Food regulation and whether it's fit for purpose given rapidly changing technology will be under the microscope at an upcoming Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) stakeholder forum
FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Mark Booth said the classic hamburger cooked in a local takeaway or café, has barely changed since we started putting a meat patty in between two buns.
"But it's now foreseeable that a burger assembled by robots, using a lab grown meat patty and a genome edited tomato, on a reduced acrylamide bun could be delivered by drone," he said.
"Perhaps nanoparticles in the packaging will detect the presence of a foodborne pathogen, send a message instructing the drone to abort delivery and use big data to stop other deliveries over the network. An app, based on real time dietary needs could recommend an alternative meal for the disappointed customer."
"Given the rapid pace of technological change it's appropriate to ask whether current food regulation is fit for purpose now and in the future," Mr Booth said
To explore this question, FSANZ will be hosting its first Biennial Stakeholder Forum on 5 March at the Waterview in Sydney. The one day forum will be a mix of expert presentations and moderated discussion panels, and will be followed by a reception where attendees can talk with presenters and FSANZ Board members.
Speakers include: Dr Norman Swan, host of The Health Report on the ABC's Radio National and Tonic on ABC News 24; Professor Martin Cole, Director of Food and Nutrition Flagship at Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO); and Professor Linda Tapsell, a leading academic in the discipline of nutrition and dietetics.
"This event will offer valuable insights into the future of food science, technology and regulation and is not to be missed by anyone working in food manufacturing and production, retailers, food regulation and related science fields," Mr Booth said.
Tickets are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fit-for-purposefood-regulation-now-and-in-the-future-tickets-49801122498
