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GFSI Conference

Programme

DUBLIN
31 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2025
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All times are in Irish Standard Time (UTC +0)
7:30 am - 8:15 am
Morning Workshop: Mastering Root Cause Analysis - Strategies for Continuous Improvement in the GFSI Landscape
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True, accurate and comprehensive root cause analysis is a fundamental part of the process of learning from mistakes and learning from mistakes is the key step in avoiding a repetition. Join this session to understand how well root cause analysis is applied across the various GFSI stakeholder groups. Topics for discussion include:
– Root cause analysis – how & when to get to true root cause?
– Can evaluation of true root cause be evaluated as part of an audit?
– How well is true root cause applied across the GFSI ecosystem?
– What needs to happen in this space to further promote root cause analysis?

Sign-ups to open soon!

Natalie DYENSON
Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer
International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
Roy KIRBY
Partner
FoodsafERM
Cliona MURPHY
Consultant, Senior Business Leader & Board Director
7:30 am - 8:15 am
Morning Workshop: Food Safety Culture
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Culture eats strategy for breakfast. In the food safety world this means that the how a company views food safety and its commitment to it is far more important in keeping consumers safe than simple compliance to a standard. Join this session to understand and align on what role auditing can play in evaluating a company’s food safety culture.

Sign-ups to open soon!

 

David LOVELL
Director Regulatory Compliance
DSL Consulting
Dr. Carol WALLACE
Emeritus Professor of Food Safety Management
University of Central Lancashire (UK)
8:30 am - 8:35 am
A Warm Welcome to Day 2 of the GFSI Conference 2025
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Plenary Hall

Isabelle KUMAR
Presenter and Journalist - Moderator
8:35 am - 9:10 am
Shaping Food Safety Policy: FDA's Vision for a Secure Food Supply
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Plenary Hall

Isabelle KUMAR
Presenter and Journalist - Moderator
Dr. Donald A. PRATER
Principal Associate Commissioner for Human Foods
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
9:10 am - 9:45 am
Digitalisation in Food Safety: Transforming Practices with Technology
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As digitalisation reshapes industries worldwide, the food safety sector is no exception. This session will explore the latest developments in integrating technology into food safety practices. Our panel of experts will discuss real-world applications, including advancements in environmental monitoring, innovative approaches to HACCP plan management and operational examples of how digital tools are transforming safety protocols. Join us to learn how the industry is leveraging digital solutions to enhance efficiency, ensure compliance and drive proactive risk management.

Plenary Hall

Deann AKINS-LEWENTHAL, Ph.D.
Senior Director Global Food Safety
Mondelēz International
Shahram AJAMIAN
Senior Director of Global Quality and Food Safety Governance
McCormick & Company
Silvia PEREIRA
Vice-president Corporate Quality & Food Safety
Mars, Inc.
Olivier MIGNOT
Vice President, Global Head of Quality Management
Nestlé
9:45 am - 10:45 am
Networking Break
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Exhibition Hall

10:05 am - 10:20 am
Tech Talk - kindly hosted by SGS
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More to be announced soon!

Presentation Theatre in the Exhibition Hall

10:25 am - 10:40 am
Tech Talk - kindly hosted by NSF International
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More to be announced soon!

Presentation Theatre in the Exhibition Hall

10:45 am - 11:30 am
Breakout: The Changing Landscape of Consumer & Employee Education in Food Safety
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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. What is more, panelists will explore how digitization and automation are transforming back-of-house operations and creating new avenues for comprehensive employee education.

Julian M. COX
Associate Dean (International - Emerging Markets), Faculty of Engineering
University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
Trish TWOHIG
Director of Food Safety
safefood
Dr. Laura Fernández CELEMIN
Director General
The European Food Information Council (EUFIC)
Dr. Yaohua “Betty” FENG
Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
Purdue University
Christine SCHINDLER
Co-Founder and CEO
PathSpot
10:45 am - 11:30 am
Breakout: The Nexus of Food Safety and Plastics - Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
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Join this session as we explore the complex challenges at the nexus of food safety, plastics and public health concerns. Experts will examine the emerging scientific and regulatory landscapes surrounding chemical contaminants in food production and packaging, with a focus on PFAS and understanding the technological, environmental and health implications.

The panel innovative approaches to identifying, mitigating, and responding to evolving risks in food safety. By fostering critical dialogue across disciplines, the session aims to generate insights into sustainable solutions that balance technological innovation with human and environmental well-being.

Elizabeth ANDOH-KESSON
Head of GFSI Projects
The Consumer Goods Forum
Cédric DEVER
Director, Sustainability
The Consumer Goods Forum
Mark ROBERTS
Sustainability and Circular Economy Director
Berry CPI
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Breakout: Food Safety, Sustainability and the Economic Impacts - Navigating Global Challenges
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In an era of unprecedented environmental, economic and social challenges, the intersection of food safety, sustainability and economic viability has become increasingly complex. This session examines how these crucial elements interact and impact various sectors of the food industry, with particular attention to vulnerable stakeholders including primary producers and small to medium enterprises. Discussion will explore how evolving food safety regulations and sustainability requirements affect economic outcomes across the food value chain. Our expert speakers will address critical questions about balancing regulatory compliance with business viability, as well as emerging legislative frameworks and their practical implications for different industry sectors.

