Driving Global Food Safety Standards: SQFI at the Greater Mekong Ministers Meeting

SQFI’s global team is constantly at work staying abreast of news and updates related to trade and economic development policies, food safety initiatives, regulatory changes, and market dynamics to make sure our program continues to thrive and evolve with the industry's needs.

Last month, Damien Alexander, SQFI Asia Pacific Business Development Representative, played an important role in the 3rd Annual Greater Mekong Subregion Ministers Meeting, held in Kunming, China.

The conference provided opportunities for government and industry representatives to provide insight into the challenges and opportunities the Agri-Food sector faces which led into the last day, where each country's ministers developed their strategy for the region.

With the continual growth of food globalization, private label brand development, and increasing customer expectations, large to medium retailers, manufacturers, and quick-service restaurants require confidence and trust in their suppliers. Given the nature of the interconnected supply chain, food safety and food quality incidents pose broader risks to consumer health and safety and potentially longer-term implications for consumer trust in the systems employed to regulate and manage food safety.

The government officials and industry representatives that attended came away with a clear understanding of the global standards for food safety certification requirements and customer expectations for high-value market access and trade. Damien provided insights about the governance structure of the accredited third-party certification system, the many stakeholders involved, and the system in place to ensure confidence in the integrity of certification programs. The session featured the GFSI benchmarking system, the SQF Code as an example program, and their to links to government requirements. It also covered the benefits of the SQF Fundamentals program for small to medium sized businesses as an introduction and foundation for food safety systems. 

SQFI’s recognition by multiple government food safety agencies, including Canada, USA, Australia, and New Zealand highlighted the positive force of SQF certification in establishing rigorous food safety standards. Implementing a strong food safety system and achieving recognition with SQF Certification provides a pathway for economic development through increased trade. Damien’s presentation to the 3rd GMS Agricultural Ministers meeting supported expanding awareness of the importance of international standards and the value of an accredited third party certification.

Congratulations to Damien Alexander for his outstanding contribution in such a successful conference and for his pivotal role in advancing SQFI's goal of expanding certifications in Asia in 2025. If you would like to learn more about SQF Certification in the Asia Pacific region, contact Damien Alexander for more information.

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