Keynote Speech
Topic: “WHO's Work Over the Five Years with China in Order to Improve Food Safety System”
Speaker: Jørgen Schlundt, Director, Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses and Foodborne Diseases, Acting Director Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, World Health Organization

Abstract
Foodborne disease estimates made by China CDC indicate that at least 300 million citizens in China are affected by foodborne disease each year. The public health and economic concerns associated with food safety have been recognized by China’s leadership at the highest levels. The State Council recognized that a better coordinated and more rational approach to food safety was essential and a broad initiative to evaluate and improve the food safety set-up in China has been supported by WHO in collaboration with other external partners over the last five years.

The Chinese food safety system is thus undergoing significant changes. When the transition has been achieved and China gains experience running a new system, this exercise will - in addition to improving the situation for consumers - represent invaluable experience for other countries. Since food production chains often cross many borders international cooperation and exchange of experience is of paramount importance. At the global level, the new International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN) links countries to provide knowledge transfer and investigate events of potential international concern.

Biography
Education: D.V.M. and Ph.D Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University Copenhagen Denmark, 1983. Research focus: Jørgen Schlundt (JS) has primarily worked on health effects from microorganisms and chemical substances in food and the environment.

JS has participated in scientific evaluations and management activities in a number of international bodies: OECD (Existing chemicals and Genetically Modified Organisms), WHO and FAO (Expert Consultations on food safety and risk assessment), EU (Scientific Committees for Veterinary Public Health and Food), and Codex alimentarius Commission, (WHO focal Point).

After 10 years experience in national authorities in Denmark JS has worked three years at the national veterinary laboratory in Harare, Zimbabwe.

In recent years JS has participated in international activities aimed at improving food safety systems, including through the development of Risk analysis principles. In addition JS has worked to promote the transfer of knowledge and experience between all national food safety authorities.

Jørgen Schlundt is presently Director Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses and Foodborne Diseases and Acting Director Department of Nutrition for Health and Development at the World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.<back>