The Sixth Latinamerican and Caribbean Congress on Quality and Food Safety, and the Fifth National Congress on Food and Nutrition and Cubalumiere Gourmet 2014

Sara Esther Valdez Martinez

Havana, Cuba, September 2014

In mid September 2014, the 6th Latinamerican and Caribbean Congress on Quality and Food Safety and the 5th National Congress on Food and Nutrition and Cubalumiere Gourmet 2014 were held in Havana, Cuba. IUFoST actively participated with ALACCTA (Latinamerican Association on Food Science and Technology, the Regional Grouping of IUFoST). The event kicked off with a Workshop entitled: “The Principles of the Shelf Life Testing of Foods”  featuring and delivered by Professor Theodore P. Labuza of the University of Minnesota.  Over 300 scientists and technologists attended the event from all Latinamerica countries. During the workshop attendees had the opportunity of learning the basic needs to establish a Shelf Life Study, that can allow people to predict the real shelf life of a food.

During the Conference, Dr Labuza also delivered a very informative lecture on “US Standards for Chemical Food Adulteration and New Methods for Detection of Allergens and Pesticides”.  Professor Mary K. Schmidl, also of the University of Minnesota, presented  two inspiring Hot Topic Conferences related to health: “The Trans Fatty Acid Story Needs To Go Global” and “The New Wealth is Your Health”.  

Professor Sara Valdes Martinez and Jairo Romero participated in the Symposium entitled “Food Safety in Latinamerica”.  They both participated in the Congress as members of ALACCTA and representatives of IUFoST.

There were several presentations on food additives, and the importance and impact of food safety on tourism. A part of the program was dedicated to food cuisine.  For example, Yoja Gallardo talked about “Mexican Diet From Prehispanic Communities Till Recent Days” and Claudia Raquel Andrés presented on “Re-evaluating the Andean Diet in the Noa”, while María Cristina Jorge talked on “Cocoa, Nowadays”.  Finally there was an informative conference on “The Gastronomic Map of the Cuban Republic”.

The entire Conference had a very well balanced program between food science, nutrition and the chef experience. The event also included a food exhibition, numerous poster presentations along with picture presentations. There was a cultural and social event, where experts presented to the attendees the ways to prepare the 10 most popular cocktails based on rum. This event was enjoyed by all!

The opportunity of continuing the academic interaction between IUFoST and ALACCTA was established through a number of meetings and open discussions.  Plans for future activities and enhanced relationship between IUFoST and ALACCTA are ancitipated for 2015.