Drawing more than 200 in-person attendees from the food and catering industry, the tenth edition of GS1 Hong Kong Food Safety Forum concluded successfully on 23 August
The event was kick-started by Diane Wong, Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Government, who was also the Guest of Honour. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the importance of advanced technology in food safety and sustainability, along with its role in efficiently reducing food loss and waste by significantly improving storage, handling and distribution practices.
Keith Wu, Chairman of GS1 HK's Food and Beverage Industry Advisory Board, highlighted the importance of the sustainability of local food ecosystem and cited GS1 HK's '1QR', a QR code with GS1 Digital Link standard, as a good way to promote food safety and sustainability. Retailers can scan the code at the check-out counter to view the 'Best Before' or 'Sell By' dates – allowing expired foods to be rejected at checkout, and those close to expiry to be sold at a bargain – to reduce food waste.
Moreover, additional information including nutritional values, industry certifications and allergy advice can also be accessed by consumers along with the sustainability details such as sources of materials, carbon footprint and recycling methods that can help uplift consumers' confidence and attachment.
The new 'Quality Food Scheme ESG' has awarded 17 enterprises with recognition, which are assessed mainly in accordance with GS1 Global Traceability Standard (GTS), MSCI ESG Indexes and United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) etc. The scheme aims to encourage businesses to not only put efforts in food traceability and safety, but also act on ESG practices.
"I'm very pleased to see the encouraging responses for our inaugural 'Quality Food Scheme ESG' from the industry, which shows their commitment to sustainable development," said Chief Executive of GS1 HK, Anna Lin. "We will continue to work with all the parties, by means of consultation, training and award schemes, to elevate food safety standard and more sustainable practices."
HK's Food Safety Forum 2024 successfully concludes its tenth edition
Director of the Board and Vice-chairman of the GS1 HK Food and Beverage Industry Advisory Board, kick-started the GS1 HK Food Safety Forum 2024 with other distinguished guests. (Image source: GS1 Hong Kong)
