Speaking at the Analytical Symposium during the week-long event, Dr. Jaap Evers, IDF Leader Global Standards, explained the historical backdrop and continued importance of harmonising methods of analysis and sampling for milk and milk products. He said: “Over the past two centuries, we have witnessed the birth of, and continual rise in, globalised trade and transportation of milk and milk products across vast distances which shows no signs of slowing down. This created an urgent need for internationally harmonised methods of analysis and sampling to facilitate this trade.”

“Indeed, much of today’s international trade involving milk and milk products is underpinned by harmonised analytical standards. The global dairy sector can take great pride in this achievement, but it cannot rest on its laurels. To ensure the continued success of dairy worldwide, key challenges must be overcome. These include the need to expand and promote collaboration between international standards development organisations, the development of parameters for new production technologies of milk and milk products, and enhanced communication to both internal and external stakeholders. It is crucial that we strive towards greater global harmonisation of analytical methods to ensure the world can continue to enjoy safe, sustainable and nutritious dairy produce.”

Caroline Emond, Director General of the IDF, said: “The IDF is a world leader when it comes to proactively contributing to the development of science-based globally harmonised standards, guidelines, codes of practice and related methodologies.”

“Events such as the IDF/ISO Analytical Week are an integral part of the IDF’s work programme and provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to observe and engage with IDF experts and other world leading standards organisations. I am proud of the IDF’s key role in the development of global standards and the role we play in laying the foundations for dairy’s future success.”

The event was organized by the Irish National Committee of IDF, under the auspices of IDF and ISO, and was attended by more than 160 delegates from 22 countries, as well as representatives of other Standards development organisations such as ISO, AOAC, ICAR and USP.

The International Dairy Federation

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain. IDF engages all stakeholders in productive activities and research projects to further current knowledge and science on a wide range of issues.

Today, dairy is one of the most vibrant and strategic sectors, with a major impact on national economies, public health and the environment. Through its working bodies, events and work programme, IDF provides a common platform, systems and processes for the global dairy sector to come together to reach consensus. Given its consensus-building capacity, IDF represents the global voice of dairy towards stakeholders and intergovernmental organizations.

For more information, please visit www.fil-idf.org.

The International Organization for Standardization

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental membership organization made up of 165 member countries and the world’s largest developer of voluntary International Standards. Its International Standards give world-class specification for products, service and systems, to ensure quality, safety and efficiency. They are instrumental in facilitating international trade. ISO Technical Subcommittee ISO/TC 34/SC 5 develops, in cooperation with IDF, International Standards in the field of milk and milk products.

For more information: www.iso.org