the importance of food safety media training 2 nd oman food safety conference by mobisher rabbani
TRANSCRIPT
The Importance of Food Safety Media
Training
2nd Oman Food Safety Conference
By Mobisher Rabbani
Introduction
The Media is the eyes and ears of the community but it is a two
edged sword which can either be a force multiplier in creating public
awareness or can be a tool to create mass panic.
Purpose
The purpose and importance for food safety media training includes:
Minimize and manage risks to public health that can be caused by false reporting.
Protect and promote food safety.Provide certainty of flow of information to
the general public on how food safety affects their daily lives.
Protect food traders and business operators from false media accusations.
Name and Shame
Who decides ?With what authority ?With what credibility ?With what biases ?With what evidence ?With what impact ?
Training of Public Affairs Officer
The Public affairs officer is the primary Point of Contact (POC) to the media. Training would provide the individual the following expertise:
Media monitoring and crisis managementBuilding and maintaining contacts with the
local mediaPreparing and sending food safety news &
information to the mediaHandling and facilitation of media personnel
during a food safety emergency
Media Outreach Workshop
A unique training programme designed to provide journalists with key references on reporting on food safety. The interactive workshop should be conducted by government officials and representatives focusing on the main principles, players and activities of government towards food safety.
Media Outreach Workshop
Sessions on:
Introduction of the Public affairs officer / Point of contact (POC) for the media
Historic background on Government’s efforts to create Food Safety
New Food Safety LawsDiscussion and feed back on food safety
media policyNetworking session with government officials
& representatives with the media.
Structure of Media Policy Document
The Policy document is divided into three Chapters:
1-Introduction(i.e. Background, scope, purpose, Approach & Stakeholders)
2-Policy Context (i.e. Intent, Drivers, issues and ground realities)
3-General agreed policies and guidelines for reporting on Food Safety
Policy Intent & Goal
How to incorporate examples like of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), World Health Organization (WHO), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI) & etc ‘s Media Kit that should be followed.
The outcome assures food safety for all consumers, These will help journalists turn the media into part of the solution, not the problem, should disaster strike.
CONCLUSION
The national interest of a state is the state's survival and security. Also
important are the pursuit of wealth, economic growth and the future of its
people.
Thanks