SINGAPORE, 11TH APRIL 2024: And that’s a wrap, folks! Today marked the final day of The Consumer Goods Forum’s (CGF) Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) 2024 Conference. As the global food safety community – from industry leaders to experts, policymakers to academics convened in Singapore, their presence shaped #GFSI24 as a proactive and forward-looking conference at the heart of a rapidly evolving food landscape.
The atmosphere was charged with the collective energy and insights gathered over an exhilarating three days. The sessions on Day 3 not only consolidated the learnings of the previous two days, but propelled participants into actionable strategies, leaving them inspired and empowered. The energy was palpable and panel discussions lively and informative, making this GFSI Conference one of the best yet.
The day commenced with a plenary session by Vikas Gupta of Tata Consumer Products. He addressed distinctive challenges facing food safety in India particularly the evolving regulatory landscape in Asia.
“Food Safety has to become a strategic priority and Food Safety culture has to be embedded in the corporate culture and decision-making.”- Vikas Gupta, President and Global Head – R&D, Tata Consumer Products.
Following the opener, the breakout sessions offered a deep dive into pioneering topics. The ‘Tech in Focus: Remote Auditing in Food Safety‘ panel, led by Mary Gertz, Chief Food Safety & Quality Officer from Yum! Brands and other experts, explored cutting-edge technological solutions that are set to redefine industry standards. The evolution of the use of technology in food safety audit and inspection COVID-19 was a topic of discussion and the need to continue to gather data about the efficacy of audits that are not delivered fully in person.
Simultaneously, the ‘Navigating Uncertainty: Digital Solutions Revolutionising Food Safety in a Turbulent World‘ session provided a compelling look at how digital innovations can provide stability and safety assurances amidst global unpredictability.
Post-break, Julian M. Cox, Associate Dean (International – Emerging Markets), Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) led an enlightening discussion on ‘Foodborne Pathogens as Adulterants’, challenging current perceptions and urging a reevaluation of safety standards in light of recent scientific developments.
“All of us in this room, among our family, our friends, our communities can communicate what we know in bite sized chunks of consumable terms accessible to make sure people grow in their food safety knowledge.” – Julian M. Cox, Associate Dean (International – Emerging Markets), Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney).
The highlight of the morning was Nigel Sutton’s ‘THIS IS FOR YOU – Turning Stories Into Actions‘. His session, infused with creative vigour, focussed on turning narratives into a powerful tool for change, illustrating how stories can shape policy, perception, and practice in business.
The conference concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Erica Sheward, GFSI Director, The Consumer Goods Forum and Dirk Van de Put, CGF Co-Chair and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mondelēz International. They recapped the spirit that characterised this year’s gathering, thanked participants and organisers, and extended a warm invitation to continue the momentum at #GFSI25 in Dublin.
“I hope you all learned something this week and if you might be able to talk to your younger self would you share the pride and positivity of being in an industry that really has the capacity to shape the Health, Wellness and security of the entire world. This is for you” – Erica Sheward, GFSI Director, The Consumer Goods Forum.
It was clear that #GFSI24 had not only facilitated meaningful discussions but had also sparked a palpable shift amongst participants towards actionable reform. The collaborations and insights garnered throughout the Conference are set to propel the food safety agenda, ensuring that GFSI’s legacy, through its ecosystem of partners, allies and participants, will significantly impact the important work we are all involved in for years to come.
As guests departed, the consensus was clear: GFSI Conference 2024 was not only a hub of innovation and insights but a cornerstone event that will reverberate throughout the future of food safety.
From the entire CGF/GFSI team, we would like to extend a huge thank you to all who made the journey and helped us, together, deliver a truly memorable event.
Féach leat i mBaile Átha Cliath (See you in Dublin)!
Until next time!
