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The pros and cons of the European Union’s steps towards finalising significant new regulations will be on debate at next month’s Vitafoods International Discussion Forum in Geneva.
Senior industry representatives will discuss and address how the future regulatory framework will shape the market for fortified foods and supplements; whether or not European legislation is making it easier for companies to be globally competitive, and the way in which individual companies are responding to the drive by European and global authorities for healthier foods to be made more available to consumers.
This year’s panellists will include Bas van Buijtenen, Vice President Europe, Middle East, Africa Human Nutrition and Health at DSM Nutritional Products Europe Ltd; Hartwig Sievers from the management board of Phytolab, the research centre for German plant extracts group Martin Bauer; Gert Krabichler, Chairman of European trade organisation, the European Responsible Nutrition Alliance (ERNA) ; and Simon Pettman, Director of international food and nutrition policy consultancy EAS. Members of the audience will also be given the opportunity to address questions to the panel.
Mr Pettman said: “The Vitafoods discussion forum is a once a year chance to address the big challenges that are being faced by the sector. There have been many regulatory developments in the European Union to date, and this will translate into fundamental change over the next couple of years. It will have a huge impact on the industry.”
The forum, which is organised by EAS and Vitafoods International, draws together more than 200 manufacturers and distributors each year to voice their concerns and get clarification on regulatory requirements for key issues in the sector, such as issues relating to novel foods, maximum levels, and the use of other ingredients in food supplements and fortified foods.
The Vitafoods Discussion Forum will take place from 09.00-10.30 on Thursday 8 May at the Geneva Palexpo building.