2026 Agenda
Interested in proposing a presentation? Please contact Jenny Goh at jenny.goh@infoexws.com for more information.
01
Day 1 — July 1, 2026
FOUNDATIONS OF FOOD ALLERGEN RISK MANAGEMENT
OPENING PLENARY
Welcome Remarks
09:00
International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI Japan)
09:05
Asian Life Sciences Institutes Network (ALSIN)
JAPAN'S 2026 REGULATORY TRANSITION
Moderator:
09:10
Food Allergen Labeling in Japan:
Historical Development, Unique Features, and 2026 Mandatory Transition
Historical Development, Unique Features, and 2026 Mandatory Transition
Motohiro EBISAWA,
Director, Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology,
National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital;
FAA 2026 Conference Chair
Director, Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology,
National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital;
FAA 2026 Conference Chair
09:30
Allergen Labeling: Operational Guidance for the 2026 Update
Consumer Affairs Agency, Government of Japan
09:50
Q&A
GLOBAL CONTEXT: FAO/WHO PERSPECTIVES ON FOOD ALLERGEN RISK
Moderator:
10:00
International Perspective:
Science-Based Approaches for Managing Food Allergen Risks
Science-Based Approaches for Managing Food Allergen Risks
Kang ZHOU,
Food Safety Officer,
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Food Safety Officer,
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
10:20
Food Allergy in Asia— Public Health Perspective
Gyanendra GONGAL,
Senior Public Health Officer, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia;
Adjunct Professor, City University of Hong Kong
Senior Public Health Officer, WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia;
Adjunct Professor, City University of Hong Kong
10:40
Q&A
10:50
☕ MORNING BREAK
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP IN FOOD ALLERGEN RISK MANAGEMENT
Moderator:
Kang ZHOU,
Food Safety Officer, Food Safety and Quality Unit, FAO
Food Safety Officer, Food Safety and Quality Unit, FAO
11:00
Global Rules, Local Realities:
Harmonizing Allergen Strategy with Japan’s Requirements
Harmonizing Allergen Strategy with Japan’s Requirements
Jantra DAOLERT,
Food Safety & Quality Expert, Nestle Japan Ltd.
Food Safety & Quality Expert, Nestle Japan Ltd.
11:30
Representative from Merieux NutriSciences
11:40
Practical Approach to Allergen Detection, Risk Assessment, and Preventive Controls
Linda NADEEM,
Associate Director Food Safety Lead AMEA, Mars Snacking
Associate Director Food Safety Lead AMEA, Mars Snacking
12:00
Q&A
IMPLEMENTATION IN PRACTICE: LABELING & COMMUNICATION
Moderator:
Simon BROOKE-TAYLOR,
Director / Principal Consultant, Brooke-Taylor & Co Pty Ltd.
Director / Principal Consultant, Brooke-Taylor & Co Pty Ltd.
12:10
When Law Meets Science:
Lessons from Japan’s 10 ppm Regulation & Risk Assessment
Lessons from Japan’s 10 ppm Regulation & Risk Assessment
Tatsuki FUKUIE,
Director of Allergy Center,
National Center for Child Health and Development, Japan
Director of Allergy Center,
National Center for Child Health and Development, Japan
12:30
Communicating Residual Allergen Risks: Gaining Consumer Trust
Paul TURNER,
Professor of Anaphylaxis, Paediatric Allergy & Clinical Immunology,
Imperial College London
Professor of Anaphylaxis, Paediatric Allergy & Clinical Immunology,
Imperial College London
12:50
Q&A
13:00
🍱 LUNCH BREAK
RISK SCIENCE & THRESHOLDS – GLOBAL BENCHMARKS AND IMPLEMENTATION
Moderator:
Clare MILLS,
Professor, Food and Molecular Immunology, School of Bioscience, The University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
Professor, Food and Molecular Immunology, School of Bioscience, The University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
14:10
Harmonization of Global Food Allergen Risk Assessment:
The Practical Application of Reference Doses
The Practical Application of Reference Doses
Benjamin REMINGTON,
Managing Director, Remington Consulting Group B.V.
Managing Director, Remington Consulting Group B.V.
14:30
Quantitative Exposure Assessment of Allergenic Proteins:
Implications for Allergen Labeling in Japan
Implications for Allergen Labeling in Japan
Hiroshi AKIYAMA,
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
14:50
From Science to Policy:
Implementing Thresholds for Harmonized Operations and Enforcement
Implementing Thresholds for Harmonized Operations and Enforcement
Simon BROOKE-TAYLOR,
Director / Principal Consultant, Brooke-Taylor & Co Pty Ltd.
Director / Principal Consultant, Brooke-Taylor & Co Pty Ltd.
