Food systems across the Asia–Pacific region are facing new and emerging challenges, requiring rapid digital transformation and the use of new packaging solutions to adapt. At the same time, food safety systems are under pressure to keep pace with these necessary changes. Many countries continue to face constraints in regulatory capacity, technical expertise, and investment in modern food control infrastructures.

As the agri-food sector becomes more integrated and globalized, ensuring safe, high-quality food is essential not only for public health but also for trade competitiveness and economic development. The urgency to modernize food safety systems is growing, particularly in light of emerging risks, climate change, and shifting production models.

Against this backdrop, the Asia Food Safety Forum 2026 (AFSF 2026), taking place June 11–12, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, will provide a regional platform to address growing challenges and accelerate progress toward more robust, resilient, and future-ready food safety systems.

Digitalization And Innovation as Key Enablers of Transformation

Digital technologies and innovation are at the heart of modern food safety systems. AFSF 2026 will place strong emphasis on how data-driven solutions, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital tools can enhance surveillance, compliance, and risk management.

Across the region, governments and industry actors are increasingly adopting technologies such as AI-powered decision-making tools, digital traceability systems, and electronic certification. These innovations support more efficient regulatory oversight, improve transparency, and facilitate safer cross-border trade.

Digital transformation is no longer optional; it is becoming essential for improving responsiveness and accountability in food safety governance. However, successful implementation requires coordinated efforts to strengthen the digital ecosystem and ensure interoperability between systems.

Harnessing Data for Smarter Risk Management

The growing availability of data offers new opportunities to enhance food safety systems. Data-driven approaches can enable food safety stakeholders to better identify risks, prioritize interventions, and allocate resources more effectively. AFSF 2026 will highlight the importance of data-informed decision-making, including the use of predictive analytics and integrated data systems to anticipate hazards and improve response mechanisms.

At the same time, stakeholders must address challenges related to data quality, governance, and sharing. Building trust in digital systems and ensuring harmonized standards across countries will be critical to unlocking the full potential of data in food safety management.

Strengthening Traceability, Certification, and Regulatory Systems

Ensuring transparency and trust in food supply chains is a key priority for the region. Digital traceability systems could enable end-to-end tracking of products, supporting faster recalls, reducing fraud, and enhancing compliance.

AFSF 2026 will also emphasize advances in electronic certification, remote auditing, and digital inspection tools, which are increasingly being adopted to modernize regulatory systems and improve efficiency. These tools not only reduce administrative burdens but also facilitate international trade by improving the reliability and transparency of certification processes.

Food Innovation and Circularity: New Frontiers for Food Safety

In addition to digital transformation, AFSF 2026 will address emerging issues at the intersection of food innovation and circularity. As new processing techniques, materials, and sustainability solutions are introduced, regulatory frameworks must evolve accordingly.

Key topics include recycled food contact materials, emerging food processing techniques, and circular production models, all of which present both opportunities and regulatory challenges. Managing these developments requires science-based approaches, international alignment, and continuous dialogue between regulators, industry, and research institutions.

Enhancing Regional Collaboration and Regulatory Convergence

A key objective of AFSF 2026 will be to strengthen cooperation across the Asia–Pacific region. Fragmented regulatory approaches, differing development levels of stakeholders, and various unharmonized standards can hinder trade and limit the effectiveness of food safety systems.

The forum promotes regional harmonization, regulatory convergence, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, bringing together governments, industry leaders, and international organizations. By aligning efforts and sharing best practices, countries can accelerate the adoption of modern approaches and build more coherent and efficient food safety frameworks.

A Unique Platform Linking Policy and Industry Innovation

AFSF 2026 will take place on June 11–12, 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, co-located with ProPak Asia 2026.

This strategic co-location creates a unique opportunity to connect policy discussions with real-world industry innovation, enabling participants to explore cutting-edge technologies and practical solutions directly within the exhibition environment.

With participation from senior regulators, industry executives, and technology providers, the forum offers a dynamic space for knowledge exchange, networking, and partnership building.

Shaping the Future of Food Safety in Asia at AFSF 2026

Building on the success of the Vienna Food Safety Forum, AFSF 2026 extends this global dialogue to the Asia-Pacific region at a critical moment. The forum’s theme, “Digitalization, Innovation, and Circularity in Food Safety” reflects the transformative shifts shaping the future of food systems.

By fostering dialogue, promoting innovation, and strengthening regional cooperation, the AFSF 2026 aims to support safer, more sustainable, and more competitive food systems across the region. Participation in the event is free. Interested stakeholders may also follow the event live via the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) YouTube channel.

Register for AFSF 2026 here.