Scientists and policy makers from 48 countries are meeting in Belfast this week to discuss issues with the global food supply system.

“It's up to us to provide leadership to provide consumers with high-quality, safe and authentic food,” professor Chris Elliott from Queen’s University Belfast said in his opening remarks at the Belfast Summit on Global Food Integrity.

He said that the economic cost of individuals undermining food integrity is estimated to be $40bn/year.

Terrorism, sabotage and economically motivated adulteration were listed as the main reasons for interference with food supply chains.

Dr John Bell from European Commission said that although food regulatory systems have improved significantly, there is no room for complacency.

“Food has never been safer, and never been more at risk,” he told delegates during the opening session at the event at the Waterfront Hall.

Further reports from the summit will feature on www.farmersjournal.ie and in this week’s Irish Farmers Journal.

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‘Food has never been safer and never been more at risk’

Over 600 delegates from 48 countries are attending a global food supply summit in Belfast this week.