The 2000 Food Safety Conference Europe
This was the official website for the 2000 Food Safety in Europe Conference. The Food Safety in Europe Conference was not just about sitting and listening to presentations. The idea was to find and meet specific key individuals, to form specific strategic alliances between partners for mutual benefit.
Content is from the site's 2000 archived pages as well as other outside sources.
- Conference Highlights -
- Significant networking opportunities on a European level
- Keynote speakers from the European Commission, industry and research
- This conference is of primary importance to researchers, food producers, food processors, distributors, consumer groups and health groups so REGISTER TODAY
- Free networking, proposer’s forum, brokerage event and poster session
19th October
17.00-19.00 - A unique opportunity for the food industry, SMEs, research organisations and Universities to network and discuss their ideas and experiences. Poster abstracts are invited from attendees with a final 50 selected for display. Register for formal brokerage after and indicate that you would like to submit a poster abstract on the registration form.
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UPDATES: Jump ahead two decade from the 2000 Food Safety in Europe Conference. I am planning on attending my 21st Food Safety in Europe Conference which is being held in London on February 12. 2020. Unlike the 2000 conference, the 2020 conference will be a one day conference which, as always, will deliver valuable insights and high-level, constructive knowledge-share designed specifically to improve European food safety management in retail, food service and manufacturing environments
These annual conferences offer myriad opportunities for delegates from across the industry to network with their peers. I have met such interesting people over the years. Every year the conference brings in great speakers and 2020 is no different. I am particularly interested in Dr Leon Mol, Director, Product Safety and Social Compliance at Ahold Delhaize, the world-leading food retailer based in the Netherlands.
Unlike when I was much younger, I try to plan a week's vacation around the one day conference. Instead of jumping on a plane to attend a conference and then return the day it ends, I like to relax a bit after the conference, often meeting with other attendees for networking after the conference is over. Last year I lost my reading glasses during the conference and had to buy an over the counter pair just to get by. This year I plan on taking along an extra pair bought at my favorite online store that offers an excellent choice of what I consider are the best glasses at the best prices.
The other two speakers at the 2020 conference are Antonio Nesploi and Tony Carvell. For more information about the 2020 Food Safety in Europe Conference go to: www.brcgs.com/events/food-safety-europe-2020/.
Unfortunately due to Covid 19 I cancelled my travel plans. It was just too risky
2022 has been a much better year as far as Covid is concerned. With the availability of vaccines and boosters, attending in person conferences does not seem as risky. I was comparing conference notes with my daughter and her partner, Matt, who have just returned from attending an international housewares show in Chicago. It had been cancelled for the past 3 years and they were excited and a bit cautious about having a booth there to show the cast iron cookware which Matt has designed. I have to just say that these cast-iron pans take the top prize for not only for the meticulously sculpted, ergonomically designed skillet handles and general look of all the pieces, but also for the machined smooth, pre-season with two rounds of organic flaxseed oil interiors which allow for an incredible cooking experience whether it is steak, fish, or fried eggs you plan to cook. These cast iron skillets are a stark departure from the ordinary, traditional looking cast iron frying pan. Chefs along with house ware magazines' articles often rate the value of a cast iron skillet by price, quality, design, ergonomics, hand feel, size, weight, ease of use and cleaning. If you are curious, you can view all the cast iron products at the Nest Homeware's stylish website. And then judge for yourself. Their view of the Chicago show was pretty close to mine regarding the various conferences I have attended this year. Vaccine proof was required, some folks wore masks and others didn't, there was cautious optimism and a fairly good turn out. The show wasn't as large as it was pre Covid, but the venue plans to expand it the next year. They were able to connect with a number important buyers, networked, and took a day off after they had set up their booth but before the show began to enjoy some of the wonderful cultural offerings of Chicago. During the 2022 Food Safety in Europe Conference in London, I planned a week long vacation after the show. Protocols were similar and the speakers were informative, networking excellent. A 2023 Food Safety in Europe Conference is already in the works. Perhaps I will see you there.
But I digress enough. Let's take a nostalgic look at the 2000 Food Safety in Europe Conference.
