24th - 25th November 2026
Agenda
DAY 1
08:00 - 08:50
REGISTRATION
08:55 – 09:00
CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS
09:00 - 09:30
QC as a change agent or harmonization in an ever changing world
- Dsm-firmenich – historical context
- The vision: QC data – available Real Time for Operational Excellence, Business Enterprise applications, Innovation and Performance Analysis.
- Key input:
• Validated harmonized methods – maximisation of production and multiple site world-wide flexibility
• Using QC Digitalization to directly support production decisions
• Using actual QC digital data supporting Innovation, Process and Product improvement
09:30 - 10:00
Transforming Quality with AI: Insights, Efficiency, and Real-Time Monitoring
- Predicting food safety risks with AI-driven insights and forecasting
- Streamlining quality control processes for greater efficiency and accuracy
- Tracking ingredients and products from source to shelf in real-time
- Utilizing data to proactively resolve issues in FSQA operations
- Meeting regulatory standards with advanced monitoring and automated reporting
- Integrating AI tools to enhance collaboration across FSQA teams
10:00 - 10:30
Tangible Strategies for Improving Food Safety Culture
- How implementing 5S visual management techniques can help identify hazards and drive continuous improvements
- Discovering how leaders can create a compelling vision and communicate effectively to cultivate a robust food safety culture
- Exploring methods to build employee engagement through targeted training, standardization, and recognition programs
- Case studies: Showcasing successful implementations and strategies to overcome common challenges in food safety
10:35 - 11:25
COFFEE BREAK
11:30 - 12:00
Developing Agile Quality and Regulatory Strategies to Meet Global Compliance, Ensure Safety, and Build Brand Trust
- Adapting quality and regulatory programs to shifting global standards and market requirements
- Building a proactive compliance culture that minimizes risk and accelerates innovation
- Integrating digital tools to enhance traceability, transparency, and regulatory reporting
- Fostering cross-functional collaboration between quality, operations, and R&D teams
- Balancing speed-to-market with strict quality and regulatory expectations
- Strengthening consumer trust through transparent labelling, claims management, and product integrity
12:00 - 12:30
Identifying and Mitigating Contamination Risks Through Advanced Microbial Analysis Techniques
- Leveraging advanced microbial analysis to detect and prevent contamination risks
- Implementing effective strategies for early identification of microbial hazards
- Utilizing cutting-edge tools to monitor and control contamination across production stages
- Training teams to interpret and act on microbial data for improved safety
- Enhancing compliance with industry standards through advanced microbial risk management
12:30 - 13:00
Navigating Regulatory Complexity to Strengthen Safety, Compliance, and Safeguard Brand Reputation
- Identifying vulnerabilities and implementing strategies to minimize contamination risks across the supply chain
- Deploying robust traceability systems to detect and prevent food fraud, ensuring product integrity
- Strengthening preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of costly recalls and protect consumer safety
- Leveraging advanced technologies for real-time monitoring and proactive risk mitigation
- Building strategic supplier partnerships to ensure ingredient authenticity and supply chain transparency
PLANNED INVESTMENT AREAS
- Sustainable Packaging
- Risk Management
- Quality Assurance Systems
- Clean Air
- Aseptic Lines
- Cloud ERP
- Food and Worker Protection
- Product Inspection & Detection
- Food-grade Robots (Pick & Pack)
- Origin Verification
- Food Ingredients & Flavouring
- Air Purification
- Digital Technology
- Environmental Monitoring
- Sanitation Preventive Controls
- Hygienic Zoning
- Compliance & Regulations
- Sustainability 4.0
- Cold Chain Management
- CGMP
- Food Safety Standards
- Food Supply Chain Traceability/Visibility
- Plant Safety & Inspection
- Big Data & Manufacturing Information
- Manufacturing Automation
- Waste Sanitation
- Waste Water Treatment
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- Elemental Analysis
- Microbiology
- Food Sanitation/Hygiene
- Laboratory Analytical Testing
- Food Innovation
- New Product Development
- Certification in food safety, health, environmental and quality management standards
13:05 - 13:55
LUNCH
14:00 – 14:30
Harnessing Data Analytics to Enhance Food Safety and Quality in Production
- Implementing data-driven strategies to monitor and improve food safety protocols
- Utilizing predictive analytics to anticipate and mitigate potential contamination risks
- Integrating real-time data collection for proactive quality assurance measures
- Training teams to interpret data effectively for continuous improvement
- Leveraging technology to streamline compliance with food safety regulations
- Collaborating across departments to foster a culture of data-informed decision-making
14:30 – 15:00
Taking efficiency and quality to the next level with operational excellence
- Implementing lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve overall process efficiency
- Leveraging data analytics to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement across operations
- Developing a culture of accountability and empowerment to sustain high standards of operational excellence
- Integrating advanced technologies like automation and AI to optimize production workflows and reduce downtime
- Balancing cost management with quality control to ensure consistent product excellence
- Enhancing cross-functional collaboration to streamline processes and improve overall operational agility
15:00 – 15:30
Microbial hazards, risks and spoilage – what are the common links?
