Join industry leaders, regulatory advisors, and research experts for engaging sessions on food safety, quality and data management. Gain insights through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking focused on best practices in hygiene management and rapid food safety assessment.

27
28

November 2025

Imperial Hall, Brilliant Convention Centre, Indore (452010)

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Organisation Details
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IIFSC 2025

Speaker Introduction

Andrew Woodward

Commercial Director, Hygiena

With over 25 years in diagnostics and microbiology, Andrew has held leadership roles at Thermo Fisher, bioMérieux, and Bio-Rad. At Hygiena, he drives commercial strategy across Asia-Pacific, fostering innovation and partnerships that advance food-safety standards worldwide.

Eric Michel

Director – EMEAI Food Safety, Hygiena

Eric brings nearly three decades of experience in microbiology, diagnostics, and quality systems. As Director for EMEAI, he leads strategy and partnerships across regions, previously serving at 3M, Biotrace, and Thermo Fisher to champion practical, science-driven food-safety innovations.

Karsten Skov

Commercial Director FBK ApS , Denmark

With over 30 years of experience in developing cleaning and handling tools for the food and beverage industry, Karsten Skov has played a key role in the industry’s transition from standard tools to high-quality, specialised solutions. His contributions have helped shape modern hygiene standards within the sector.

Mr. Anilkumar Puthalath

Chief Advisor, Central Quality Assurance, Hatsun Agro Products Ltd.

With an M.Sc. in Dairy Microbiology, Anil has led QA at Hatsun Agro since 2009, ensuring ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 standards. His collaboration with NDRI on rapid milk-adulteration detection has strengthened Hatsun’s quality systems and consumer trust.

Dr. Ramakant Lawaniya

Technical Support Manager (India), Hygiena International Ltd., UK

A Food and Dairy expert with 11+ years in quality, research, and regulatory compliance, Dr. Lawaniya has developed patented enzyme assays for rapid detection of E. coli and Listeria. He also leads food-safety lab setups up to BSL-3 standards and is a certified ISO 9001:2015 Lead Auditor.

Thomson Joseph

Executive Director, Duke Thomson’s India Pvt. Ltd.

Thomson leads Duke Thomson’s India with a vision for innovation in food safety and hygiene solutions. With a Master’s in Food and Packaging Innovation from the University of Melbourne, he has expanded the brand’s global partnerships and driven sustainable growth in the Indian food industry.

Gunvant Patil

Regional Manager – Indian Subcontinent, Hygiena

Gunvant Patil, Regional Manager for the Indian Subcontinent at Hygiena, brings over 15 years of experience in food safety and hygiene. With expertise in microbial detection and quality assurance, he has led growth and innovation across India, South Asia, and beyond, previously holding key roles at 3M India and Ecolab.

Dr. Dinesh Kumar

Assistant Professor, NIFTEM (Kundli)

Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Assistant Professor at NIFTEM and former Assistant Director at FSSAI, holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Nanotechnology from IIT Delhi. An expert in nanoscience, biosensors, and food diagnostics, he has earned multiple national awards for his innovative contributions to diagnostic technologies in food safety and biomedical fields.

Mr. Darpan Chopra

An Industry Expert in Quality Control, Assurance & Compliance vertical

Brings over 27 years of leadership in pharmaceutical quality control, assurance, and compliance. A certified ISO/IEC 17025 auditor, NSF-trained investigator, and one of the youngest professionals to secure FDA approval, he has led major QC, microbiology, and regulatory programs across leading pharma organizations. With deep expertise in QMS, GMP systems, and large-scale laboratory setups, he has worked with top companies while contributing to the growth of pharma, food, and water testing industries in Indore.

Program Agenda Day 1

8:30 AM

Registration for the Event

9:30 AM

Session 1

From Data to Safety: Accelerating Food Protection Through Analytics

Speaker: Eric Michel

11:00 AM

Session 2

Logic Behind Development Of Microbiological Criteria for Foods

Speaker: Mr. Anilkumar Puthalath

2:00 PM

Session 3

Amplify quality efficiency in dairy UHT industry to do more with less – Innovate as a sentinel

Speaker: Gunvant Patil and Andrew Woodward

3:00 PM

Session 4
How do you protect your brand? PCR as proven solution to enhance food safety and brand integrity.
Speaker: Dr. Ramakant Lawaniya

4:30 PM

Session 5
Quality assurance documentation and compliance expectations in industry
Speaker: Darpan Chopra