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2000 Food Safety in Europe Conference
Conference Programme
Thursday 19th October 2000
Registration: 08.30 – 9.30
- Opening Session
- Session 1: Food Microbiology
- Session 2: Food Safety and Processing
- Session 3: Food Toxicology
- Session 4: Food Safety and the Food Chain
- Closing Session
Opening Session
Chair: Dr David Shannon, MAFF
09.30 - 09.45 Opening of the Conference – Baroness Hayman
09.45 - 10.15 Food Safety – An Industrial Perspective – Lord Haskins, Chairman of Northern Foods plc, UK
10.15 - 10.30 Importance of Food Safety into the Millenium – Suzi Leather, Deputy Chair of UK Food Standards Agency, London
10.30 – 10.45 Food Safety and Food Research – Mr Gordon Adam, MEP
10.45 – 11.00 Food Safety Research in the 5th framework, Quality of life, Key Action 1 – Health, Food and Nutrition Including the European Research Area – Dr Rainer Gerold, Director B.I Life Sciences I, European Commission
11.00 - 11.15 Discussion
11.15 – 11.45 Coffee and tea
Session 1: Food Microbiology
Chair: Dr Grahame Gould (formerly Unilever Research)
Rapporteur: Dr James Ridsdale, UK Food Standards Agency
11.50 – 12.20 Major and Emerging Pathogens Including Anti-Microbial Resistance Issues, the Experience of the Irish Food Safety Authority – Dr. Pat Wall, Irish Food Safety Authority
12.20 – 12.40 Current Major Pathogens in Europe –
Dr Roy Betts,Campden and Chorleywood Food RA
12.40 – 13.40 Lunch
13.40 – 14.00 Emerging Pathogens: Verocytotoxigenic E.coli,Campylobacter and Crytosporidium parvum in Europe – Dr Geraldine Duffy, Project Coordinator, Teagasc, Dublin
14.00 – 14.20 Salmonella Stress Responses and Food Safety Prof Tom Humphrey, Public Health Laboratory Service, UK
14.20 – 14.40 Food Brand Bound Residues and Nitrofuran Detection– Dr Glen Kennedy, Project Coordinator, University Belfast
Session 2: Food Safety and Processing Back
Chair: Dr Mike Knowles, Dir. Coca Cola, Greater Europe
Rapporteur: Dr B. Verachtert, Quality of Life, KA1, Food Technology
14.50 – 15.20 Pesticides, Processing and Food Safety: The Issues -–Dr Stuart Reynolds, Dir. Central Science Laboratory, UK
15.20 – 15.40 Novel Processors Addressing Food Safety, Quality and Processing – Professor D Knorr, Project Coordinator, TU-Berlin, Germany
15.40 – 16.00 Rapid Immunological Test Methods Forming a Screening System to Monitor Pesticide and Antibiotic Residues in Food and Food Products – Dr A. Van Amerongen, Project Coordinator, ATO-DLO, Netherlands
16.00 – 16.20 Coffee break
16.20 – 16.40 Recycling of Plastic and Paper for Food Packaging –Dr Roland Franz, Project Coordinator, Fhg-IVV, Friesing, Germany
16.40 – 17.00 Modified Atmosphere Packagings and Safety Aspects – Dr Ulf Rönner, The Swedish Institute for Food and Biotechnology
17.00 – 19.00 Free networking, proposer’s forum, brokerage event and poster session related to all conference topics.
Friday 20th October
Session 3: Food Toxicology
Chair: Dr A. Visconti, Dir. CNR, Italy
Rapporteur: Dr Achim Boenke, Quality of Life, KA1, Food Safety
09.00 – 09.30 Risk Analysis in Europe: Present and Future Needs – Professor G Pascal, Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee, DG Sanco, European Commision.
