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New Delhi, 21st September 2024 – Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel, delivered a keynote address today at the Regional Conclave on “Enhancing Regional Collaboration & Harmonization in Standard Setting Process” during the second edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit 2024. Organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the event took place alongside the World Food India 2024, hosted by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
In her speech, Smt. Patel emphasized the critical role of regional cooperation in shaping food safety standards, particularly in the Asia region. “The Asian region is responsible for a significant portion of the world’s food production,” she noted. “With this prominence comes the responsibility to ensure food safety, promote health, and uphold fair trade practices that align with international standards.” She described the conclave as a key milestone in the pursuit of a safer and healthier food system for both the region and the world.
Strengthening Regional Collaboration
Smt. Patel underscored the challenges that impede the region’s ability to comply with global food safety standards, such as varying regulatory frameworks, institutional capacities, and technical expertise across countries. She called for enhanced regional collaboration, advocating for a unified approach to pool resources, share technical expertise, and align strategies. “Only through unity and cooperation can we elevate the region’s role in shaping international food standards,” she asserted.
Addressing Emerging Sectors and Technologies
Looking toward the future, Smt. Patel highlighted the need for developing standards in emerging sectors such as aquaculture, processed foods, and organic farming. She also stressed the importance of addressing new technologies, including biotechnology and sustainable farming, to build resilient and sustainable food systems. “These advancements are critical as we strive to make our food systems safe, more resilient, and sustainable for the future,” she added.
Global Perspective on Regional Issues
The event saw participation from prominent global leaders in food safety. Shri G. Kamala Vardhan Rao, CEO of FSSAI, spoke about the unique challenges Asia faces compared to other regions. He emphasized the importance of discussing regional issues that could have global implications, including emerging markets, standardization procedures, and quality assurance.
Mr. Steve Wearne, Chairperson of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, lauded the diversity of the Asian region in terms of food production systems and regulatory frameworks. He remarked, “This regional conclave provides an opportunity for meaningful discussions on food standards and quality control, which are vital for addressing the vast differences in institutional capacities across the region.”
Dr. Vincent Arbuckle, Deputy Director-General of New Zealand Food Safety, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the summit was a platform for sharing insights, enhancing government cooperation, and fostering capability-building. “This harmonization will benefit consumers, food businesses, and facilitate international trade,” he said.
A Path Toward Harmonization
The Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 is poised to foster greater regional collaboration and harmonization in food safety standards, ensuring that the Asian region plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of global food safety. By addressing emerging sectors and new technologies, the summit promises to enhance food safety practices, promote seamless trade, and contribute to a healthier global food system.
The conclave was attended by senior officials from the Union Health Ministry, international dignitaries, and industry experts, all contributing to discussions on the future of food safety standards in the region.
