The 11th National Congress of Food Science and Technology (CONACTA 2012) was held from 12 to 14 September 2012 in Bogotá, Colombia. The overarching theme of the Congress was "Towards Globalisation, Competitiveness and Food Sustainability." It was organised by the Colombian Association of Food Science and Technology (ACTA), with the support and participation of a number of prestigious institutions such as the Latin American and Caribbean Association of Food Science and Technology (ALACCTA), the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP), the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), and the [US] Institute of Food Technologists (IFT).
This successful event drew more than 290 participants (59% from industry, 18% speakers and moderators, 13% students, 8% from academia and 2% from the official sector). There were 46 speakers who gave oral presentations, including 15 international and 31 national speakers with wide recognition and prestige in the area. These presentations contributed to the high reputation of the Congress for providing quality and updated information in food science, food technology and food industry, at both local and global level.
The opening session was highlighted with the talks given by Professor R. Paul Singh, a Fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology of IUFoST, and Dr Donald Schaffner, President of the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP). The first day of the academic presentations concluded with an awards ceremony where the ACTA prizes were awarded. It was followed by a welcome cocktail for all attendees.
The academic program was conducted in three plenary sessions, in line with the meeting's theme: Globalisation, Competitiveness, and Sustainability. Various topics covered in technical presentations included food safety, innovation, coffee, food regulation and legislation, new technologies, functional foods and ingredients, food and health, and market opportunities in the food sector.
The delegates benefited from the high technical level of presentations, and the possibilities provided for interaction between participants. These experiences provided many positive opportunities and encouragement to continue work that consolidates the culture of food science, engineering, technology and food safety in Colombia and the region.
Synopsis prepared by Marta Bahamon and R. Paul Singh
IUFoST Scientific Information Bulletin (SIB)
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Congratulations to Prof. Dr. Puwiyatno Hariyadi who has been elected to the position of Vice-Chair of the CODEX Alimentarius Commission.
Dr. Hariyadi is a Fellow of the International Academy of Food Science and Technology (IAFoST) and Senior scientist, SEAFAST Center; Professor, Dept. Food Science and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia.
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