Digitalisation of the control framework - experience from Dubai

Global experience in food packaging safety

The safety of food packaging and consumables as a link in a chain from inputs, through the manufacturing workforce to delivery is the subject of constant innovation globally. Digital solutions to ensure consumer health and safety are also contributing. A good example of this is the FoodWatch programme developed by experts and municipal authorities in Dubai and launched in 2017.

How does digitization of inspection data help food packaging safety?

In 2013, monitored food packaging, as an integral part of products at one with theirs, exceeded 1 million items. All laboratory information is systematized in the FoodWatch platform, a joint development of Dubai authorities and food safety management experts. More than 37,000 suppliers of food consumables and services participate in real-time data exchange in an environment with a unique and trusted digital identity. Food packaging suppliers register them on the platform as individual products, maintain records of all their processes and food safety standards, thereby increasing transparency, compliance and preventive measures against possible risks.

What benefits for food packaging safety are expected from FoodWatch in the future?

In February 2024, a podcast on the Eye on Food Safety with Dr Detwiler channel, showcased the food safety challenges in Dubai to date and the expected benefits of the platform in the next few years.

Dubai imports more than 90% of its food and relies heavily on logistics and supply chains. Factors such as rapid urban growth in the region and an extremely diverse workforce consisting of many immigrants further complicates food safety. The platform identifies inspection and certification of food packaging suppliers as a key factor in risk management and prevention, followed by the need for optimization in local pest control.

"Small food businesses as well as large manufacturers rely on the same packaging supply chain. An importer in Dubai can be a supplier to a large business as well as a number of medium and small businesses. So if supplier inspection data in larger companies is shared in a more secure and systematic way, as is the practice in FoodWatch, this will improve conditions for ensuring food safety up and down the chain, to the end customer. Overall, the business climate for smaller and medium-sized enterprises is getting better. ", says Bobby Krishna, Senior Food Safety Specialist at Dubai Municipality and one of Dr. Detwiler's interlocutors on the podcast. "There is shared value and that is what we are trying to achieve long-term with this kind of system. Dubai hopes to transfer its expertise in food safety, food packaging and logistics to other regions that are looking for innovative solutions such as a digital compliance framework," he adds.