Press Release
May 17, 2021
Richard Gilmore of GFSF, speaker at the Independent Dialogue <Different Routes, Similar Goals> in support of the UN Food Systems Summit 2021, underscored the disruptive effects of COVID-19 on global and, in particular, Eurasian food systems. In his opening remarks, he identified the following strategic challenges to address food safety and security issues in transitioning to “the New Normal” in a post-pandemic world:
1. Managing surge in food demand without sacrificing consumer confidence
2. Mitigating expectations of a surge in recalls of food and feed products
3. Restoring supply chains, food safety site surveillance and compliance enforcement
4. Using new detection and verification technologies to protect human health
5. Re-tooling trade policies within countries that have devolved into trade blocks at the expense of supplies, buyers and the international food safety infrastructure
“The stark threats to food systems and human health are real,” Dr. Gilmore said, and added, “So are the solutions, which depend on new, cost-effective technologies and a supportive policy environment for sustainable agriculture.” He highlighted the following new technology offerings for verification and validation purposes that could reduce risks and offer reliable food safety interventions in the production of food, feed and beverages:
a. Data digitization
b. Blockchain
c. Modular spectrometry
d. Radio Frequency Identification
e. Nanoparticle Biosensors
f. AI systems such as Resource-Efficient Intelligent FoodChain for waste management.
“Technologies are a part of the solution,” he emphasized, as food safety is a comprehensive set of issues which requires a holistic set of solutions. His remarks also focused on the work of GFSF, specifically the Food Safety Rating Platform (FSRP), which will offer financial incentives for improving corporate food safety performance. In conclusion, Dr. Gilmore underscored the need for a cultural shift in which both private and public sectors recognize the importance of food safety systems for future risk avoidance in our new normal world.
For more information, contact Rick Gilmore at rickgilmore@gicgroup.com.
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