Most Influential Leaders Leading In Food Safety And Quality Assurance

VOL 02 I ISSUE 18 I 2024 Building Trust Through Leadership Advancing Food Safety and Quality Assurance Food-Tech How Technology is Helping the Food and Beverage Sector? Fadi Al-Natour Risk Management Expert Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority

From farm to fork, quality control is our guarantee

Shaping Regulatory Standards in Food Safety n the intricate world of food production and Through regular inspections, audits, and quality control checks, leaders identify areas for improvement distribution, ensuring the safety and quality of I products is paramount. From farm to table, every and address potential risks in real time. This proactive step of the process demands vigilant oversight to approach minimizes the likelihood of safety incidents safeguard consumer health and uphold industry and ensures that products consistently meet standards. At the heart of this endeavor lies the regulatory standards and consumer expectations. indispensable role of leadership. In a world where consumer trust is paramount, Effective leadership sets the tone for a culture of transparent and trustworthy leadership builds robust safety within food-related organizations. Leaders brands that stand the test of time. As guardians of communicate the importance of prioritizing food food safety, leaders play a pivotal role in shaping an safety and quality assurance at all levels of the industry where quality is not just a requirement but a operation. By emphasizing safety protocols, training commitment to the well-being of every individual who programs, and adherence to regulatory standards, interacts with the food supply chain. In essence, leaders instill a shared commitment to excellence leadership in food safety and quality assurance is not among employees. only about meeting current standards but also about creating a path towards a future where excellence and Leadership plays a pivotal role in establishing and trust go hand in hand. maintaining robust safety protocols and procedures. Leaders collaborate with food safety experts and Flip through the pages of Most Influential Leaders regulatory agencies to develop comprehensive Leading in Food Safety & Quality Assurance – 2024, guidelines tailored to the specific needs of their the latest release of CIOLook that focuses on the operations. These protocols encompass everything approaches of leaders actively participating in from hygiene practices on the production line to advocacy, industry collaboration, and the shaping of Editor's storage and transportation procedures, ensuring that regulatory standards. every aspect of the process prioritizes safety and quality. Have a delightful read! Proper training equips staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify potential hazards, adhere to safety protocols, and respond effectively in case of emergencies. By prioritizing ongoing education, leaders empower employees to take ownership of Note Anish Miller food safety and quality assurance in their daily responsibilities.

C C O V 08 E O R A Renowned Figure in Risk Management S T N O Fadi R Y T Al-Natour Fostering Perpetual Business Relations E Building Trust Through Leadership Advancing Food Safety and 16 N Quality Assurance T Food-Tech How Technology is Helping 20 the Food and Beverage Sector? S

Pooja M Bansal Editor-in-Chief CONTENT FOLLOW US ON Deputy Editor Anish Miller www.facebook.com/ciolook Managing Editor Katherine Debora www.twi?er.com/ciolook WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON DESIGN Visualizer Dave Bates Art & Design Director Davis Mar?n CONTACT US ON Associate Designer Jameson Carl Email Featured Person Company Name Brief info@ciolook.com SALES For Subscrip?on Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Fadi Al - Natour Fadi has cultivated excellent relationships with international Senior Sales Manager Wilson T., Hunter D. www.ciolook.com Food Safety Authority and regional organizations dedicated to public health, animal Risk Management health, food safety, and agriculture. Customer Success Manager Eric White adafsa.gov.ae Expert Copyright © 2024 CIOLOOK, All rights reserved. The content and Sales Execu?vesTim, Smith images used in this magazine should Kajal is highly professional Food Technologist who not only Kajal Debnath not be reproduced or transmi?ed in DFM Foods Limited has exceptional technical skills but also got great team Chief Regulatory TECHNICAL any form or by any means, dfmfoods.com leadership/ Managerial skills Officer electronic, mechanical, Technical Head Peter Hayden photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission Technical Consultant Victor Collins Mirella Lisboa from CIOLOOK. BASF AgroStart Latam Mirella strengthen ties with the startup community and Reprint rights remain solely with strengthen AgroStart's intrapreneurship. basf.com Lead - Open Innovation SME-SMO CIOLOOK. Manager Research Analyst Eric Smith SEO Execu?veAlen Spencer Nicholas is an experienced analytical chemist specializing in Nicholas Lancaster PerkinElmer, Inc. Materials Characterization and Chromatography with a keen Applications Scientist perkinelmer.com interest in the materials and energy market. sales@ciolook.com Sarah acts as a technical resource to internal and external Sarah Kozak-Weaver decision makers, providing the information needed to drive Wegmans Food Markets Quality Assurance February, 2024 innovation, manage change, and ensure safe, high-quality wegmans.com Food Scientist products.

