NZFSA conference focuses on Food into the Future

NZFSA conference focuses on Food into the Future

Food safety experts from the United States, Canada, Europe and Denmark will gather in Wellington in September to speak at the New Zealand Food Safety Authority's annual conference.

The conference will focus on Food into the Future as New Zealand's vital food sector positions itself to deal with the significant growth expected over the next 20 years.

Key speakers include Stephen Sundlof from the United States Food and Drug Administration, Knud Østergaard from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Ben Chapman from Canada's University of Guelph and Dr Stef Bronzwaer from the European Food Safety Authority.

Additional speakers from New Zealand's food industry, academia and other regulators will be presenting on future-focused topics, along with NZFSA's own experts.

NZFSA's Acting Chief Executive Andrew McKenzie says: "Our programme will offer insights into the direction of New Zealand regulatory change and where international food innovation and change may impact on New Zealand. It is a fitting theme for NZFSA's first conference as a stand-alone Public Service Department."

Dr Bronzwaer will provide insights into how EFSA deals with the expectations and sensitivities of consumers across different member states of the EU.

Dr Laurence Eyres from the Food and Nutrition Department of Auckland University will follow with a topical discussion on innovative nutrients in the food supply.

Speakers will examine the boundaries between food and medicine, debunk food safety myths and legends and share ways in which their own experiences have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the food safety environment.

NZFSA will offer updates on the proposed new Food Bill and other reviews of imported and wild foods, as well as progress on strategic initiatives such as the Campylobacter Risk Management Strategy.

Delegates will have the opportunity to attend various workshops over the two days, which will take a more focused view of NZFSA's work, including updates on science-based research and decision making, implementing regulations and communicating in a crisis.

The conference will be held at the Duxton Hotel in Wellington on 26-27 September. Delegates are encouraged to register quickly. The conference programme and registration form can be downloaded from NZFSA's website (www.nzfsa.govt.nz/events/nzfsa-conference-2007) where presentations from last year's conference are also available.

There will also be limited opportunities for relevant trade displays and organisations and researchers are also invited to provide posters for display during the conference. You do not need to be attending to do so. For details on trade displays and posters, contact Gill Wilson: 04 894 2539 (Gill.Wilson[at]nzfsa.govt.nz)

ENDS

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