Microbiological Risk Assessments Workshop - “Enhanced capacity for science-based decisions”

 

 

WHAT:      Workshop on Microbiological Risk Assessments a new tool to inform actions and decisions aimed at improving food safety

 

WITH:        Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry

                Ministry of Health and Social Services

Food and Agriculture Organization - UN

International Life Science Institute - SA

 

WHEN:       Tuesday, 9 June 2015, 8.30  - 10.30 a.m.

 

WHERE:     Safari Conference Center, Windhoek Namibia

 

Accreditation and Interviews

• Journalists should present at the entrance of the event their IDs indicating the name of the media house they work with.
• Upon request, experts will be available after the opening ceremony to give brief interviews to journalists.

Media Contacts

FAO Namibia, helena.kasheeta@fao.org 

FAO Southern Africa Office, edward.ogolla@fao.org +263 771681178; +264 812637827

 

Twitter handle: @FAOSFSAfrica

Twitter Hashtag: #FoodSafety

More information: www.codexalimentarius.org

 

WHY - Background Information

The continued occurrence of foodborne illness is not evidence of the failure of our food safety system. In fact, many of our prevention and control efforts have been to a reasonable extent, effective. Despite great strides in the area of microbiological food safety, much remains to be done.

Foodborne illness is not a simple problem in need of a quick fix solution; it is a complex combination of factors that must be managed on a continual basis. Changing life-styles and population demographics, global food trade to provide a year-round supply of fruits and vegetables, and novel foods are a few examples of potential increased food safety risks. No matter how sophisticated and complex a system is developed, food safety management is never finished or complete, because change is constant.

 The MRA Workshop will equip Risk Managers with knowledge and understanding of practical MRA in order to:

• Identify and prioritize food safety risks to populations in respective countries
• Commission MRA's in their countries or in regions to obtain scientific information on defined food safety risks to populations in that country or region
• Utilise this modern risk-based approach in developing science-based food safety regulations.
• Enhance the level and knowledge of food safety in the region.
• Create an opportunity for regional harmonization of food safety regulations to enhance regional and international trade.

The workshop is being funded by ILSI and the African Solidarity Trust Fund (ASTF). The fund is a unique Africa-led initiative aimed at improving agriculture and food security across the continent.