For the 7th time, the German Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL), will host the International Training for Safer Food (ITS Food). ITS Food is a training series on food safety risk management, designed by BVL for staff members of government agencies and public institutions responsible for food safety and public health in non-EU countries.

The upcoming ITS Food will be conducted online, focussing on “Managing Risks through Official Controls”. Various topics around official controls will be addressed – from standard-setting at international level such as Codex Alimentarius and tools for setting up and monitoring official food control systems developed by FAO to practical approaches for on-site inspections and HACCP audits, import controls and data management. A particular emphasis will be placed on the use of digital solutions and new technologies in official controls.

Experts from competent authorities, official laboratories and research institutions will share their knowledge and practical experience. Their input will allow participants to deepen their knowledge, identify best practices within their areas of work and explore key tools that are essential to a comprehensive public risk management system for safe food, feed and consumer products. Participants will gain hands-on technical insights and will also have the chance to establish new networks with colleagues worldwide.

“Effective official controls are essential for maintaining public trust in the food system and for preventing risks before they turn into crises", said Dr Gaby-Fleur Böl, President of BVL "The BVL’s ‘International Training for Safer Food’ is a platform to share valuable expertise and exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world, from various governmental bodies and diverse professional backgrounds. United by the shared goal of “Safe food for all”, we should come together to strengthen food safety worldwide”.

Since 2022, more than 2,500 professionals from 112 countries participated in the ITS Food Online training series, and gained insights into different aspects of food safety, risk and crisis management. In 2026, ITS Food will take place online from 23 to 27 March 2026, each day from 12h30 to 15h30 (UTC+1). The training is free of charge. Training language will be English. Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish interpretation will be provided.

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Application deadline January 31st, 2026

ITS Food 2026 website