C o v e r S t o r y A Renowned Figure in Fadi Al-Natour Risk Management Expert Risk Management Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority Fadi Al-Natour Fostering Perpetual Business Relations Fadi's impact is not conned to the national level; he is INFOSAN expert EU-RASFF focal point and an integral member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Food Safety and member of the WHO advisory group known as the "Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG).

eet Fadi Al-Natour, a distinguished Risk systems, and incident and crisis management. health risk management. These organizations include Management Expert at the Abu Dhabi Recognized as an approved trainer, he imparts his BfR in Germany, as well as EPA-USDA, WHO, OIE, and M Agriculture and Food Safety Authority knowledge in risk and crisis management through FAO. Furthermore, he has received training on private (ADAFSA). With an impressive track record spanning training programs, showcasing proficiency in course standards such as ISO standards. two decades, Fadi has cultivated excellent relationships material development and trainer evaluation. with international and regional organizations dedicated He had diversity of work experience climbing the to public health, animal health, food safety, and A Global Journey stairs of the career development starting from the agriculture. field practice to field inspection and auditing to policy Fadi's academic and professional Fadi has gained practical experience in various and regulatory development to project design and journey reects a commitment to management to risk assessment and crisis Fadi brings a wealth of knowledge to his role, countries, commencing with roles in Jordan, Saudi excellence in the eld of food demonstrating mastery of Gulf standards and a Arabia, and the UAE. Additionally, he has had the management safety and veterinary medicine. comprehensive understanding of UAE local and federal opportunity to conduct business visits to several other regulations pertaining to public health, food and feed Fadi's impact is not confined to the national level; He is nations. And he is certied project safety, and animal health. His expertise extends to early working actively with the international agency such as manager and trainer warning systems, adopting a holistic one-health Throughout his career development, Fadi has With FAO in development of technical back ground approach that addresses risks in human health, animal demonstrated a strong commitment to self- document Early warning tools and systems for health, and plant health. improvement and continuous learning. He holds a emerging issues in food safety and WHO in the he graduated with Distinction and achieved a development of the WHO global strategy for food Cumulative GPA of 3.66, Fadi has consistently safety 2022 demonstrated his dedication to advancing knowledge in his chosen field. Also he is an integral member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Food Safety and member of the His expertise is not limited to academia; Fadi holds a WHO advisory group known as the "Foodborne Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group earned from Jordan University of Science & Technology (FERG)." His international engagements also include in 2001, providing a solid foundation in veterinary being an INFOSAN Expert for the FAO and WHO, sciences. Fadi's educational journey began with a serving as an INFOSAN focal point, and holding the Secondary Certificate in 1996 from Zaid Bin Alkhatab position of EU-RASFF focal point. Alryadiah in Jordan, showcasing his early commitment to academic excellence. He is a certified risk manager His project management skills are underscored by certification, with proficiency Fadi's extensive work experience is marked by his in project automation and electronic solutions for Food impactful roles and contributions. Notably, he has been and animal health area where AI is utilized in efficient a key member of the WHO advisory group, "Foodborne and effective way. Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG)," since May 12, 2021. In this capacity, Fadi plays Fadi is not just a professional with a remarkable skill a crucial role in advising WHO on methodologies for set; he is a dedicated team player with high leadership estimating the global burden of foodborne diseases, skills, fluency in English and Arabic languages, and an reviewing epidemiological data, identifying research enthusiasm for achieving objectives. His contributions priorities, and making recommendations on scientific to the field of risk management, food safety, and and technical matters. international collaboration mark him as a key figure in ensuring safer food for better health on a global scale. Additionally, Fadi has been a member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Food Safety: Safer Food Commitment to Excellence in Food Safety and animal for Better Health since November 23, 2020. In this role, health and public health he actively contributes to the development of WHO's global strategy for food safety, chairs the Stakeholders Fadi's academic and professional journey reflects a As a seasoned risk management expert, Fadi specializes Master's degree in food safety management, which is Engagement and Communication group, and supports commitment to excellence in the field of food safety in the food chain and veterinary sectors, with a focus on centered around risk management principles. In pursuit various aspects of strategy implementation, including and veterinary medicine. Armed with a Master of animal health and food safety risk analysis, risk-based of excellence, Fadi has undergone training from food controls, emerging risks, risk analysis, and Applied Science in Food Safety Management from the regulations, standards, food safety management renowned organizations specializing in food and animal stakeholder engagement. Higher College of Technology in the UAE (2015), where

