BRCGS Food Safety Forum highlights care and innovation in the sector

“Connecting and protecting the supply chain” was the central theme of the IV BRCGS Food Safety Forum, held in São Paulo on August 29. The event, promoted by BRCGS and co-organized by QIMA WQS, brought together more than 150 professionals from the sector, who met at the Novotel Center Norte to discuss best practices and innovations in food safety, reinforcing the commitment to excellence throughout the supply chain.

Food fraud in focus: strategies for dealing with obstacles

With speakers and participants dedicated to promoting safer and more sustainable practices, the forum featured nine panel discussions, addressing important topics for the industry. One of the highlights was the talk “Navigating the storm: managing food fraud in the midst of natural disasters”, presented by Leonardo Cizmic, Technical Manager at QIMA WQS, and André Teixeira, Technical Coordinator at QIMA WQS, who examined how extreme weather events increase the vulnerability of the food chain and explored innovative monitoring and risk analysis techniques to mitigate fraud at critical times.

During the presentation, Leonardo highlighted how the intersection of natural disasters and climate change is transforming the risk landscape: “Natural disasters act as catalysts for food fraud, widening security gaps at times when surveillance can be hampered,” he commented. This vulnerability, according to Leonardo, “requires a robust approach to risk management, which includes everything from strengthening regulations to applying advanced technologies to trace and verify the integrity of food products”.

Protecting consumers from production to consumption

The important role of packaging was also given great emphasis during the event. The discussion delved into the safety standards that are continually evolving to protect consumers. New innovations, such as active and biodegradable packaging, are playing an essential role in extending the shelf life of food, keeping it fresh and safe for longer. These technological advances not only combat spoilage and contamination, but also help to reduce food waste, promoting a more efficient and sustainable supply chain.

Another key aspect discussed at the forum was the importance of the safe use of lubricants in food production and packaging. The recommended practices for the use of these lubricants are essential to avoid contamination that could compromise the integrity of the food and, consequently, the health of consumers. “Ensuring that each stage of the process, from production to packaging, follows strict safety standards is fundamental to guaranteeing that products reach the end consumer with maximum quality and safety,” says Ana Paula Broto, Global Operations Director at QIMA WQS.

Driving excellence in the supply chain

As the food sector continually seeks to improve efficiency and safety, the incorporation of advanced technologies has been a game changer in supply chain management. Traceability, for example, is not just a tool for locating products along the supply chain, it is a strategy for ensuring compliance with food safety standards and increasing consumer confidence.

Automation has reshaped the operational efficiency of food processing and distribution facilities, helping to maintain consistent standards of quality and hygiene. Data analysis, meanwhile, plays a key role in forecasting and responding to potential challenges. By collecting and analyzing large volumes of data, managers can identify trends, forecast demand, optimize stock, and even predict possible points of failure before they result in problems.

Shaping the future of food safety

The food industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by the advent of new trends and technologies. These innovations promise to revolutionize product safety and redefine quality standards throughout the sector. In this scenario of continuous evolution, certification emerges as a salutary objective, as each path in the pursuit of excellence converges on certification, consolidating the commitment to safety and consumer satisfaction.

These trends highlight a promising path for the future of the industry, where safety, sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand. By adopting these practices, companies are raising their safety and quality standards and strengthening their position in the market, meeting the expectations of an increasingly informed and aware consumer.

Reflecting on the success of the Forum, with an eye on the next editions

The participation and engagement of the more than 150 participants was fundamental to the success of the IV BRCGS Food Safety Forum. This event highlighted how the process of evolution in the sector begins with practical changes, endorsed and reinforced through certification.

We intensively discussed the adaptations needed to align production standards with global food safety requirements, and how these practices 

can be effectively implemented.

With this solid base of knowledge and shared experiences, we are prepared and looking forward to the next edition of the forum, where we will continue to advance and innovate in food safety.