- Differentiation between hazards and risks
- Food safety risks and business risks
- Significance of products and uses in evaluating hazards
- Significance of (microbial) numbers in evaluating hazards
- Example sporeformers: hazard, risk or spoilage concern – or all?
15:35 - 16:25
COFFEE BREAK
16:30 - 17:00
Uniting Sustainability Drives with Food Safety Protocols: Preparedness In An Age Of Global Agricultural Instability
- Concoct practical and conceivable approaches to improve sustainability efforts whilst continuing to make profits and grow reputation through green marketing
- With food security becoming an increasing concern in the UK, how can food manufacturers minimise food waste without compromising on quality and safety?
- As pressure mounts in the agricultural sector, how can food companies mitigate the effects on ingredients and the supply chain?
17:00 - 17:30
Maintain Compliance in the Face Of Ever-Changing Regulations & Ensure Consistently High Food & Drink Standards Across Complex & Intersecting Legislation
- How can the food industry keep pace with evolving frameworks and guidance to ensure we’re always able to respond to and deliver against regulatory changes from DEFRA and other bodies?
- Balance profit, quality, and product innovation with strong guard-rails and consistent regulatory compliance
- Stay vigilant with UK regulations whilst aligning with international legislation to allow for export and global growth
PLANNED INVESTMENT AREAS
- Sustainable Packaging
- Risk Management
- Quality Assurance Systems
- Clean Air
- Aseptic Lines
- Cloud ERP
- Food and Worker Protection
- Product Inspection & Detection
- Food-grade Robots (Pick & Pack)
- Origin Verification
- Food Ingredients & Flavouring
- Air Purification
- Digital Technology
- Environmental Monitoring
- Sanitation Preventive Controls
- Hygienic Zoning
- Compliance & Regulations
- Sustainability 4.0
- Cold Chain Management
- CGMP
- Food Safety Standards
- Food Supply Chain Traceability/Visibility
- Plant Safety & Inspection
- Big Data & Manufacturing Information
- Manufacturing Automation
- Waste Sanitation
- Waste Water Treatment
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- Elemental Analysis
- Microbiology
- Food Sanitation/Hygiene
- Laboratory Analytical Testing
- Food Innovation
- New Product Development
- Certification in food safety, health, environmental and quality management standards
17:30 - 18:00
Achieving Unmatched Excellence in Food Safety and Quality Across Global Markets
- Understanding the growing importance of food safety and quality assurance in a globalized market
- Addressing the evolving challenges of complying with FDA FSMA and international standards
- Exploring best practices for managing food quality and implementing effective HACCP systems
- Navigating the complexities of global compliance to ensure consistent product safety and quality
- Enhancing risk management strategies to minimize threats to food safety across supply chains
- Leveraging innovative technologies and data to drive continuous improvement in food safety standards
18:00 - 19:00
DRINKS RECEPTION
DAY 2
08:55 – 09:00
CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS
09:00 – 09:30
How do we overcome barriers for the effective regulation of precautionary allergen labelling (PAL)
- Unregulated PAL has led to inconsistencies in application and proliferation of PAL
- Regulated PAL was one of the recommendations of the FAO/WHO add-hoc expert group
- The approach of global Regulatory authorities to application of PAL is non-harmonised.
- The regulation of PAL requires a multi-stakeholder approach
- The recently launched expert group within ILSI Europe Allergen Task Force seeks to address the above issues.
