Food safety, transparency and sustainability in the spotlight at the GS1 Hong Kong Food Safety Forum
Hot topics in the food industry were discussed at GS1 Hong Kong’s annual Food Safety Forum on “Food Safety and Consumer Confidence: Navigating the Way Forward”. Food manufacturers, service providers, brands, importers/exporters, logistics providers and retailers have come together to discuss the food safety and supply challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, as well as ways to strengthen consumer confidence and the sustainable development of the industry.
As guest of honour, Mr. Tse Chin-wan, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the Hong Kong SAR Government, highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure food security and mentioned how the Center for Food Safety tested over 66,000 food samples from imports, wholesalers, and traders in 2021, with an overall satisfaction rate of 99.9%. He added that “food safety is an issue that involves three-way collaboration between government, commerce and the public. We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to make Hong Kong a healthy city where consumers can enjoy food that is safe for human consumption.
Digital Label: A Cost-Effective Way to Build Consumer Trust
Ms. May Chung, Chair of the Food and Beverage Industry Advisory Board of GS1 HK and Managing Director of Nestlé Hong Kong, pointed out that lack of transparency in food production was the root cause of lack of consumer confidence, and pointed out that digital labels were one. keys to solving the “trust” problem, “digital labels not only help companies meet the various labeling requirements for products by different authorities, but also address consumer demands for greater transparency and concerns growing in health and food safety. In business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) environments, digital labeling can solve product traceability issues across increasingly global supply chain networks and business systems. complex.
During the Pioneer Roundtable, Prof. Terence Lau, Acting Director of Innovation, Hong Kong Baptist University, Mr. Keith Wu, Vice Chairman and CEO of Fulum Group, Mr. Jeff Law, Managing Director of Sun Fat Heung Food Products and Mr. Chris Chan, General Manager (Global Supply Chain Management Division) of Yamato Logistics (HK), explained how to use data analytics to improve and enhance food safety and promote supply chain integrity. They also shared information on how technologies and the use of data analytics can advance food safety, traceability and supply chain transparency in Hong Kong.
22 food companies recognized by Quality Food Scheme
Co-located with the Forum, the Quality Feeding Program Awards Ceremony also took place during the event. Mr. Anthony Li, Deputy Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Food), Government of Hong Kong SAR, Hon. Tommy Cheung, Member of the Executive Council and Legislative Council and Hon. Peter Shiu, Legislative Counsel, physically joined as award presenters.
22 food-related companies that demonstrated outstanding performance in food safety management, control and traceability were awarded.
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Quality diet
Learn more: www.gs1hk.org/quality-food-scheme
Tel: 2861 2819
Email: food@gs1hk.org
