Last week, William O’Sullivan and Brendan Ring had the privilege of representing Creme Global at the Vienna Food Safety Forum 2025, hosted at the UNIDO HQ in Austria. The theme this year, “The Potential of Digitalization”, captured a crucial shift in the food safety landscape. Over three packed days, government agencies, private companies, regulators, and researchers shared the transformative role of data, AI, and digital infrastructure in creating safer, smarter food systems globally.
Key Themes and Learnings
1. Digital Tools Are No Longer Aspirational, They’re Operational
It was striking how many sessions featured real, functioning digital solutions being deployed across jurisdictions. For example:
- Creme Global’s own Brendan Ring presented during the Session on Food Safety Regulatory Reform, showcasing how advanced analytics can empower regulators to make better, faster decisions.
2. Bridging the Data Divide
A recurring challenge discussed was the disparity in food safety digital infrastructure between high-income countries and LMICs (Low- and Middle-Income Countries). Many contributors emphasized not just the technology, but the capacity building, data literacy, and policy alignment needed to support meaningful uptake in under-resourced regions.
3. Traceability and Interoperability: Still a Sticking Point
Sessions on digital traceability (Session 4) and data sharing (Session 5) reminded us that while technology exists, interoperability remains a real hurdle. Standards, both technical and procedural, are the key bottleneck. Governments and businesses are calling for globally agreed frameworks to unlock wider adoption. Trust building between people facilitates trust building between organizations.
William presented on: “Bridging the Data Gap: Sharing Information for Enhanced Food Safety Outcomes and Trade.”
4. Public–Private Collaboration is Maturing
The Government-to-Business session (Session 6) emphasized a welcome maturity in how data sharing is being approached, moving from cautious pilots to scalable partnerships. Trust, legal frameworks, and clear mutual value were flagged as essential.
5. AI Ethics and Governance, On Everyone’s Mind
The final day featured an open brainstorming session on Principles for AI in Food Safety Systems.
Final Thoughts
The Vienna Food Safety Forum 2025 was a reminder that the future of food safety will be built on data, but not data alone. It requires governance, collaboration, empathy, and inclusiveness. Digitalisation isn’t just about new tools, it’s about building systems that work better for everyone, everywhere.
As we return to our work at Creme Global, we’re more committed than ever to helping build that future responsibly, rigorously, and in partnership with others.
