1. The Importance of Food Safety Media Training 2 nd Oman Food Safety Conference By Mobisher Rabbani

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Name and Shame Who decides ? With what authority ? With what credibility ? With what biases ? With what evidence ? With what impact ?

5. 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 management Building and maintaining contacts with the local media Preparing and sending food safety news & information to the media Handling and facilitation of media personnel during a food safety emergency

6. 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.

7. 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 Laws Discussion and feed back on food safety media policy Networking session with government officials & representatives with the media.

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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