What comes next in week 5

Week 4 was dedicated to exploring the methods and strategy – and pitfalls – of research aiming to find technological solutions to the issues of chemical migration into foods/drinks. There are big efforts from several subjects to improve materials and structure of packaging, in order to minimize chemical migration and eliminate the use of potentially harmful chemicals. At the same time, the research aims to provide efficient protection, handling and preservation of foods/drinks.
You have also learned that innovation is already here but, due to several reasons, it is not being implemented as fast and conveniently as many would like.

The title of next week is: Consumers – health – society

You will learn about the food packaging system as a whole. You will appreciate and fully comprehend the role of each stakeholder. You will face the complexity of the system, will see the need to have each participant to do their job in a correct way and finally you will see how a systemic approach to the problem is the only reasonable way to proceed. You will be challenged to explore the role of information and communication in a complex society, looking at the problems but also having a look at the improvements that innovation in information technology might bring in the near future.
You will have the chance to listen to three really instructive and informative interviews:

1. with a top representative of the consumers’ association CodaCons, showing the point of view of consumers,
2. with an officer of the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), the agency that controls and promotes food safety in Europe,
3. with Dr. Isabel Hoffmann, CEO of the TellSpec company, on information technology and science dissemination.

Week 5 is going to be a great week, don’t miss any of the proposed activities.

We look forward to seeing you there.