FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
- Claudia Costabile
+1 301-816-8134; cac@usp.org - Apolina Fos
+32 2 325 67 40; afos@fil-idf.org
Collaboration on dissemination of science-based standards will guide the dairy sector.
Rockville, Md. and Brussels, February 26, 2016 — The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) and the International
Dairy Federation (IDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate in the development, identification, elaboration and dissemination of science-based standards at an international level with an aim to promote the safety, quality and integrity of dairy ingredients.
“Access to safe and nutritious food is one of the most relevant needs of all humans, irrespective of gender, age, race and nationality. Dairy ingredients are important from a global scientific and public health perspective because of their nutritional value and widespread usage in the food supply” noted Jeffrey Moore, Ph.D., Director of Science for USP’s Food Program. “This collaboration with IDF will provide synergies that contribute to better safeguarding the global food supply chain for one of the top components of the human diet.”
In most parts of the world, milk and dairy ingredients are considered nutrient-dense foods and are valued accordingly in the market place. Global milk production in 2014 surpassed 800 million tons and is expected to reach 1 billion tons by 2025 according to IDF.
“The anticipated increased demand for safe and sustainable dairy will be a major challenge for the future. Regulatory frameworks will need to evolve accordingly,” said Nico van Belzen, Ph.D., Director General of IDF. “Global harmonization of standards will be a key component of such evolving regulatory frameworks.” Specifically, USP and IDF will jointly develop new standards and guidelines for dairy ingredients, and review selected existing standards. Experts from both organizations will contribute to this work. The organizations have also agreed to cooperate in submitting relevant harmonized standards to intergovernmental organizations such as Codex Alimentarius.
“I believe this collaboration will amplify the global public health impact of both organizations by leveraging our mutual scientific resources to advance international standards,” said Dr. Moore.
Dr. Jeffrey Moore (USP Director of Science) and Dr. Jaap Evers (IDF Global Dairy Sector Leader – Standards) confirm memorandum of understanding to collaborate on science-based standards for the dairy sector.