21-04-2025
Global experts gather in Muscat to tackle food safety challenges
MUSCAT: The 7th Oman International Food Safety and Quality Conference and Exhibition kicked off on Sunday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing more than 500 specialists from 32 countries. The event features the presentation of 26 scientific papers focused on advancing food safety and quality standards.
The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahad al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers.
In his keynote address, Dr Hussein bin Samh al Masroori, Director General of the Food Safety and Quality Centre at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, emphasised Oman's growing strategic focus on food safety as part of its national vision to enhance public health and quality of life. He noted the Ministry's efforts—together with public and private sector partners—to build an integrated and sustainable food safety system, raise public awareness, and keep pace with global developments in food technology.
"This conference serves as a strategic platform for shaping policies, launching initiatives, and exchanging ideas with regional and international experts to strengthen Oman's food safety infrastructure," he said.
Professor Samuel Godefroy, President of the International Union for Food Science and Technology and CEO of the World Organisation for Food Science and Legislation, described the event as a vital venue for global collaboration on the challenges facing agricultural and animal production. He stressed the importance of leveraging scientific and technological advancements to boost food safety.
The three-day conference is structured around five key themes:
1. Modernising food safety, quality control, and supervision
2. Combating food fraud and verifying authenticity
3. Advancing food analysis and regulatory techniques
4. Enhancing risk assessment for regulatory decision-making
5. Promoting a green food supply chain
Alongside the conference, an exhibition features leading food companies showcasing innovative products and safety solutions. The event is organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in cooperation with other government agencies and private sector partners.
Also in attendance were Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, alongside several ministers, undersecretaries, diplomats, and senior officials. — ONA
