Last week saw the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP) bring its European meeting to Wales. The Association is a global not-for-profit organisation based in the US, which facilitates the interaction of food experts across the globe.
For ten years, Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Food Industry Centre, Zero 2 Five has been the focal point for the United Kingdom affiliate for the IAFP. Through this relationship and in conjunction with the Welsh Government, the meeting saw 350 food experts from around the world discuss current food safety challenges and create networks across the globe.
Deputy Minister of Farming and Food , Rebecca Evans said, “This event was testimony to the close relationship the Welsh Government promotes between sustainable food growth, both at home and in international markets and the requirements to assure food safety throughout the food chain. The event has already seen accolades from international attendees which has garnered a positive impression of Wales for visitors from the six continents who attended the event”.
“The event also encompassed many of the themes incorporated within the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Action Plan with trade, regulation, science and sector development all discussed across the prestigious three day event.”
This event was the first time that the European meeting had been held within the UK and attracted scientists, government officials and the private sector from 30 countries. Held at Cardiff’s City Hall, the conference moved on to the National Museum of Wales for an evening reception where local produce was served to delegates.
The meeting created opportunities for cross-border exchange of knowledge as well as promotion of Welsh food to overseas delegates. Strategists from the Food Standards Agency in London discussed with counterparts from the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, a commitment to strengthen transatlantic co-operation in the development of food safety knowledge.
Dr Donald Zink, Senior Scientific Officer for the Centre for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the USDA said, “We really need to open up geographical barriers to tackle food safety related issues on a global scale and the difficulties faced by the UK aligning with those affecting the USA. It makes sense to collaborate more closely.”
Dr Sara Mortimore, visiting from Land O’Lakes Corporation (Minneapolis, USA) highlighted the importance of the meeting and the sharing of knowledge. Speakers included senior scientists from J Sainsbury, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and David Brackston, Technical Director for the British Retail Consortium food standards.
The programme and associated exhibitions allowed for the showcasing of the Welsh Government’s Food and Drink Action Plan and food products from Wales, as well aspromoting international interaction with experts in Food Law and Labelling.
David Lloyd, Chair of the local organising committee and Director of the Food Industry Centre, Zero 2 Five at Cardiff Metropolitan University said
“The meeting was extremely successful and apart from the obvious financial gain for the Welsh economy over the three day event, also helped establish Cardiff and Wales as a destination where food safety, economic food growth and food science expertise are embraced and encouraged.”