THOSE interested in the safety of fresh produce were given an insight in the innovations helping to improve the space for the entire supply chain at the third annual Fresh Produce Safety Conference at the University of Sydney earlier this month.
Organised by the the Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia & New Zealand, the event included an impressive line-up of speakers.
They presented to a capacity audience of more than 140 people which included industry people, regulators, students and researchers.
Focusing on innovation in fresh food safety, the conference informed delegates about latest and near-future technologies and techniques representing the next phase of fresh produce safety.
It also provided valuable opportunities for networking and information-sharing.
Australasian and international speakers tackled issues facing today’s producers and researchers, and detailed the lessons learnt from recent food safety crises here and abroad, including the very topical salmonella on melons.
Extension research specialist at the University of California Trevor Suslow gave the keynote address by video link.
He examined global technology advances in food safety. This was followed by a detailed look at innovative techniques and technologies to better manage food safety, such as rapid testing technology and next generation sequencing.
Industry delegates were particularly interested in practical solutions on food safety issues, including sanitation of fresh cut products and safe use of animal wastes for compost in horticulture.
Bill Marler, a major force in food safety policy in the United States and abroad, addressed foodborne illness litigation, with some sobering case studies of what happens when food safety is neglected.
In a technology showcase, Todd Gordon delivered a lively address on the latest technologies to combat food fraud, and Joe Giblin spoke on how to keep pace with IT requirements.
Belinda Millard and Tristan Kitchener presented details about the new Harmonised Australian Retailer Produce Scheme due to start this year, which will streamline fresh produce safety requirements across the supply chain.
The presentations sparked spirited discussion in the networking sessions during and immediately following the conference.
Fresh Produce Safety Centre chairman and PMA A-NZ CEO Michael Worthington said the support the conference and the centre have received is testimony to the importance the industry places on delivering first class, safe-to-eat fresh produce.
“The enthusiastic engagement with the presentations of those attending the conference clearly demonstrates the value of the conference.”
