MUSCAT: The 6th Oman International Conference on Food Safety and Quality, which concluded in Muscat last week, delivering a resounding call for action to enhance food safety and quality standards worldwide. Over the course of three days, the conference brought together nearly 400 attendees from 30 countries at the Oman Exhibition and Convention Center in Muscat.
The conference served as a platform for extensive discussions and presentations on various critical aspects of food safety and quality. Participants engaged in informative sessions covering topics such as the latest advancements in food safety technologies, the transformative role of artificial intelligence in ensuring food safety, the significance of comprehensive food safety education, and the unique challenges faced in the Arab region.
Concluding the event, a series of noteworthy recommendations were put forth to drive meaningful change and improvements in the field of food safety and quality. The key recommendations include robust investment in human capital and financial resources to fortify the existing food safety and quality system. Moreover, harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and modern technologies was emphasized as pivotal in bolstering food safety systems worldwide.
The implementation of a comprehensive self-monitoring program within food establishments and the integration of fundamental food safety principles into general education curricula were underscored as crucial steps towards creating a culture of awareness and responsibility.
Additionally, the establishment of a distinguished center of excellence specializing in risk analysis, training, and technical modeling within the realm of food and agricultural safety was proposed. Collaborative efforts with international committees, especially in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), were advocated to foster global harmonization of food standards.
Dr Hussain al Masrouri - Director General of the Center for Food Safety and Quality - Ministry of Agricultural Resources, Fisheries and Water Resources, expressed his satisfaction with the conference's success and highlighted the global commitment to improving food safety and quality. He affirmed the significant role of the recommendations in realizing this shared objective.
The Ministry organized the conference in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The conference served as an invaluable platform for stakeholders from around the world to exchange knowledge and best practices in the realm of food safety and quality. The recommendations put forth during the event will serve as a cornerstone for developing a comprehensive national food safety strategy in Oman, further advancing the country's commitment to ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality. (Pictures by Hussein Al-Muqbali)
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