Transcript Slide 1

FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL AND
FOOD SCIENCES
American University of Beirut
FOOD SAFETY: ROLE OF
UNIVERSITIES AND EDUCATIONAL
INSTITUTIONS (MENA)
PRESENT AND FUTURE PROGRAMS
Dr. Zeina Kassaify
Department of Nutrition and
Food Sciences
4th Dubai International Food Safety Conference; Dubai,
UAE February 24- 26, 2009
Outline

MENA Region Facts- Educational Institutions and
Food Safety

Universities & Food Safety- Research, Teaching
and Outreach

Current Research, Teaching and Outreach Role of
MENA Region Universities

Future Recommendations and Conclusions
MENA Region Facts
Educational Institutions and Food Safety
MENA Region Facts
Educational Institutions and Food Safety
Higher Education Institutions (World Bank definition)
Algeria
Bahrain
Djibouti
Egypt
Iran
Iraq
Israel
12
19
2
48
298
21
14
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Libya
Morocco
Oman
Qatar
34
34
34
18
18
17
11
Palestinian
territories
Saudi
Arabia
Sudan
Syria
Tunisia
UAE
Yemen
14
50
10
23
12
68
12
MENA Region Facts
Educational Institutions and Food Safety
World Bank’s 2007 Report (MENA Economic Developments
and Prospects):

Important recognition of higher education

1990 - 2000, enrollment rates at higher levels of
education increased by two-third
World Bank’s 2008 Report: (” The Road Not Traveled:
Education Reform in the Middle East and North Africa”)

MENA countries invest a higher proportion of their
GDP on education than other regions in the world!!!
MENA Region Facts
Educational Institutions and Food Safety
•
Challenges are in developing high-quality education
systems, promoting inquiry-based learning—problem
solving, life-long learning and training that respond to the
needs of the labor market
•
No reported data on the number of universities with
specialized Departments that offer higher degrees in Food
Science/Safety etc.

Many offer such degrees or education/training under
Agriculture or Public Health or at the Masters level only

However, at least 2 universities in each MENA state
contribute to Food safety by teaching, research or
outreach initiatives
MENA Region Facts
Educational Institutions and Food Safety
Many face difficulties in meeting international safety and
quality standards due to lack in scientific research, testing and
conformity (Impact of food safety standard on food and agricultural
trade in the Near East FAO/WHO, 2005)
Some have imposed questionable restrictions on imported
products because of lack of scientific justification
For example:
•
A max moisture content of 5% for frozen poultryconsidered too low by some WTO members
•
Ban beef imports with fat content > than 7%
•
Zero tolerance to certain imported foods, which need now
to be replaced by sanitary measures based on risk
assessment.
Role of Universities in Food Safety
and Quality
The responsibility for food safety is multisided -shared among
the government, industry, academia and consumers.
Effective delivery of Food safety programs/system require:
Consultation
Communication
Policy Development
Implementation of risk alleviation measures
Consumer Confidence
Role of Universities in Food Safety
and Quality
Experts advisory
committee
Health
professionals
Scientific
societies
Academia
Industry
Associations
Consumer
associations
Government
agencies
Advise
Comment
Educate
Investigate
review or make
recommendations
for action
Role of Universities in Food Safety
and Quality
Experts advisory
committee
GOVERNMENT
Advise, Comment,
Educate, Investigate
review or make
recommendations …
create food safety laws and
regulations, inspect,
monitor, develop policies,
enforce...
Consumers
Industries
Make choices,
participate in the
decision-making
process…
produce safe food,
implement…
Role of Universities in Food Safety
and Quality
Academic Investigators
Communicate
Design
Execute
Demonstrate
safety
Consumers,
media,
and legislators
Industry
Bring to market
Comply to regulations
Role of Universities in Food Safety
and Quality
Ultimate Role
of Universities
Contribute to
knowledge
through
research and
publications
Build capacity
through
educating
students and
continuing
education
programs for the
area of food
safety
Enrich teaching and
research and
contribute to the
creation of new
knowledge by civic
and community
service activities
Role of Universities in Food Safety
and Quality
Examples of Missions/visions of some Food Science/
Safety Programs at Universities in MENA Countries
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American
University of Beirut:
…. to promote, through higher agricultural education,
teaching, research, and extension in: ….Foods and
Nutrition, ……as a basis for sustainable improvement in
the lives of people throughout Lebanon, the Middle East
region, and the world.
Department of Food Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo:
….to prepare professionals in the area of Food Science
and Technology ……. to enhance products quality of the
food industry …
Food Science Program, United Arab Emirates University:
….to prepare the future leaders of the food industry
and allied government and research institutions in the
U.A.E. to assure food security, quality and safety
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Educational Programs (Higher level education)
Graduate Future Food Safety Professionals who :

