Middle East markets must embrace science-based food safety system, says leading expert

Eva Hurt – Nestlé’s top global regulatory affairs executive and a keynote speaker at the 6th Dubai International Food Safety Conference – calls for an evidence-based approach to policymaking

Regulatory authorities in the region must work in tandem with the food industry and the academia to ensure a strong scientific base for food safety standards, a leading industry expert opined on the sidelines of the 6th Dubai International Food Safety Conference.

Emphasizing the need for food industry stakeholders to work concertedly in evolving a more advanced and scientifically informed safety and quality system, Eva Hurt, Corporate Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Manager, Nestlé S.A. and one of the keynote speakers at the conference, said, “For policy and regulatory framework in the region to be at par with international best practices, regulatory agencies, food industry and the academia must work as partners in health to develop effective food safety strategies that are rooted in science.”

“Regional economies should look to adopt an evidence-based approach to addressing food safety challenges and assign a greater role for scientific knowledge and expertise in policymaking,” she added. “Ensuring strict regulatory compliance and fostering a culture of innovation is crucially important as food safety requires constant vigilance and continuous improvement.”

One of the foremost international experts in food regulatory affairs, Hurt will be chairing a workshop entitled “Responsible Consumer Information on Nutrition and Health Claims”, which will be held on the second and final day of the conference. During the workshop, Hurt will discuss Nestlé’s global approach to Regulations on Nutrition and Health Claims as well as the company’s strict consumer communication policies including its pioneering initiatives in food labeling.

“Nestlé is committed to responsible, reliable consumer communication that empowers consumers to exercise their right to informed choice. Through our various initiatives such as the NUTRITIONAL COMPASS® – an innovative nutrition labeling panel implemented on all Nestlé products in more than 80 countries in the world – we continually strive to ensure that consumers are always provided clear and transparent nutrition information,” Hurt said.

Nestlé was last year honored by the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) with its prestigious President’s Award, in recognition of its efforts to advance global food science and technology for the benefit of everyone and in particular for its commitment to food safety.

A gold sponsor of the conference, Nestlé Middle East has partnered with Dubai Municipality at the annual conference since the event’s inception in 2006.

The Dubai International Food Safety conference will be held at the Al Multaqa Hall of the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 28 to March 1, alongside Gulfood, the largest food exhibition in the Middle East. The conference will focus on food safety challenges in emerging economies and will discuss ways and means to devise achievable, reliable and sustainable solutions to enhance food safety in these economies.