The Annual Food Safety Summit, a cornerstone event for South Africa’s food and beverage sector, is set to return on the 3rd and 4th of June 2025 at Focus Rooms in Johannesburg. This year’s gathering, aligned with World Food Safety Day, is expected to be one of the most impactful yet, highlighting pressing food safety issues both locally and globally.
Organised in collaboration with Anelich Consulting and other key partners, the 2025 theme, “Safe Food in a Changing World,” focuses on emerging challenges such as rapid technological innovation, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and persistent local concerns—particularly food safety in under-resourced communities and townships.
The Summit serves as a vital meeting point for food industry professionals, bringing together leading scientists, consultants, policymakers, and safety officers. Sessions will cover a wide range of current topics, including AI in food risk prediction, illegal pesticide control, and township food safety. A notable case drawing attention is the tragic poisoning deaths of several children in 2024 due to unregulated pesticides—a stark reminder of the human cost of weak regulatory enforcement. New partnerships and initiatives, particularly from Anelich Consulting, will be unveiled to address these challenges.
Technology and Innovation Take Centre Stage
Artificial Intelligence and data science will feature heavily in this year’s programme, with sessions exploring their role in strengthening food safety protocols. From predictive modelling to traceability systems, the integration of digital tools is reshaping how the industry approaches contamination risks and compliance. Experts like Prof Manoj Chiba and Dr Floor van Meer will offer insights into how digital transformation is driving smarter food safety solutions.
Local Issues in the Spotlight
While international trends are key, the Summit remains rooted in addressing critical local challenges. Food safety in South Africa’s townships—where millions buy and consume food daily—will receive focused attention. Anelich Consulting’s new partnership initiative aims to tackle systemic gaps in education, enforcement, and infrastructure in these communities. The Summit also responds to recent crises, such as the 2024 pesticide incidents, with sessions on community engagement and policy reform.
Hands-On Training for Industry Professionals
A major attraction is the exclusive Hygienic Design for Food Safety workshop led by EHEDG and Anelich Consulting. This full-day training will equip participants with practical knowledge on equipment design, sanitation protocols, preventative maintenance, and risk management. Tailored for food producers, engineers, and quality assurance professionals, the workshop ensures attendees leave with tangible skills to improve operations and compliance.
World Food Safety Day, established in 2018 by the United Nations, serves as the foundation for the Summit’s timing and focus. Championed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), this day underscores the global commitment to strengthening food safety systems and protecting public health.
Keynote speaker Dr Jeffrey LeJeune of the FAO will be joined by respected names including Rika Kemp, Arvani Moodley, Dr Anett Winkler, Baziswa Njokweni, Anthony Chemaly, and others, all offering deep expertise across the food chain.
For anyone working within the agricultural value chain—from farm to fork—the 2025 Food Safety Summit offers unmatched insights, training, and networking opportunities. With a strong focus on both global best practices and local realities, it stands as a beacon for those committed to safer food in South Africa and beyond.