Isabelle KUMAR
Presenter and Journalist - Moderator
Tom ARNOLD
Chair
Ireland Africa Rural Development Committee (IARDC)
Matlou SETATI
Executive for the Food Safety & Sustainability Initiative (FSSI)
The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA)
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Breakout: Trust in Food Labelling - Innovation and Consumer Protection in the Global Food System
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How can food companies maintain consumer trust in a rapidly evolving global food system? This session brings together experts to explore how digital innovation is transforming food labelling. Topics include integrating sustainability metrics with traditional allergen and nutritional information, navigating regulatory compliance across global markets, and leveraging technology to enhance transparency and trust. Attendees will gain insights into emerging trends, practical solutions, and the future of food labelling in a sustainable and consumer-focused landscape.

Dan FONE
Vice President – Food Safety, Quality & Sanitation
Dollar Tree Inc.
Laura KIRWAN
Sustainability Lead
Nutritics
Eduardo Martinez DEBEZA
Head of Quality Assurance International & Global QA CoE
Restaurant Brands International
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Networking Lunch
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Exhibition Hall

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Special Session - kindly hosted by Diversey, a Solenis Company
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More to be announced soon!

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Breakout: Enhancing Food Risk Assessment in the Green Era
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In an era marked by the urgent need to tackle both food safety and sustainability, a comprehensive and innovative approach to risk assessment is paramount. This session will explore the complexities of food safety risk assessment within the context of the green transition. We will share insights on the evolving dynamics of food safety amidst environmental shifts, highlighting the critical intersection of these global challenges. We will discuss innovative strategies and solutions for effective risk management, aiming to bolster global capabilities in ensuring safe and sustainable food systems. Panelists will discuss the implications for food production, distribution, and consumption and how these changes necessitate a rethinking of traditional risk assessment frameworks, i.e. shifting agricultural practices, the introduction of new food technologies and the need for adaptive regulatory measures.

Steve WEARNE
Chairperson, Codex Alimentarius Commission on secondment from Food Standards Agency, UK
Food Standards Agency & Codex Alimentarius Commission
Catherine BESSY
Senior Food Safety Officer, Food Systems and Food Safety Division
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Breakout: Strengthening Trust in Audit Systems - GFSI's Commitment to Progress
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As the global food industry evolves, so does the need to reinforce trust in audit systems. This panel will highlight GFSI’s proactive efforts to enhance the credibility and effectiveness of its audits. Industry leaders will discuss the challenges facing audit systems, the advancements being made and the collaborative initiatives aimed at building greater confidence in GFSI audits. Join us to explore how GFSI is driving innovation and transparency to ensure robust and trustworthy food safety practices worldwide.

Erica SHEWARD
Director of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)
The Consumer Goods Forum
Howard POPOOLA
Vice President - Corporate Food Technology and Regulatory Compliance & GFSI Steering Committee Co-Chair
The Kroger Co.
Mark A. FRYLING
Vice President, Global Food Safety and Quality & GFSI Steering Committee Co-Chair
General Mills
Tom WIESTER
Vice President, Global Product Safety & Quality & Vice-Chair, GFSI
Starbucks Coffee Company
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
Networking Break
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Exhibition Hall

4:45 pm - 5:30 pm
Fireside Chat: Leadership in Managing Food Safety Crises - Transparency in Action
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In this session, Sean Summers, Group CEO of Pick n Pay, will recount the company’s response to a crisis that led to the recall of three products for public safety. Moderated by Isabelle Kumar, the fireside chat will explore the role of leadership, transparency, and company culture in managing crises. Sean will share how Pick n Pay acted swiftly to protect consumers and maintain trust, offering valuable insights into effective crisis management and communication. The conversation will focus on the decisions and ethical considerations behind recalls, emphasising the importance of transparency in crisis response. Sean will reflect on lessons learned and how these principles continue to guide the company today.

Plenary Hall

Isabelle KUMAR
Presenter and Journalist - Moderator
Sean SUMMERS
Group CEO
Pick n Pay
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Food Safety Leadership Talk
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More to be announced soon!

Plenary Hall

Patrick WALL
Professor of Public Health
University College Dublin
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Official Conference Dinner - kindly hosted by MSD Animal Health
Show description

Join us for an unforgettable Networking Dinner at the iconic Gravity Bar in the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin! Perched high above the city, this unique venue offers breathtaking panoramic views of Dublin’s skyline, paired with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We can’t wait to share this special experience with you! This Dinner will be kindly hosted by the Conference Exclusive Partner – MSD Animal Health.

Departures from the Convention Centre Dublin at 19:30.

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