Dubai International Food Safety Conference 2023 Explores Innovations And Technologies In Food Sector

The Dubai International Food Safety Conference, now in its nineteenth year, has commenced at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event, organised by Dubai Municipality, focuses on "Technology and Innovation in Food Safety." It gathers over 3,500 participants and 225 experts from 70 countries between 17th and 19th November. The conference aims to explore the future of food safety and the role of technology in enhancing food systems.

In collaboration with the FAO, IAFP, and NEHA, this year's conference delves into leveraging emerging technologies to improve food safety systems. The focus is on reducing food waste and supporting sustainable practices worldwide. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted that the conference serves as a global hub for discussions on food safety's future.

Dubai's commitment to global food security is evident through its efforts to build a collaborative network. This initiative aims to enhance the UAE's standing in the Global Food Security Index. The conference aligns with Dubai’s vision for a sustainable global food ecosystem by addressing challenges with innovative solutions.

Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Regional Representative for the UAE, emphasised their ongoing partnership with Dubai Municipality. He stated that the conference is crucial for strengthening food control capacities and fostering innovation. Mukhtar noted that advancements in technology and AI are vital for building resilient agrifood systems.

Dubai Municipality introduced several initiatives during the conference to bolster food safety in the Emirate. One such initiative is "Food Safety Storytellers – Creators," developed with AI Journalism for Research and Forecasting Foundation. This programme aims to train over 500 professionals in creating credible scientific content on safe and sustainable food.

Innovative Programmes Launched

The "AI Food Intelligence Guide" was also launched, setting unified procedures for AI-based food safety solutions. This guide aims to predict risks, enhance transparency, and improve monitoring systems. Additionally, "DM Checked," a digital platform for inspection and nutrition monitoring, was introduced to ensure transparency throughout all inspection stages.

During the opening day of the conference, winners of the second edition of the "DM Food Elite" Programme were honoured by Dubai Municipality. The awards recognised excellence across three categories: independent restaurants, hotel restaurants, and quick service cafeterias.

The FAO reiterated its dedication to advancing science-based food safety measures globally. As technology evolves rapidly, joint efforts remain essential to developing adaptive agrifood systems capable of meeting future challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM