ADAFSA Organises First-of-its-Kind Regional Conference On Combating Food Fraud

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is spearheading a significant initiative in the region by organising an international conference focused on enhancing food safety through the combat of food fraud. This event, titled "Together to Combat Food Fraud," is set to occur on the 23rd and 24th of April in Abu Dhabi, marking a first-of-its-kind endeavour in the area.

The conference will bring together representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, global regulatory authorities, international organisations, and stakeholders from the UAE's private sector, including producers, manufacturers, and food establishments. The primary goal is to discuss best practices, global developments in food fraud prevention, and strategies for implementing anti-food fraud procedures at a national level.

Dr. Mariam Hareb Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director-General for Operational Affairs at ADAFSA, emphasised the conference's role in facilitating the exchange of international best practices and developing a unified strategy to monitor and combat food fraud across all food chain stages. She highlighted the necessity of national efforts, cooperation, and coordination among various regulatory bodies and stakeholders to protect society and ensure fair food trade practices.

The conference aims to review global advancements in combating food fraud, develop early warning systems, risk management strategies, and enhance detection methods. It also seeks to raise awareness about the risks posed by food fraud to consumers and the food sector. This initiative underscores ADAFSA's commitment to promoting food safety, health, and protecting consumers from food fraud risks through strengthened cooperation with stakeholders and the development of robust food control systems.

Additionally, ADAFSA is organising an exhibition alongside the conference to display the latest technologies used in detecting food fraud. Experts from ADAFSA will present papers and presentations detailing their efforts in this critical area.

This conference not only provides a platform for dialogue among GCC countries' food sector stakeholders but also offers an opportunity to exchange expertise, foster cooperation, and effectively combat fraudulent practices. ADAFSA's proactive approach includes intensifying inspection efforts on imported food products and educating consumers on identifying and reporting food fraud practices.

The significance of addressing food fraud extends beyond consumer protection; it is crucial for maintaining confidence in the safety of the food chain and achieving global leadership in food security. With economic losses due to food fraud estimated at over US$30 billion annually worldwide, strengthening regulatory systems to prevent such practices is more important than ever. This conference represents a pivotal step towards achieving these goals by uniting regional and international forces against the common threat of food fraud.

With inputs from WAM