09.30 – 09.50 Food Safety in Europe: Risk Assessment of Chemicals in Food and Diet – Dr J Kleiner, Project Coordinator, ILSI-Europe, Brussels
09.50 – 10.10 Development, Validation and Application of Stochastic Modelling of Human Exposure to Food Chemicals and Nutrients – Professor Dr Mike Gibney, Project Coordinator, Trinity College, Ireland
10.10 – 10.30 Hazard Analysis Control of Food Contamination ; Prevention of Fusarium Mycotoxins and Ochratoxin A - Prof Dr Naresh Magan, Cranfield Biotechnology Centre, Cranfield University, UK
10.30 – 10.50 European Safety of Genetically Modified Food – The GMF Cluster – Professor Dr H Kuiper, Cluster Coordinator, RIKILT, Netherlands
10.50 – 11.20 Coffee break
Session 4: Food Safety and the Food Chain
Chair: Mr Liam Breslin, Quality of Life, Head KA1 & 4
Rapporteur: Dr A di Giulio, Quality of Life, KA1, Food Microbiology
11.20 – 11.50 Consumer Issues on Food Safety – Dr Sheila McKechnie, Consumer Association, UK
11.50 – 12.10 Catering, New Developments and Safety Aspects – Dr Toon Martins, Alama, Belgium
12.10 – 12.30 The Preservation of Frozen Food Quality and Safety Throughout the Distribution Chain – Prof Fabio Polonara, Universita Degli Studi di Ancona.
12.30 – 12.50 Food Safety and the Retail Distribution Chain – Dr Alastair Robertson, Dir. Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK
12.50 – 13.50 Lunch
Closing Session
Chair: Professor Dr C Williams, Chair of EAG for Quality of Life-KA1
Rapporteur: Dr M Nielsen, Quality of Life, KA1
13.50 - 14.10 White Paper on Food Safety - Dr. Paola Testori (European Commission, DG SANCO)
14.10 - 14.30 Food Safety in the United States of America - Dr. James Lindsay, USDA, USA
14.30 - 14.50 The Impact of Food Safety and Nutrition on Public Health - The case for a Food and Nutrition Policy and Action Plan for the European Region of WHO, 2000-2005
- Dr Marco Jermini, WHO, Italy
14.50 - 15.10 Towards Consumer-New Food Safety Challenges - Dr. Ethel Forsberg Swedish Consumers’ Association
15.10 - 16.00 The Challenge Ahead – Panel Discussion chaired by Dr. J. Leslie (Panel Members:,
Dr Paola Testori, Dr Ethel Forsberg, Dr Liam Breslin, Dr Marco Jermini & Dr. James Lindsay)
16.00 Close of Conference
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Venue
Situated in the heart of Westminster, yet in the tranquil setting of Dean's Yard, the Conference and Banqueting Centre at Church House offers an unexpected and very special meeting venue.
It is a listed building built in the 1930's since when it has served as the venue for many important events.
All rooms enjoy natural light and every care and attention to detail has been taken to combine the traditional design and architecture of the building with the best in modern technology.
The Centre is equipped with the latest technology including ISDN, CAT 5 cabling, video conferencing and infra-red translation services. It has a professional in-house team of dedicated sales and conference personnel, AV specialists and accredited in-house caterers.
The Centre has comfort heating and cooling systems, 8-hour conference chairs and is well appointed to provide maximum access to visitors, including good wheelchair facilities.
More Background on FoodSafetyEurope.com
Origins and Development
FoodSafetyEurope.com was launched in the early 2000s amid growing concerns about food safety in Europe. The website was created to serve as a centralized hub for food safety information, regulations, and best practices across the European Union. Its development coincided with major food safety reforms in Europe, including the establishment of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2002. The website's founders recognized the need for a reliable, accessible source of food safety guidance for both industry professionals and consumers. In its early years, FoodSafetyEurope.com focused primarily on providing updates about new EU food safety regulations and scientific opinions from EFSA. Over time, it expanded its scope to cover a broader range of food safety topics and resources.
Content and Features
Today, FoodSafetyEurope.com offers a wide array of content related to food safety in Europe:
- Regulatory Information: The site provides detailed explanations of EU food safety laws and regulations, including updates on new legislation and changes to existing rules.
- Scientific Resources: Visitors can access summaries of the latest scientific research on food safety topics, often drawing from EFSA opinions and risk assessments.
- Industry Guidance: The website offers practical guides and best practices for food businesses on implementing food safety management systems, conducting hazard analyses, and complying with regulations.
- Consumer Information: FoodSafetyEurope.com includes a section dedicated to educating consumers about food safety risks, proper food handling, and understanding food labels.
