The seminar forms part of the Food Technology Asia (FTA) and Food Catering Asia (FCA) conference that is organized at BITEC in Bangkok from October 2 - 5. Against the background of global food safety developments the seminar will review local Thai initiatives that have aimed to further quality and safety assurance in the horticultural industry.

The international presentations will be supplemented with real-life case studies from Thailand. Since 1999, TOPS has been active in improving the quality and safety standards of its fresh food products by initiating an Agri-Supply Chain Project. For that purpose it has closely cooperated with the Department of Agriculture in its "Hygienic Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Pilot Project". Ninety of TOPS' suppliers who participated in the project have since been certified by the Department of Agriculture and currently carry a special label on their products for meeting the requirements for safe pesticide use and good agricultural practice.

As part of TOPS' commitment to food safety, the TOPS Fresh Distribution Center (FDC) has been award the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI), for following good hygienic practices at a food plant. Furthermore, TOPS FDC has also received a quality certification under the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) for maintaining the principles and procedures of safe handling, storage and distribution of foods and food products.
The food safety seminar targets both private sector professionals and public sector policy makers with responsibilities in the food and agri-business industry. It provides a unique opportunity to become informed about state-of-the-art food safety assurance practices, public-private partnerships and tools that are being developed to enhance food safety, to ensure consumer protection, and to strengthen consumer confidence. Two of TOPS' preferred suppliers, Dr Kitti Vitoonwithluck, owner of the organic grower Doctor's Vegetables Co., and Mr.Chusak Chuenprayoth, managing director of KC Fresh, will present their perspectives on food safety trends in local business, together with Ms. Chiranun Poopat, Vice President B&M, Marketing at TOPS.