harmonising food safety practices with sustainability goals in the modern food industry.

Second speaker to be announced soon 

Join the Science & Technology Advisory Group (STAG) for an in-depth exploration of how Artificial Intelligence, big data and machine learning are transforming food safety. This session will reveal key findings from STAG’s AI white paper and ICT survey reboot, showcasing practical applications of AI across the food industry that demonstrate its tangible impact. Through real-world examples, attendees will gain insights into how AI can revolutionise food safety management.

The food safety landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements in Whole Genome Sequencing, data analytics and digitisation. This session will explore the convergence of these cutting-edge technologies and their impact on food safety practices. We will focus on the latest applications of WGS in pathogen detection, outbreak investigations, and microbial risk assessment, looking at how data is revolutionising risk prediction, traceability and decision-making processes in food safety and examine the ongoing shift towards digital solutions in food safety management. We will address the challenges in implementing and harmonising these technologies across the food supply chain and share real-world case studies, discuss emerging trends and provide insights into harnessing innovations for enhanced food safety outcomes. We will also look ahead to how these rapidly accelerating technologies are likely to shape the future of food safety.

In an interconnected world, the strength of our food safety systems relies not just on regulations and technology, but on the resilience of communities across the entire food chain. This session will explore the crucial role of community engagement in building robust, equitable food safety practices. We will look at how fostering a sense of community in food safety transcends the traditional business-oriented network approach, emphasising the social aspects that are vital for sustainable change. We will explore how resilient food safety communities contribute to the broader goals of human, animal and environmental health and present case studies that demonstrate the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing food safety challenges, particularly in resource-limited settings.

The food industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements and global supply chain complexities. In an era of information overload, effectively communicating food safety messages to consumers has become both increasingly crucial and challenging. This session will explore innovative strategies for building consumer trust through transparency, traceability and targeted education in food safety. We will examine the complexities of translating technical food safety information into clear, actionable messages for the lay audience and how compelling food safety narratives can resonate with diverse consumer groups. We will also share insights into how these trends are influencing food safety strategies and product development, highlighting how leading food companies are adapting their food safety approaches to meet evolving consumer expectations while navigating regulatory challenges.