15:10
Q&A
15:20
☕ AFTERNOON BREAK
CLINICAL SCIENCE
Moderator:
Motohiro EBISAWA,
Director, Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital; FAA 2026 Conference Chair
Director, Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology, National Hospital Organization Sagamihara National Hospital; FAA 2026 Conference Chair
15:30
Determining Eliciting Doses and Their Clinical Application:
Evidence from Japanese Population Studies
Evidence from Japanese Population Studies
Kyohei TAKAHASHI,
Chief, Division of Epidemiological Statistics,
Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology,
NHO Sagamihara National Hospital
Chief, Division of Epidemiological Statistics,
Clinical Research Center for Allergy and Rheumatology,
NHO Sagamihara National Hospital
15:50
Gluten Safety in Coeliac Disease: Thresholds, Reference Doses, and Risk
Jason TYE-DIN,
Laboratory Head, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
Laboratory Head, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
16:10
Q&A
APPLYING ALLERGEN TESTING –
MONITORING, DOCUMENTATION & DATA MANAGEMENT
MONITORING, DOCUMENTATION & DATA MANAGEMENT
Moderator:
Joseph BAUMERT,
Professor, University of Nebraska - Food Allergy Research & Resource Program
Professor, University of Nebraska - Food Allergy Research & Resource Program
16:20
Data Management for Allergen Testing & Documentation
Annette J. SAUER,
Market Development & Product Manager,
Food & Feed Analysis, R-Biopharm AG
Market Development & Product Manager,
Food & Feed Analysis, R-Biopharm AG
16:40
Reliable Detection, Reliable Safety:
The Morinaga Advantage in Allergen Control
The Morinaga Advantage in Allergen Control
Masayoshi TOMIKI,
Senior Manager, PhD, Morinaga BioScience, Inc.
Senior Manager, PhD, Morinaga BioScience, Inc.
16:50
The Role of Allergen Analysis Across the Supply Chain: From Production to Consumption
Jasmine LACIS-LEE,
Director Food Science Centre, Merieux NutriSciences AQ;
President and Board Chair, Allergen Bureau
Director Food Science Centre, Merieux NutriSciences AQ;
President and Board Chair, Allergen Bureau
17:10
Q&A
ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN ALLERGEN TESTING METHODS & VALIDATION
Moderator:
Melanie DOWNS,
Associate Professor, Food Allergy Research and Resource Program,
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Associate Professor, Food Allergy Research and Resource Program,
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
17:20
Pilot Study on Inter-Laboratory Proficiency Testing Using
the Official Japanese ELISA Method with incurred Food Samples
the Official Japanese ELISA Method with incurred Food Samples
Hiroshi AKIYAMA,
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
17:40
A Universal Immunoassay Platform for Proteomics-Driven Biomarkers:
Combining Anti-Peptide Monoclonal Antibodies and Structural Linearization for Food Allergen Analysis
Combining Anti-Peptide Monoclonal Antibodies and Structural Linearization for Food Allergen Analysis
Masahiro SHOJI,
Consultant, Bio-Innova Co. Ltd.
Consultant, Bio-Innova Co. Ltd.
18:00
Validation Results of the Japanese Official Allergen Testing Methods
Norimasa TAMEHIRO,
Section Chief, National Institute of Health Sciences
Section Chief, National Institute of Health Sciences
18:20
Q&A
18:30
CONCLUSION OF DAY 1
02
Day 2 — July 2, 2026
THE NEXT FRONTIER OF FOOD ALLERGEN SAFETY
ADVANCING ALLERGEN SAFETY OF NOVEL AND ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS
Moderator:
Clare MILLS,
Professor, Food and Molecular Immunology, School of Bioscience, The University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
Professor, Food and Molecular Immunology, School of Bioscience, The University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
09:00
Allergencity Assessment of Novel Food Proteins: Processing Considerations
Joseph BAUMERT,
Professor, University of Nebraska - Food Allergy Research & Resource Program
Professor, University of Nebraska - Food Allergy Research & Resource Program
09:20
Bioinformatic Assessment of Allergen Risk from Alternative Proteins in Foods
Philip JOHNSON,
Associate Professor, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Associate Professor, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
09:40
Allergenicity Analysis in a Risk Assessment Context
Clare MILLS,
Professor, Food and Molecular Immunology, School of Bioscience,
The University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
Professor, Food and Molecular Immunology, School of Bioscience,
The University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
10:00
Edible Insects as Emerging Food Allergens in Asia
Sirinrat SRIKULNATH,
Scientist, Professional Level,
Institute of Food Research and Product Development, Kasetsart University
Scientist, Professional Level,
Institute of Food Research and Product Development, Kasetsart University
10:20
Q&A
10:30
☕ MORNING BREAK
ADVANCED ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR ALLERGEN DETECTION:
MATRICES, STANDARDS & PROTEOMICS
MATRICES, STANDARDS & PROTEOMICS
Moderator:
Jason TYE-DIN,
Laboratory Head, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
Laboratory Head, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
