Brussels, December 21, 2023 – The first European Food Safety Forum, held on November 28 and 29, 2023 in Brussels, concluded with resounding success, gathering over 120 participants from across Europe. Food Safety stakeholders from science, policy and society convened to share ideas, create synergies, and shape the future of the European food safety system together.
As the final flagship event of the FoodSafety4EU project funded by the European Commission, the Forum showcased the diversity and strength of the food safety community in Europe, bringing together experts from various disciplines to collaborate on innovative approaches and solutions. Notable highlights include the creation of potential synergies between EU-funded projects, with participants actively engaging in discussions and sharing groundbreaking ideas.
A particularly inspiring aspect of the Forum was the contribution of young scientists who shared their innovative ideas, injecting fresh perspectives into the EU dialogue. This emphasis on inclusivity and the exchange of ideas reflects the commitment of the European Food Safety Forum to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the field.
The climax of the event was the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the EU Food Safety platform, launched earlier this year as one of the main outcomes of the FoodSafety4EU project. Representatives from key entities such as the European Commission DG Research & Innovation, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the Research Executive Agency (REA), and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (EC-JRC) were present for this significant moment. 21 project partners signed the agreement, symbolizing a renewal of mutual trust and commitment to continue shaping the EU Food Safety System of the future. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of a united front in addressing the complex challenges of ensuring the safety of the food supply chain and its governance.
In conjunction with the success of the EU Food Safety Forum, we celebrate the conclusion of the FoodSafety4EU project, which has played a pivotal role in advancing food safety initiatives in Europe. The impact of FS4EU extends beyond the project's conclusion, as it has laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration and progress within the food safety community.
As we move forward, FS4EU project and supporting partners invite experts and stakeholders to join the EU Food Safety Platform through different form of membership by signing the Terms of Reference (ToR), available at https://foodsafety4.eu/join-us/. This platform serves as a dynamic hub for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the fostering of ideas to ensure safer food. We encourage all those passionate about food safety to become part of this vibrant community and contribute to shaping the future of food safety in Europe.
For more information and to join the FS4EU platform, please visit https://foodsafety4.eu/
About European Food Safety Forum Organisers:
The event was organised by the FoodSafety4EU consortium composed of 23 partners, and 60 Supporting Partners, including research institutions and universities, national food safety agencies, agri-food industry federations and more. This 3-year project (ending in December 2023) aims at designing, developing and releasing a multi-stakeholder platform to establish a network of FSS actors at national, European and international level. This project is funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
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