WFSCC partners with CIFST for food safety and health in China

The Walmart Food Safety Collaboration Center and the Chinese Institute of Food Science and Technology on Thursday announced a partnership to jointly promote public education in food safety and health in China.

The purpose of this cooperation is to leverage both parties' strengths to establish a collaborative communication platform for academia, industry and consumers. By effectively leveraging the rich resources of both domestic and overseas food and technology communities, this collaboration will drive efforts to increase public awareness and knowledge of food safety and health.

"We are pleased to work with the WFSCC to increase public awareness and knowledge in food safety and health in China," CIFST President Meng Suhe said.

"As the main Chinese institution for providing public education in food safety and health, CIFST possesses rich academic resources and experience. As a leading global retailer, Walmart has the advanced technology and practical experience gained from promoting food safety and health along its worldwide supply chain. Through this collaboration, we hope to introduce advanced global concepts and best practices, and localize them for the benefit of Chinese consumers."

"Launched in October 2016, WFSCC strives to promote and accelerate China's food safety improvement efforts through collaboration with leading experts and stakeholders", WFSCC Executive Director Yan Zhinong said.

"CIFST is a great partner for us to work with for achieving our common mission and goals in China. Not only because it has a long-term commitment to food safety and health, but also because of its outstanding food science and technology network and resources. We look forward to collaborating with a number of excellent scholars, experts, and thought leaders through this partnership, and jointly contribute to public food safety and health education in China."

In addition to sponsoring this year's International Forum on Food Safety and Health and the Understanding Useful Microbiological Sampling and Testing for Food Safety Management workshop that took place from April 17 to 20, WFSCC will also jointly establish with CIFST an information bank for food safety education and public health. This initiative will study the best practices of US public health education on food safety, and introduce them to public education resources currently under development in China.

The two parties will also co-host a series of seminars and lectures, including those that are part of the WFSCC's regular Emerging Issues in Food Safety lecture series. A wide group of industry stakeholders will be invited to attend these activities, aimed at promoting scientific knowledge of public health, blockchain technology in food safety and other emerging food safety issues.

Walmart has been in China for over 20 years, and the WFSCC is part of Walmart's continued commitment to the positive advancement of China and the well-being of the Chinese people. The WFSCC is an initiative dedicated to improving food safety in China through education, innovation and policy support. Cooperation between CIFST and WFSCC will be important for the WFSCC's ongoing educational efforts, centered on enhancing public awareness and knowledge of food safety and health issues.