Trained in related disciplines and capable to contribute to
effective food safety programs (agronomic, animal and
veterinary medical sciences, environmental and public
health sciences. surveillance, consumer behavior, farm to
fork supply chain, new traceability technologies, etc.)

Have methodological background to apply in current and
future food safety research (molecular biology,
immunology, epidemiology, and mathematical modeling)

Trained on food safety policy and international trade

Trained in adult education methods and program efficacy
evaluation. (Jaykus and Ward 1999)

Distance Education for a broader and more diverse
student populations
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Research Initiatives
The Food Safety Golden Age (Food Bioterrorism and Global
Food Security/Supply, etc.)
Research initiatives are divided into:
1- Basic Research

Improve aspects of the food chain from farm to fork.

Improve methods to detect pathogens during production

Better understanding of the transmission of pathogens

Improved methods to control food borne illness and
pathogen colonization in the food animal
2- Applied Research

Environmental impacts and social Environment
management

Develop preventive systems
 Traditional production and products
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Research Initiatives
Research requires $$$$$$
In October 2008, USDA Awards $13 Million for Food Safety
Research
"Sound advice about food safety is based on good research
to pinpoint potential pathways of contamination as well as
effective solutions and safeguards." (USDA Secretary, Ed
Schafer)
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Research Initiatives (MENA Countries)

Funding resources are limited for this sector and diversified

Oriented mainly towards development projects rather than
basic or applied research

A very compartmentalized region and most of the research
carried is disconnected from reality

We have individualistic tendencies (as described by Mr. Ziad
Moussa, ESDU’s communications officer)

Participatory multi-action research and collaboration is the
optimal plan
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Research Initiatives (MENA Countries)
For example:
Some Food Safety Research initiatives In collaboration with
Universities in MENA Countries

Prevention, control and resistance of Salmonella spp in
traditional foods; antibiotic residues in dairy products;
Aflatoxin AFM1 in milk and cheeses; development of
micro criteria for traditional foods etc..(AUB, Lebanon)

Pesticide residues; Occurrence and legislation of
mycotoxins in food and feed …(Morocco)
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Research Initiatives (MENA Countries)

Avian Inlfuenza (Lebanon, Iran, Egypt),

Food Safety Policy Issues, Safety of Traditional foods…
(UAE)

Food poisoning and gastroenteritis: Surveillance of
antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica serotype
Typhi in seven Asian countries
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Outreach Programs
Activities to provide current and relevant food safety
information to all points of the food chain from farm to fork

Transferring of technology attained by research or
knowledge

Training on Food safety and quality

Educating Consumers

Engaging in Policy development
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Outreach Programs
 The UMass Food Safety Education program:
…training and resources on safe food handling to food
producers and processors, food workers, regulatory
officials, educators and volunteers serving high risk groups
 Iowa State University Extension:
.. educational materials to the public to minimize their risk of
foodborne illness and access research-based, unbiased
information on food safety and quality.
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Outreach Programs
 Extension Food Safety Education Michigan State University
….materials for educating both consumers and the media
regarding pertinent food safety-related issues; organizes
food safety-related training sessions for a variety of
audiences; investigates the sociological and
communications aspects of food safety issues.
 Food Safety outreach programs at Penn State:
partnerships to develop pro-active food safety programs
and standards
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Outreach Programs in MENA Countries

Confined to occasional individualistic seminars,
workshops, short courses, small scale consultations
and services to the industry and public awareness
campaigns during/after a crisis.

