The EIT Webinar: How to Build a Safer Food System Beyond Technology

Introduction

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Alumni Board hosted an online presentation on the 18th of July. In a world where food safety is becoming more and more important, the webinar focused on recognizing the critical role that shared responsibility plays in preventing foodborne illnesses and protecting public health. The presentation brought together experts and innovators to delve into the latest advancements and strategies in the field. 

QAssurance was invited to present, as their system and approach to food safety are in line with the institute’s goals. This article summarizes key takeaways from the presentation. It explores the evolving landscape of food safety, the impact of technology in preventing outbreaks, and the need for collaborative efforts to create a safer food system.

Fostering Innovation: The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology, an independent EU body founded in 2008, drives innovation across Europe. Its mission is to strengthen Europe’s innovative capacity by uniting businesses, research, and academia to address major societal issues [2].

The EIT operates through Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), each dedicated to a specific area like climate change, digitalization, or food. These KICs drive innovation by supporting new product development, services, business models, and educational programs to nurture future innovators [2].

Connecting the Dots: The EIT Alumni Board:  

The EIT Alumni Board plays a vital role in leveraging the collective expertise and experience of experts to further the institute’s mission. The board consists of representatives from various KICs and acts as a bridge between the EIT community and the wider innovation ecosystem (Figure 1) [2]. 

Their key objectives include [3]: 

• Promoting Community – Fostering a strong and active network of alumni who can collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other’s professional development. 

• Driving Impact – Encouraging alumni to apply their skills and knowledge to address societal challenges and create a positive impact in their respective fields. 

• Supporting Innovation – Providing a platform for alumni to showcase their innovative projects, connect with potential investors, and access resources to scale their ventures. 

• Advocating for the EIT: Representing the interests of the community and raising awareness of the institute’s impact on European innovation. 

-> Through its diverse range of activities, the board serves as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, and positive change in Europe and beyond.

The 6^th Thematic Webinar of EIT Food Alumni: Advances in Food Safety Management

In a comprehensive webinar, the EIT Alumni Board addressed the multifaceted importance of food safety in an evolving world. The presentation highlighted how food safety is intrinsically linked to public health, consumer trust, economic stability, and international trade [1]. 

The webinar delved into the fundamental reasons why food safety is paramount: 

• Protecting Public Health: Robust food safety practices are essential to prevent foodborne illnesses outbreaks and safeguard public health. 

• Building Consumer Trust: Maintaining high food safety standards is crucial for building and maintaining consumer trust in the food system. Supporting Economic Stability: Foodborne illnesses can impose significant economic burdens on society due to healthcare costs, productivity losses, and food waste.  

• Facilitating Global Commerce: Compliance with international food safety regulations is essential for participating in global food trade.  

The webinar underscored the need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to food safety, involving stakeholders across the entire food supply chain, from producers and processors to retailers and consumers. Prioritizing food safety is key to creating a safer, healthier, and more prosperous future for everyone [1].

Empowering Food Businesses with Digital Solutions for Safer Food 

As a leading innovator in food safety, QAssurance took centre stage at the EIT Alumni Board webinar. Their participation highlighted the company’s alignment with the EIT’s mission to drive innovation that addresses societal challenges, especially in food safety. 

QAssurance showcased its comprehensive software platform, iMIS Food (Figure 2), designed to revolutionize food safety management. By leveraging technology, iMIS Food provides real-time risk insights, empowering businesses to proactively safeguard consumer health and comply with regulations. This holistic approach recognizes that effective food safety requires collaboration between the food business and all internal and external factors influencing safety. 

Food Safety Culture: A Safer Food System  

The webinar emphasized that a strong food safety culture goes beyond mere compliance. It involves a holistic approach that integrates technology, training and shared responsibility at every organizational level. QAssurance’s iMIS Food platform, coupled with its comprehensive training programs and resources, exemplifies this approach. 

To further support the development of a robust food safety culture, QAssurance has developed the Food Safety Culture Calculator. This innovative tool enables businesses to assess their current food safety practices and identify areas for improvement. By evaluating factors such as leadership commitment, employee engagement, communication, and training effectiveness, companies can gain valuable insights to enhance their food safety culture. 

iMIS Food Safety Culture Scan Staff & Management

Explore More  

Re-watch the full presentation:  

Check the participation of QAssurance in the latest TITAIN webinar:

TITAN Project Webinar: QAssurance’s Proven Strategies for Food Safety (Beyond) Compliance

Sources  

• [1] 6th Thematic Webinar of EITFood Alumni: Advances in Food Safety Management: Culture, Regulations & Digital Transformation – EITFood. (n.d.). EIT Food. https://www.eitfood.eu/events/6th-thematic-webinar-of-eit-food-alumni-advances-in-food-safety-management-culture-regulations-digital-transformation 
• [2] European Institute of Innovation and Technology (2021). Food Strategic Agenda 2021 – 2027. https://www.eitfood.eu/files/EIT_Food_Strategic_Agenda_2021-2027.pdf 

• [3] Meet the Alumni Board | https://eit.europa.eu/about-us/eit-alumni/meet-alumni-board