ICMSF and ICFMH explore food safety challenges in a changing world

ICMSF Chair Marcel Zwietering opened with an overview of the history of the ICMSF, its current projects and future activities. He also provided a preview of the forthcoming ICMSF Book 9: Managing Food Safety and Stability in the Context of Global Megatrends, which will examine how major global developments are shaping approaches to food safety and stability.

Anett Winkler explored the role of technology in food safety and stability, while John Donaghy discussed big data and its impact on dynamic food safety risk management across the food chain.

Following the plenary, ICMSF members contributed to a session titled Different Perspectives on Challenging Topics of Food Microbiology in a Changing World.

Diane Rip presented Perspectives from Africa: Out of Africa, bringing an African perspective to the discussion, while Tom Ross presented Perspective from Oceania: Application of One Health for Food Safety and Security in Oceania, examining the relevance of a One Health approach to food safety and security across the region.

The sessions highlighted the importance of international collaboration in responding to the increasingly complex challenges affecting food systems worldwide. They also demonstrated the strong synergy between the ICMSF and ICFMH, bringing together complementary expertise and perspectives to advance food microbiology and strengthen approaches to food safety, stability and security.