Experts discuss Oman’s food safety practices and culture
MUSCAT: Food safety and quality have become essential components for the protection of public health, economic development. The Sultanate has taken effective and efficient measures to safeguard public health and strengthen consumer safety.
Senior food safety experts from Muscat Municipality, Ministry of Regional Municipalities & Water Resources, Khimji Ramdas, NSF International, Exova, Bureau Veritas, City Seasons Hotel Muscat, Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Al Jarwani Hospitality, Renaissance Services and GWR Food Safety were part of the advisory committee meeting organised by Omanexpo at the National Hospitality Institute in Wadi Kabir.
The meeting comes after the success of Omanexpo’s first edition of Food Safety Oman Conference, which will once again be held from October 16-18 at the new Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, says a press release.
Seeking to implement a rigorous food safety culture among the wide spectrum of food industry professionals in the Sultanate, an advisory committee was formed to discuss the challenges and issues faced by the food safety professionals in the country.
The advisory board serves an important role in shaping Oman’s food safety culture; whereas the purpose of the advisory committee is to aid and recommend steps towards the continuous improvement of the food safety environ- ment in the Sultanate.
“The advisory committee is dedicated to improving the food safety environment in the country,” said Robert McLean, Principal, National Hospitality Institute. The annual food safety platform provides an avenue for the exchange of ideas and strategies among policy makers and various stakeholders in the Sultanate on issues relating to food policy and regulations.
Food Safety Oman Conference will attract experts from food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers, processors, producers, retailers, catering & restaurant services, testing laboratories, importing/exporting, packaging and processing technology providers, vendors and government representatives and other food safety professionals to discuss the latest policies regulations, innovative approaches and technological advancements for assurance of food safety and quality in the Sultanate.
It will provide an avenue for the exchange of ideas and strategies among policy makers and various stakeholders in the Sultanate on issues relating to food policy and regulations considering the implications and the legitimate expectations of consumers, i.e. safety and health. It provides as well an opportunity for those with different food safety responsibilities to learn, network, and see others’ perspectives. Speakers, with varying degrees of expertise in a variety of food safety fields, moderate the technical components of their presentations so the audience gains useful “take home” messages.
Ammar Ahmad, exhibition director, said, “Food safety doesn’t just affect customers; it affects your company and bottom line. The conference is set to provide an avenue for like-minded professionals to build strong collaboration with industry experts and food solution providers.”