India to Host Second Edition of Global Food Regulators Summit

India is set to host the second edition of the Global Food Regulators Summit from September 19-21, 2024, in New Delhi, marking another significant milestone in global food safety initiatives. Organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the summit will bring together delegates from more than 70 countries to discuss crucial regulatory issues concerning food safety and standards.

Building on the success of the inaugural summit held in July 2023, which was co-branded with the G20, the event aims to promote international collaboration in addressing the evolving challenges of food safety. The summit will serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and developing strategies to enhance food safety protocols across borders. Attendees will include international regulators, policymakers, and experts, all focused on fostering a safer global food ecosystem.

Enhancing Global Food Safety and Regulatory Standards

A key focus of the summit will be on fortifying international efforts to maintain high food safety standards and address challenges posed by the globalisation of the food industry. Discussions will cover vital topics such as risk assessment, analytical competence, and capacity-building initiatives. As the demand for safe and secure food supplies grows, the summit’s agenda will highlight the need for robust food safety frameworks and effective risk management strategies.

In addition to knowledge-sharing sessions, the FSSAI will launch new initiatives during the event, including the ‘Food Import Rejection Alert’ portal. This tool will provide timely alerts on food imports rejected for safety reasons, further strengthening regulatory oversight. The FSSAI will also introduce the Food Import Clearance System 2.0, a streamlined process designed to enhance import procedures while ensuring food safety compliance. Another highlight will be the unveiling of the State Food Safety Index 2024, which evaluates the food safety performance of Indian states and union territories.

With over 5,000 attendees expected on-site and 1.5 lakh virtual participants, the summit reaffirms India’s leadership in the global drive toward safer and more secure food systems.