Ministers and representatives of seven countries gathered in Seoul, Republic of Korea on 10-11 May 2023 to establish a ministerial level food regulators coalition in the Asia-Pacific region.  The Asia Pacific Food Regulatory Authority Summit (APFRAS) has been convened to address common challenges in the food sector such as food policy, emerging food technology and safe trade.

Delegates attending first APFRAS session, Seoul 10-11 May 2023

Australia, China, New Zealand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam and the Republic of Korea reached consensus on the need for international standards for food safety. Oh You-kyung, Korean Minister of Food and Drug Safety, was elected as chairperson for three years and an APFRAS Seoul declaration was adopted committing the group to work towards enhancing strategic leadership in the region and to addressing common opportunities and challenges in the food sector including emerging technology and novel food. The summit will be held annually, and the next meeting will take place in Seoul in 2024.

Minister Oh, Yu-kyoung, said: “We reached agreement to discuss global food safety issues and to strengthen capacity building between member countries.”

Tom Heilandt, Codex Secretary also addressed the session and underlined the need for clear and balanced regulations considering a One-Health approach.

Photo credit © Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Republic of Korea