IHFAF convenes in Singapore, emphasizing collaboration and knowledge exchange in food safety.

Singapore recently played host to the fifth annual meeting of the International Heads of Food Agencies Forum (IHFAF), gathering leaders from 17 countries and 22 international organizations. Held from April 16 to 20, the conference centered around the theme, “Food Safety for a Resilient and Sustainable World”.

Among the attendees were representatives from globally recognized bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The event served as a platform for global collaboration on enhancing food safety standards and practices.

During the summit, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) inked a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI). The agreement aims to foster cooperation on emerging trends in food safety, cutting-edge research, and risk assessments.

The signed agreement outlines a multi-year work plan that encompasses various collaborative initiatives. These include bridging research and data gaps, sharing knowledge, and addressing emerging challenges in the food safety landscape.

Scientific experts from BfR and SFA engaged in discussions on a range of topics, including the safety of alternative proteins, environmental contaminants impacting the food chain, food contact materials, and genetically modified foods. The dialogue aimed to foster greater understanding and cooperation in tackling these critical food safety issues on a global scale.