Fadi's professional journey includes significant roles in the private sector, such as his tenure as Veterinary Export Technical Support from September 2004 to November 2006 at LILLIDALE ANIMAL HEALTH, Fadi prioritizes staying updated where he represented the company in multiple on the latest regulations and countries, developed partnerships, and supported standards. He ensures strict veterinary products. His earlier roles as a Medical adherence to regulatory standards Representative in Saudi Arabia and Jordan further showcase his diverse experiences in marketing and by subjecting all managed projects technical support of medical and veterinary products. to both external and internal quality and regulatory audits. Spearheading Impactful Risk-Based System Projects and early warning systems impactful aspect of his career. Notably, he played a Fadi highlights the development of risk-based crucial role in establishing the Rapid Alert System at inspection systems projects as a memorable and various levels, initially at the emirate level in Abu Dhabi, then expanding its scope to cover the entire UAE and later at the GCC level. Also he played key role in Building Trust through Source-Centric research endeavors. Here is a glimpse into his development of the early warning system integrating Communication and Team Unity significant contributions: data from many international and national organization under the umbrella of one health These initiatives Fadi highlights the significance of focusing on the Ÿ R1, Mu, W., Kleter, G.A., Bouzembrak, Y., Dupouy, E., required strategic thinking, effective communication source rather than just the story, emphasizing Frewer, L.F., Al Natour, F.N.R. Marvin, H.J.P. "Making skills, and the ability to align multiple entities to ensure consistent communication with stakeholders at all food systems more resilient to food safety risks by coordinated efforts. stages and understanding their needs to build a strong including Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and level of trust. Additionally, Fadi stresses the importance Internet of Things into food safety early warning In many situations, Fadi emphasizes the importance of of teamwork, ensuring that every team member is and emerging risk identification tools" working smart and fostering strong communication brought to the same level and expressing a belief that Ÿ FAO. 2023. Early warning tools and systems for skills to bring various stakeholders to the same table no team member should be left behind. This emerging issues in food safety – Technical and facilitate collaboration. Additionally, he collaborative approach contributes to a unified and background. implemented continuous learning programs for supportive team environment. Ÿ WHO global strategy for food safety 2022. multiple countries in the region to enhance knowledge Ÿ GCC Guide For Control On Imported Foods 2015 and expertise in the field. Training Initiatives Ÿ "Investigation of the antimicrobial preservatives in the dairy product (Labaneh)." Published in Food Regulatory Leadership Fadi has played a significant role in conducting various Science and Quality Management, Vol. 31, 2014. training courses, particularly in the GCC countries. Ÿ "Mercury and Arsenic Levels in Some Predatory Fish In his role in regulatory development and bylaws These courses have contributed to enhancing the Species Marketed in Abu Dhabi, UAE." (ADAFSA taskforce, Fadi prioritizes staying updated on the latest inspection of imported food, streamlining trade study 2006). regulations. He ensures strict adherence to regulatory processes, and achieving key performance indicators Ÿ "Plastic particles in bottled drinking water in Abu standards by subjecting all managed projects to both (KPIs) related to sampling and testing. The impact Dhabi Market." (ADAFSA study 2019). external and internal quality and regulatory audits. This extends to local food establishments and farms, where Ÿ "Impact of World Wide Food Alert Notifications on meticulous approach guarantees compliance and inspections have become more effective and science- Food Safety 2009." (ADAFSA study 2009). quality in the implementation of various initiatives. risk based under Fadi's guidance. Ÿ "Pesticides residues in rice and dates marketed in Abu Dhabi emirate." (ADAFSA study 2022). Moreover, Fadi emphasizes effective consultation with Advancing Knowledge in Food Safety and Public Ÿ "Salmonella contamination in fresh poultry stakeholders, striving to understand their roles and Health marketed in Abu Dhabi." (ADAFSA study 2017). how they can contribute to mutual success. This collaborative approach aims for a win-win situation, Fadi's commitment to advancing knowledge in the These publications showcase Fadi's diverse research fostering positive relationships and synergies among all fields of food safety and public health is further interests, spanning from the integration of cutting-edge involved parties. technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and exemplified through his notable publications and

"Fadi specializes in the food safety and public and animal health , with a focus on crisis management and risk analysis, risk-based regulations, standards, food safety management systems, and incident and crisis management. the Internet of Things into food safety systems to the investigation of specific contaminants in food products. His work not only contributes to the academic and scientific community but also holds practical implications for food safety practices and regulations. Fadi Al-Natour continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the understanding and implementation of food safety measures on both global and regional scales. A Global Perspective in Food Safety According to Fadi, risk management not only promotes innovation but is also a crucial stage in fostering growth. Recognizing the interconnected nature of the world, Fadi emphasizes the importance of avoiding siloed approaches and encourages professionals in food safety and quality assurance to utilize AI and early warning systems. The advice extends to thinking outside the box and adopting a helicopter view, considering the broader scope of multi-hazard systems to make a meaningful impact in the field. Vision for Universal Food Safety Standards Fadi expresses hope for the development of a global multi-hazard system accessible to everyone. The aspiration includes a desire for all countries, particularly low-income ones, to achieve an equivalent standard of food safety compared to other regions worldwide.

