Mars Leaders Speak at APEC Food Safety Dialogue Meeting in China
Michael Yeung and Bob Baker lead dialogue on addressing food safety at meeting sponsored by Mars
Beijing, China, September 17, 2014 /3BL Media/ – On September 12, Mars’ leaders engaged with regulators, industry and academia from around the world to address an issue of global proportions—food safety. Michael Yeung, President of Wrigley Asia-Pacific, and Bob Baker, Global Head of Technical Food Safety Development, were joined by more than 150 other participants at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Food Safety meeting held in Beijing, China to discuss how to enhance understanding and share best practices to better manage food safety in the Asia-Pacific community and around the globe.
As the exclusive sponsor of the event, Michael Yeung took center stage during the opening ceremony to highlight the importance of public-private partnership in addressing food safety. He said, “As a champion for food safety and the sponsorship of this important dialogue, Mars is proud to be part of the regional and global food safety endeavors.” In his remarks, he also emphasized the importance of food safety at Mars and highlighted the upcoming opening of the Mars Global Food Safety Center and its objective for knowledge sharing, ground-breaking scientific development and multilateral collaboration that will benefit Mars, China and the global food industry.
Bob Baker participated in a panel discussion focused on how industry and regulators can work together to ensure the safety of the food supply chain across the region. He was joined on the panel by representatives from the China Food and Drug Administration, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Health Canada, Australian Food and Grocery Council, and the US Food and Drug Administration. Bob pointed out that “food safety is pre-competitive and a global opportunity requiring collaboration between the food industry, regulators and academics. We see the Mars Global Food Safety Center as a means of bringing the necessary groups together to focus on addressing current and future threats to the world’s food supply.” Bob also underlined that Mars has been committed to raising the bar on food safety for all, because positive and proactive measures have an uplifting effect on everyone in the industry. The meeting provided an excellent forum for Bob to share and highlight the important role that the Global Food Safety Center will play in driving change.
Ms. Amy Evans, senior representative, World Bank Global Food Safety Partnership Secretariat, said at the panel discussion, “Many donors helped us in establishing the GFSP…Our industry partners, such as Mars, played an important role. Without the support and vision of these companies, it would be difficult for GFSP to make progress. We greatly appreciate all the efforts they made for the establishment of GFSP.”
About APEC
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a forum for 21 Pacific Rim member economies that seeks to promote free trade and economic cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It was established in 1989 in response to the growing interdependence of Asia-Pacific economies. APEC works to build a dynamic and harmonious Asia-Pacific community by championing free and open trade and investment, promoting and accelerating regional economic integration, encouraging economic and technical cooperation, enhancing human security, and facilitating a favorable and sustainable business environment.
About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars’ first roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a “mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders” – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 75,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance. Mars brands include: Petcare – PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, KITEKAT®, BANFIELD® Pet Hospital and NUTRO®; Chocolate – M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Wrigley – DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT® and 5™ chewing gums, SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies, and ALTOIDS® AND LIFESAVERS® mints. Food –UNCLE BEN’S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® and ROYCO®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – COCOAVIA® and WISDOM PANEL®.
For more information, please visit www.mars.com.
Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars, linkedin.com/company/mars