Lack of developed extension programs or
specialized centers of excellence
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Outreach Programs in MENA Countries
Examples of Outreach activities by some or in
collaboration of MENA region Universities
American University of Beirut; Faculty of Agricultural and Food
Sciences, Lebanon:

partnered with Lebanese government , UNIDO, & other nongovernment organization to establish a draft for a
comprehensive food safety law

assist governmental agencies to develop & confine to
international standards (member of committee to develop
national Codex Alimentarius Standards),
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Outreach Programs in MENA Countries

Workshops to train Quality Control managers, Food service
personnel, health ministry inspectors

Food safety symposia and surveillance studies, outbreak
investigations, risk assessment, services and guidance to food
industries
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Outreach Programs in MENA Countries
Zayed University, College of Family Sciences, UAE:

partnered with Dubai Municipality to establish the first
UAE International Food Safety and Sanitation
Professional Development Program.

train Emirati employees in food safety and sanitation,
technical writing, and research and presentation skills
United Arab Emirates University; Department of Food
Science, UAE

offer short courses for Food Inspectors

services to the food industry
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Food Safety Outreach Programs in MENA Countries
Sultan Qaboos University, Food Science and Nutrition
Department, Sultanate of Oman

Assist to develop standards for raw milk, dates and
fermented products
Ain Shams University, Department of Food Science, Egypt

a specialized unit for training of food employees of food
sectors on quality in food production and food safety
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Future Roles and Recommendations for Food Safety Programs in
MENA Countries
Assist in preparing the MENA Countries for the upcoming
challenges :

Testing and certification of irradiated foods, food
derived from GMO’s (imports and exports)

Traceability

Organic food

Provisions of scientific risk assessment
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Future Roles and Recommendations for Food Safety Programs in
MENA Countries
Get involved in

Raising awareness among policy and decision-makers
about the importance of food safety and quality for
consumer protection, food trade and economic
development.

Carry out seminars, workshops and communication
campaigns (senior government officials, food industry, the
media and consumer associations)
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Future Roles and Recommendations for Food Safety Programs in
MENA Countries

Develop more effective education strategies that are based
on global and regional experiences in the food sector.

Partner with industry to fund applied and basic research
and outreach programs to reduce foodborne disease

Provide frequent training on food safety systems including
Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Points (HACCP), and International
Standards Organization (ISO 22000).

Encourage collaborations and participation among
commodity organizations, processors, industry
consultants and food safety assurance coordinators.
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Future Roles and Recommendations for Food Safety Programs in
MENA Countries

Involve the WHO collaborating centers (the Nutrition and Food
Science Department at AUB ) and the WHO Regional offices
with the Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses and
Foodborne Diseases (FOS) to activate and support regional
food safety research in order to ensure a safer global food
supply.

More partnerships should be formed among
government/academia/industry at the state and regional
level

More research and education is needed into the ecology of
foodborne pathogens
Role of Universities in Food Safety and Quality
Future Roles and Recommendations for Food Safety Programs in
MENA Countries

The ultimate benefit to food safety education will be with an
integrated approach (research, teaching and outreach)

It graduates students who will be more diverse, better
qualified, and able to extend and model this collaborative
teaching and research theme throughout their careers
(Jaykus and Ward 1999)

The role of academic institutions is to provide a qualified,
creative labor force that will make important contributions
to food safety in the years to come
"Most often, the prevention of food-borne
illnesses comes through education and safe
handling practices in the preparation of
food," (Secretary Ed Schafer, USDA)
THANK YOU 