Building Trust Through Leadership n the advancing landscape of the food industry, ensuring food safety and maintaining quality I assurance are non-negotiable priorities. This article Advancing explores the ways in which leadership plays a pivotal role in advancing food safety and quality assurance, emphasizing the importance of building trust across the Food Safety entire food supply chain. Cultivating a Culture of Compliance andQuality Leadership in the food industry begins with cultivating a culture of compliance at every level of the supply Assurance chain. Establishing clear guidelines, providing ongoing training, and fostering a commitment to regulatory adherence are key responsibilities of leaders. By instilling a culture of compliance, leaders contribute to a foundation where food safety and quality assurance become intrinsic values rather than mere regulatory requirements. Embracing Technology for Traceability Advancements in technology offer unprecedented opportunities for enhancing traceability in the food supply chain. Leaders leverage technologies such as blockchain, IoT (Internet of Things), and data analytics to trace the journey of food products from farm to table. This transparency not only ensures quick identification and resolution of potential issues but also builds trust among consumers who increasingly seek information about the origins of their food. Implementing Risk Management Strategies Leaders in food safety and quality assurance are adept at implementing robust risk management strategies. This involves identifying potential risks in the supply chain, from contamination threats to transportation vulnerabilities, and developing proactive measures to mitigate these risks. By demonstrating foresight and preparedness, leaders instill confidence in stakeholders and consumers alike. Collaborating Across the Supply Chain The interconnected nature of the food supply chain requires leaders to embrace collaboration. Effective leadership involves fostering strong relationships and communication channels among farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers. Collaboration ensures that everyone in the supply chain is aligned with common 16 17 www.ciolook.com 4 | February 202 | www.ciolook.com | February 2024 |

food safety and quality goals, creating a united front Public Engagement and Transparency against potential challenges. Effective leadership in food safety involves open Investing in Training and Skill Development communication and transparency with the public. Leaders engage with consumers through various Leaders recognize the critical role of well-trained and channels, providing information about safety measures, skilled personnel in maintaining food safety and quality quality assurance practices, and ongoing efforts to standards. Investing in continuous training programs address concerns. By fostering an environment of for employees across the supply chain ensures that transparency, leaders build trust among consumers, everyone understands and follows best practices. This who appreciate being informed about the measures commitment to skill development not only enhances taken to ensure the safety and quality of the food they the competence of the workforce but also reinforces a purchase. collective dedication to excellence. Crisis Communication and Rapid Response Proactive Auditing and Certification Leaders in food safety understand the importance of Leadership in food safety involves proactive auditing crisis communication. In the event of a food safety and certification processes. Leaders implement incident or quality concern, swift and transparent rigorous internal audits and seek third-party communication is paramount. Leaders develop certifications to validate adherence to industry comprehensive crisis communication plans, ensuring Tasting Tasting Tasting standards. This commitment to transparency and that accurate information is disseminated promptly. accountability not only assures consumers of product This proactive approach minimizes reputational quality but also builds credibility in the eyes of damage and reinforces the commitment to resolving the difference – where the difference – where the difference – where regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. issues transparently. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing Emphasizing Continuous Improvement quality quality quality Leadership in food safety and quality assurance is an Leadership extends beyond immediate safety concerns ongoing journey of continuous improvement. Leaders to encompass broader ethical considerations, including control meets control meets control meets foster a culture where feedback is valued, lessons are sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. Leaders in learned from incidents, and processes are refined to the food industry prioritize responsible sourcing of address emerging challenges. This commitment to ingredients, ensuring that environmental and social culinary art culinary art culinary art continuous improvement ensures that the food impacts are considered. By incorporating sustainability industry remains agile and resilient in the face of into their practices, leaders not only contribute to long- evolving food safety standards and consumer term environmental health but also appeal to an expectations. increasingly conscientious consumer base. Staying Informed about Emerging Threats Regulatory Advocacy and Industry Collaboration Leaders in the food industry stay vigilant by staying Leaders actively engage in regulatory advocacy, informed about emerging threats and evolving risks. contributing to the development of effective and Whether it's new foodborne pathogens, changing science-based regulations that enhance food safety and regulatory requirements, or shifts in consumer quality standards. Additionally, industry collaboration preferences, leaders proactively adapt strategies to is crucial for addressing shared challenges. Leaders address these challenges. This forward-thinking participate in industry forums, collaborate with approach not only protects public health but also regulatory bodies, and share best practices to demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead of collectively elevate food safety and quality standards potential issues. across the sector. 18 www.ciolook.com 4 | February 202 |