7:00 PM

Cocktail Dinner

8:30 AM

Registration for the Event

9:00 AM

Inauguration

9:30 AM

Session 1

From Data to Safety: Accelerating Food Protection Through Analytics

Speaker: Eric Michel

10:30 AM

Tea Break

11:00 AM

Session 2

Logic Behind Development Of Microbiological Criteria for Foods

Speaker: Mr. Anilkumar Puthalath

12:00 PM

Panel Discussion

Data Management in Food Safety - A Predictive Risk Management Approach

1:00 PM

Lunch

2:00 PM

Session 3

Amplify quality efficiency in dairy UHT industry to do more with less – Innovate as a sentinel

Speaker: Gunvant Patil and Andrew Woodward

3:00 PM

Session 4
How do you protect your brand? PCR as proven solution to enhance food safety and brand integrity.
Speaker: Dr. Ramakant Lawaniya

4:00 PM

Tea Break

4:30 PM

Session 5
Quality assurance documentation and compliance expectations in industry
Speaker: Darpan Chopra

5:30 PM

Panel Discussion
Pathogen Control - Accuracy vs Time to Result: What’s Next for the Industry?

6:30 PM

Closing

6:45 PM

Networking

7:00 PM

Cocktail Dinner

9:00 AM

Inauguration

10:30 AM

Tea Break

12:00 PM

Panel Discussion

Data Management in Food Safety - A Predictive Risk Management Approach

1:00 PM

Lunch

4:00 PM

Tea Break

5:30 PM

Panel Discussion
Pathogen Control - Accuracy vs Time to Result: What’s Next for the Industry?

6:30 PM

Closing

6:45 PM

Networking

Program Agenda Day 2

9:15 AM

Welcome Address

9:30 AM

Session 1

Efficient Hygiene Management through modern cleaning tools and enzyme cleaners.

Speakers: Karsten Skov and Thomson Joseph

10:30 AM

Session 2

Point-of-Care Revolution: Nano-biosensors for Real-Time Food Safety

Speakers: Dr. Dinesh Kumar

9:15 AM

Welcome Address

9:30 AM

Session 1

Efficient Hygiene Management through modern cleaning tools and enzyme cleaners.

Speakers: Karsten Skov and Thomson Joseph

10:30 AM

Session 2

Point-of-Care Revolution: Nano-biosensors for Real-Time Food Safety

Speakers: Dr. Dinesh Kumar

11:30 AM

Tea Break

12:00 PM

Panel Discussion
India at the Crossroads: Certified Test Methods, RAFT Adoption, and thee Future of Food Safety Validation

01:00 PM

Closing Address

01:30 PM

Lunch

03:30 PM

Ujjain Trip

11:30 AM

Tea Break

12:00 PM

Panel Discussion
India at the Crossroads: Certified Test Methods, RAFT Adoption, and thee Future of Food Safety Validation

01:00 PM

Closing Address

01:30 PM

Lunch

03:30 PM

Ujjain Trip

Our Partners

Experience the

City of Indore

Hotels

Indore offers a wide range of premium stays including Radisson Blu, Indore Marriott, Sayaji Hotel, Sheraton Grand Palace, Fairfield by Marriott, and Wow Hotel. Known for their comfort, hospitality, and central locations.

About Indore

Welcome to Indore, the Cleanest City of India for the eighth consecutive year and the Commercial Capital of Madhya Pradesh. Often called Mini Mumbai, the city beautifully blends heritage with modern charm. From the grandeur of Rajwada and Lal Bagh Palaces and the mirrored interiors of Kanch Mandir to the royal monuments at Chhatri Bagh, Indore’s rich history stands proudly amid its growing modern skyline. As night falls, the city comes alive with the irresistible aromas of Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan, known for their vibrant street food culture. Clean, lively, and full of character, Indore continues to shine as the heart of Madhya Pradesh.

Climate

The average temperature in Indore during October to December ranges between 15°C and 30°C, making it a pleasant time to explore the city’s rich heritage and vibrant food scene.

Complimentary Day Trip

This year, we are organizing a complimentary day trip to Ujjain on 28th November 2025 (Friday) for all participants. The trip will take place in the second half of the day. Located close to Indore, Ujjain is one of India’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage centers, home to the sacred Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and several historic landmarks.

Seats are limited and will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants joining with family are requested to inform in advance by 10th November 2025.

Experience the spiritual and cultural essence of one of Madhya Pradesh’s most sacred cities.

About Ujjain

Located on the banks of the sacred Shipra River, Ujjain is one of India’s most ancient and revered cities. Known for the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, it attracts pilgrims and visitors from across the country. The city holds great historical and spiritual significance and was once a prominent center of learning and astronomy during the reign of King Vikramaditya.

Ujjain’s peaceful ghats, traditional aartis, and beautifully preserved temples reflect its deep cultural roots. Just a short drive from Indore, it offers an enriching blend of devotion, heritage, and tranquility — making it a perfect destination for a memorable day trip.

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