09:30 - 10:00
Optimizing Workforce Scheduling to Drive Compliance, Productivity, and Operational Efficiency
- Leveraging data and analytics to align labour needs with production demand in real time
- Automating scheduling processes to reduce manual errors and ensure labour law compliance
- Balancing employee preferences with operational goals to improve morale and retention
- Adapting shift structures and staffing models to support flexibility and peak performance
10:00 - 10:30
Preventing Product Recalls Through Rigorous Label Verification and Quality Assurance Systems
- Implementing robust label verification processes to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Utilizing automated systems for real-time quality assurance throughout the labelling process
- Enhancing product safety by minimizing labelling errors that could lead to recalls
- Streamlining regulatory compliance through thorough and consistent label checks
- Leveraging technology to improve label accuracy and ensure consumer trust
10:35 - 11:25
COFFEE BREAK
11:30 – 12:00
How Microbiological Analysis & Chemical Containment Surveillance Can Impact the Business
- Keep pace with regulatory updates on Whole Genome Sequencing and other microbiological testing and tracking methods.
- How can food companies mitigate lab errors and prevent safety surprise to reduce recalls?
- Guard against unnecessary safety risks with recent advances in rapid microbiological testing
12:00 – 12:30
Tackle Food Fraud & Ensure Authenticity to Protect the Integrity of your Product & Avoid Negative Consumer Feedback
- Fight food fraud through complete control of the supply chain and user transparency in all matters of food processes
- How can food companies ensure ethical and authentic sourcing of ingredients – as far back as livestock feed and overseas plantations – now that customers expect a higher level of information and a more controlled approach to our ingredients?
- Protect yourself and your supply chain – with geopolitics in such an unstable position, is supply chain insurance something that we will see more of in the food industry?
12:30 – 13:00
2026 EU Listeria Regulatory changes: From Regulation to Implementation
- Ready-to-eat (RTE) chilled foods are increasingly popular for their convenience, but they also pose significant food safety challenges, especially around Listeria contamination
- From July 2026, European regulations on Listeria in RTE foods will become stricter, requiring producers to demonstrate safety throughout the full product shelf life
- Manufacturers face higher compliance demands, risk of product recalls, reputational damage, and operational challenges—especially since Listeria can grow even under refrigeration
- With natural based ingredient solutions, regulatory & market knowledge, tech support and predictive tools like the Corbion® Listeria Control Model (CLCM), Corbion helps producers adapt formulations, ensure compliance, extend shelf life, and maintain consumer trust
PLANNED INVESTMENT AREAS
- Sustainable Packaging
- Risk Management
- Quality Assurance Systems
- Clean Air
- Aseptic Lines
- Cloud ERP
- Food and Worker Protection
- Product Inspection & Detection
- Food-grade Robots (Pick & Pack)
- Origin Verification
- Food Ingredients & Flavouring
- Air Purification
- Digital Technology
- Environmental Monitoring
- Sanitation Preventive Controls
- Hygienic Zoning
- Compliance & Regulations
- Sustainability 4.0
- Cold Chain Management
- CGMP
- Food Safety Standards
- Food Supply Chain Traceability/Visibility
- Plant Safety & Inspection
- Big Data & Manufacturing Information
- Manufacturing Automation
- Waste Sanitation
- Waste Water Treatment
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
- Elemental Analysis
- Microbiology
- Food Sanitation/Hygiene
- Laboratory Analytical Testing
- Food Innovation
- New Product Development
- Certification in food safety, health, environmental and quality management standards
13:05 - 13:55
LUNCH
14:00 – 14:30
Food Safety by Design: Preventing Contamination from Farm to Factory (Cocoa Focus)
- Food-safe design, quality management & GMP fundamentals
- Cocoa thermal CCP validation in the cocoa network
- Mitigation of cross contamination
- Excellent lab practices & verification control
- Building a food safety culture
14:30 – 15:00
Eliminating Chemicals and Saving Water in Food Processing
- Developing powerful natural sanitizers to replace toxic chemicals like PAA, bleach, and ammonia
- Creating a safer workplace with effective, chemical-free sanitization solutions that require no PPE
- Improving food safety and quality by reducing foodborne illness risks, enhancing quality control, and extending shelf life
- Cutting costs by producing non-corrosive sanitizers, reducing chemical, equipment, and disposal expenses
- Achieving sustainability through chemical elimination, water savings, and a lower carbon footprint