- News and Updates: The site features a regularly updated news section covering food safety incidents, recalls, and emerging issues across Europe.
- Training Resources: Visitors can find information about food safety training programs and certification options available in various European countries.
- Discussion Forums: The website hosts forums where food safety professionals can discuss challenges, share experiences, and seek advice from peers.
Audience and Reach
FoodSafetyEurope.com caters to a diverse audience across the European food sector:
- Food Industry Professionals: Quality assurance managers, food safety officers, and other industry personnel rely on the site for up-to-date regulatory information and practical guidance.
- Regulatory Authorities: National food safety agencies and local health inspectors use the website as a reference for harmonized EU standards and emerging food safety issues.
- Academics and Researchers: The site serves as a valuable resource for food science students and researchers studying food safety trends and policies in Europe.
- Consumers: While not its primary audience, the website provides accessible information for consumers interested in understanding food safety regulations and practices.
The website's reach extends beyond the EU, attracting visitors from other European countries, as well as international food safety professionals interested in EU standards and practices.
Reputation and Impact
Over the years, FoodSafetyEurope.com has established itself as a respected and influential voice in the European food safety community. Its reputation stems from several factors:
- Accuracy and Reliability: The website is known for providing accurate, well-researched information, often citing official sources and peer-reviewed studies.
- Timeliness: FoodSafetyEurope.com is frequently among the first to report on new food safety developments, making it a go-to source for professionals seeking the latest updates.
- Practical Focus: The site's emphasis on practical guidance and real-world application of food safety principles has made it particularly valuable to industry professionals.
- Neutrality: FoodSafetyEurope.com maintains a neutral, science-based approach to food safety issues, avoiding sensationalism or bias.
The website's impact on European food safety practices is significant. Many food businesses use its resources to develop and improve their food safety management systems. Regulatory authorities often reference the site's interpretations of EU laws when providing guidance to local food operators. Additionally, the website has played a role in raising awareness about food safety issues among consumers and the general public.
Cultural and Social Significance
FoodSafetyEurope.com reflects and influences the broader food safety culture in Europe. The website's emphasis on science-based approaches, transparency, and continuous improvement aligns with the EU's overall philosophy on food safety. The site has contributed to the development of a more harmonized approach to food safety across EU member states. By providing a common reference point for food safety information, it has helped bridge gaps in understanding and implementation of EU regulations between different countries. FoodSafetyEurope.com has also played a role in promoting the concept of food safety as a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in the food chain. Its content emphasizes the importance of collaboration between regulators, industry, and consumers in ensuring food safety.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its positive reputation, FoodSafetyEurope.com has faced some challenges and criticisms:
- Information Overload: Some users have reported feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available on the site, suggesting a need for better organization and navigation.
- Language Barriers: While the website offers content in multiple European languages, some users have called for more comprehensive translations to improve accessibility across all EU member states.
- Balancing Stakeholder Interests: The website has occasionally been criticized for perceived bias towards industry perspectives, though it strives to maintain a neutral stance.
- Keeping Pace with Change: The rapidly evolving nature of food safety science and regulation presents an ongoing challenge for the website to stay current and relevant.
Future Directions
As food safety continues to evolve in Europe, FoodSafetyEurope.com is likely to adapt and expand its offerings. Some potential future directions for the website include:
- Enhanced Interactive Features: The site may incorporate more interactive tools, such as risk assessment calculators or virtual training simulations.
- Increased Focus on Emerging Technologies: Coverage of new food safety technologies, such as blockchain for traceability or AI-powered quality control systems, is likely to grow.
- Greater Emphasis on Sustainability: As sustainability becomes increasingly intertwined with food safety, the website may expand its content on sustainable food production practices.
- Improved Personalization: The site could develop more personalized user experiences, tailoring content to specific industry sectors or regulatory jurisdictions.
FoodSafetyEurope.com has established itself as a vital resource in the European food safety landscape. By providing comprehensive, reliable information and practical guidance, the website plays a crucial role in promoting food safety awareness and best practices across the continent. As the food industry continues to evolve, FoodSafetyEurope.com is well-positioned to remain a trusted source of information and support for all stakeholders committed to ensuring the safety of Europe's food supply.
