CIES International Food Safety Conference in Barcelona 4th-6th February

What is the Global Food Safety Initiative?

Following the success of last CIES International Food Safety Conferences, held previously in Amsterdam, Munich, Paris and Rome, Barcelona has been the scenario for the Food Safety Conference 2009 last 4th-6th of February.

By focusing on “Food Safety: The Global Challenge”, the three days event has gathered international experts not only in food security but also in consumer confidence, retailers’ needs, manufacturer sector and service providers from 44 countries around the world.

In the opening address, John Peter Suarez, Chairman of the GFSI and Senior Vice President and General Counsel, International Division, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., exposed the results of CIES Top of Mind survey, where 600 decision makers in food and consumer goods industries across 54 countries reveal their key concerns for 2009, stressing “Economy and Consumer Demand” as top of mind issue in global food industry.

He also announced the development of a joint approach to benchmarking for farm assurance scheme owners in cooperation with GlobalGap.

The CIES International Food Safety Conference included a “Store visit tour” on 4th February, where around 300 worldwide experts in food safety had the opportunity to experience about how the leading companies in the Spanish food industry Mercabarna, Dia and Caprabo manage food safety.

What is the Global Food Safety Initiative?

Consumer confidence in food bought around the world has dropped significantly over the last year and managing food safety consistently in the global marketplace has become the major challenge in today’s world for all stakeholders in the supply chain.

Even though food has always been a global business, supply chains are becoming increasingly longer and more complex, as consumers become more demanding and food safety can no longer be managed within national boundaries.

In April 2000, a group of international retailer CEO’s identified the need to enhance food safety, ensure consumer protection and to strengthen consumer confidence. Following their lead, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) was launched at the CIES Annual Executive Congress in Dublin, Ireland on 31st May 2000. In 2005, the GFSI Foundation, a non-profit making entity, was created under Belgian law in order to further improve and streamline the activities of GFSI. The initiative is facilitated by CIES - The Food Business Forum.

Author: Noelia Sánchez
Correspondent CIES 2009

 

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