Food-Tech How Technology is Helping the Food and Beverage Sector? he food and beverage companies are drastically advancing due to the involvement of emerging T technologies in their day-to-day operations. These technologies are creating vast opportunities to boost and power the essential requirements in this niche to improve its productivity and efficiency. These technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT), advanced data analytics, and smart sensors, as these elements have the potential to sustainably drive the advancements in the food and beverage sector. The implementation of this emerging technology is enabling companies to enhance product quality, reduce energy consumption, and optimize processes. Increasingly using them will eventually result in staying competitive and fulfilling the diversified demands of potential consumers altogether. Additionally, the companies, from large corporations to smaller, more agile brands, growing numbers of companies in the industry, gather ample amount of data about their facilities. This is beneficial to transform the manufacturing environment and redefine their workforce, operating processes, and assets operation in well synchronized manner with the new environment. Technology redefines the food and beverage sector and its manufacturing procedures in many numerous ways. It also enables reliable, effortless, and convenient to all parts of the production process and effortless mass production of food and beverage products by enhancing: Integration of Equipment and Supply Technology is integrating new equipment and systems in a manufacturing facility. As a result, operations are becoming well-planned. It improves the overall equipment operations, reduces extra efforts, and advances accurate asset utilization. 20 21 www.ciolook.com | February 2024 | www.ciolook.com | February 2024 |

Food Processing food products that must meet high-quality standards and regulations to be suitable for consumers. Active implementation of elements of technology made it possible to enhance and optimize the food processing Before the involvement of technology, manufacturers operations through specialized and integrated had to control their processes manually. Today, software. With this software, the manufacturers are technology is assisting the production process with quality assurance and is driving improvements to increasing productivity and efficiency with the co- existence of reduced energy consumption and enhance the quality of food and beverage products. improved product quality. Observing the data is crucial to the assurance of quality output. Data Analytics is an element of technology that Filling and Packaging allows manufacturers to track all kinds of data related to their production process. As there are specialized management tools available, the manufacturers are using data to uncover potential This allows the manufacturers to monitor the enhancements in their filling and packaging processes. variations in the process that could lead to quality- related issues in real time and enables quick correction Manufacturers are combining packaging and of these issues. production lines to manage their plants much more efficiently. Automation enables cost-effective It helps them to potentially save a significant amount of operations with efficiency and using automated time and money in the batch production process, where software together with expertise, and great products are manufactured in mass volume. connectivity, is allowing the manufacturers to quickly scale these solutions across their facilities. Additionally, these advanced solutions allow the manufacturers to record and playback the processes As these complex procedures are becoming effortless, visually to troubleshoot any error, quickly and on the brighter side, the food and beverage industry is accurately. This helps them to prevent the issue from experiencing new efficient methods in their operations. happening again in the future. It is allowing the manufacturers in the sector to improve: Optimize Production Lines Integrated Functions and Asset Management Improving the production line-up supports the company in comprehending greater visibility and Manufacturing food and beverage products is a making improvements to deliver better results. complicated process involving many equipment, people, and tasks. To improve this process, it is important to Technology enables the production machines and have a comprehensive view of this process as much as devices to work in an integrated manner and observe possible. their data in one system. This connectivity makes it easy to optimize production lines eventually by quickly Technology enables this comprehensive view by identifying changes and issues. connecting the various systems involved by gathering all of the data in one place. With a centralized system, Powering the Innovations manufacturers observe all the relevant data from wherever they are and make adjustments remotely. Technology is playing a significant role in transforming the food and beverage industry. It also allows the manufactures to control and alter Consistency in quality, processes without physical interaction with the These new technologies are offering numerous benefits particular machinery. It is also useful to avoid errors in to food and beverage companies; moreover, it is also production and handling emergency situations. powering the innovations, and as a result, the success flavor, and safety: the essence rate of this niche is touching the skies. Food and Beverage Quality of food control The most important aspect of this niche is providing 22 www.ciolook.com | February 2024 |

The key ingredient to great meals: meticulous food quality control.

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Most Influential Leaders Leading In Food Safety And Quality Assurance