Nominations open for 2019 APAC Food Safety Awards

SAI Global Assurance, a recognised leader in integrated risk management and assurance services, today announced that it is accepting nominations for the 2019 APAC Food Safety Awards.

Now in its 26th year, the Food Safety Awards honour individuals who make important contributions to food safety in Australia and New Zealand.

Today, more than ever, the global impact of food safety professional's work is clear. The profession is becoming more and more critical in helping organisations build value and remain competitive in what has become an extremely complex and competitive world.

Customer behaviours and expectations have shifted; trust recovery has stalled. The role of the food safety professional is vital to end this erosion in trust and enable their organisations to sustain brand and reputational resilience.

"As long-time champions and practitioners of quality, we understand that applying technology, innovation and fresh thinking to food safety is key to meeting emerging and future challenges," John Rowley, CEO of SAI Global Assurance said.

"This is why SAI Global Assurance is proud to hold the APAC Food Safety Awards, to celebrate the achievements of food safety professionals, who so often are working below the radar. The Awards are the perfect platform to publicly recognise and acknowledge the accomplishments and outstanding work and results of food safety professionals and teams who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of our food supply and the minimisation of any potential harm."

Nominations for this year's awards will be accepted for three categories:

Ross Peters Award for Excellence in Food Safety -- open to any individual who has made a notable contribution to food safety in Australia.

Leaders of the Future -- Food Safety Learning Scholarship -- open to individuals within the food industry that have a junior quality assurance role or equivalent.

Innovators in Food Safety -- open to either an individual or organisation that has developed best in class innovations in technology, process, procedure and training in relation to food safety.

Entrants are shortlisted by an independent panel of recognised Australian food experts -- with this year's panel including:

• Andrea Currie, Coles Brand Manager Policy & Technical Standards
• Debbie Peters, wife of the late Ross Peters, the founder of the Ross Peters Award for Excellence in Food Safety
• Paul Holder, 2018 winner of the Ross Peters Award for Excellence in Food Safety
• Kimberly Coffin, SAI Global Head of Food, Retail and Hospitality -- SAI Global Assurance

Speaking about the Awards, Jessica Kelly, winner of the 2018 APAC Food Safety Award for 'Leaders of the Future - Food Safety Learning Scholarship', said: "It was very exciting and humbling to have been recognised for an APAC Food Safety Award last year, so early into my career. Winning this award has provided me an opportunity to expand my presence in the industry and explore new networks, career directions, skills and mentor opportunities.

"I highly recommend anyone thinking about entering to apply as early as possible to demonstrate their skills, passion and commitment in being a part of a strong future for the industry."

Nominations for the APAC Food Safety Awards close at 5pm (ACT) on 1 August, with finalists being announced on 14 August. Award winners will be unveiled at the APAC Food Safety Awards Gala Dinner on 21 August in Sydney, Australia. The dinner is held as part of the APAC Food Safety Conference running from 20-22 August, hosted by SAI Global.

www.foodsafetyapac.com/award-nominations

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