10:40
Advanced Analytical Perspective on Food Allergens in Complex Matrices:
Implications for VITAL Risk Management
Implications for VITAL Risk Management
CHEN Hongbing,
Professor, Sino-German Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, China
Professor, Sino-German Joint Research Institute, Nanchang University, China
11:00
The Necessity of Standard Samples and Validation of Analytical Methods
Hiroshi AKIYAMA,
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
11:20
Case Studies in Allergen Analysis Using Proteomics
Michelle COLGRAVE,
Professor of Food and Agricultural Proteomics, Edith Cowan University
Professor of Food and Agricultural Proteomics, Edith Cowan University
11:40
Q&A + Discussion
11:50
🍱LUNCH BREAKK
SCIENCE FOR THE FUTURE:
ADVANCED ANALYTICAL & RISK ASSESSMENT APPROACHES
ADVANCED ANALYTICAL & RISK ASSESSMENT APPROACHES
Moderator:
Kang ZHOU, Food Safety Officer, Food Safety and Quality Unit, FAO
13:00
State-of-the-art Validation of Test Kits for Allergen and Gluten Determination
Markus LACORN,
Director of R&D, Validation and Deputy Head of R&D, Food & Feed,
R-Biopharm AG
Director of R&D, Validation and Deputy Head of R&D, Food & Feed,
R-Biopharm AG
13:20
Diagnosing Food Allergy - Utility of Allergen Components
Eva SÖDERGREN,
Nutritionist, Senior Manager Allergy, Global Medical & Scientific Affairs,
ImmunoDiagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Phadia AB
Nutritionist, Senior Manager Allergy, Global Medical & Scientific Affairs,
ImmunoDiagnostics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Phadia AB
13:40
From Matrix to Protein:
The Evolving Approach to Allergen Quantification in Food
The Evolving Approach to Allergen Quantification in Food
Speaker from Romer Labs
13:55
From MS Data to Risk Assessment:
Interpreting Allergen Quantification for Safety Decisions
Interpreting Allergen Quantification for Safety Decisions
Melanie DOWNS,
Associate Professor, Food Allergy Research and Resource Program,
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Associate Professor, Food Allergy Research and Resource Program,
Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
14:15
Q&A
ALLERGEN MANAGEMENT IN FOODSERVICE / RESTAURANTS
Moderator:
Lisa CLARK,
Manager, Allergen Bureau
Manager, Allergen Bureau
14:25
Key Learnings from Codex Allergen Management
Maiko NAKASHIMA,
General Manager, Food Safety Information Department, Group Food Safety Standards Division, Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd.
General Manager, Food Safety Information Department, Group Food Safety Standards Division, Zensho Holdings Co., Ltd.
14:35
The VITAL Framework and Its Approach
Simon BROOKE-TAYLOR,
Director / Principal Consultant, Brooke-Taylor & Co Pty Ltd.
Director / Principal Consultant, Brooke-Taylor & Co Pty Ltd.
14:45
QSR Best Practice Guideline for ANZ Businesses
Lisa CLARK,
Manager, Allergen Bureau
Manager, Allergen Bureau
PANEL DISCUSSION
14:55
Panel: How Can AU/NZ QSR Guidance Be Applied in Japan? (tentative title)
Moderator:
Jasmine LACIS-LEE,
Director Food Science Centre, Merieux NutriSciences AQ;
President and Board Chair, Allergen Bureau
Panelists: tbc
Jasmine LACIS-LEE,
Director Food Science Centre, Merieux NutriSciences AQ;
President and Board Chair, Allergen Bureau
Panelists: tbc
15:25
☕ AFTERNOON BREAK
PANEL DISCUSSION – FRONTIERS IN ALLERGEN RISK COMMUNICATION
Moderator:
Takeshi YAMASAKI,
President, NPO, Science of Food Safety and Security, Tokyo (SFSS)
President, NPO, Science of Food Safety and Security, Tokyo (SFSS)
15:35
Introduction by Moderator
Takeshi YAMASAKI,
President, NPO, Science of Food Safety and Security, Tokyo (SFSS)
President, NPO, Science of Food Safety and Security, Tokyo (SFSS)
15:45
Food Allergy Labeling System from The Consumer's Perspective
Maki MORITA,
Representative, Food Communication Compass (FOOCOM)
Representative, Food Communication Compass (FOOCOM)
15:55
Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union's Initiatives Regarding Food Allergens
Hitoshi INOUE,
Operating Officer (Quality Assurance), Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union
Operating Officer (Quality Assurance), Japanese Consumers' Co-operative Union
16:05
Allergen Management in Japan’s Food Service Industry:
Efforts and Future Challenges
Efforts and Future Challenges
Yasunobu YAMASHITA,
Representative Director, Food Sanitation 78 Co., Ltd.
Representative Director, Food Sanitation 78 Co., Ltd.
16:15
Q&A + Discussions
PANEL – PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO ALLERGEN RISK MANAGEMENT
Moderator:
Hiroshi AKIYAMA,
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
16:35
Welcome & Introduction by Moderator
Hiroshi AKIYAMA,
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
Professor, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Hoshi University
16:40
Single-Lab Validation of a Qualitative Immunochromatographic Test for Egg (A Mandatory Allergen) (tentative title)
Mina ITO,
Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.
Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.
16:45
Practical Examples of Allergen Risk Management at Manufacturing Sites
Yukie SUNAGA,
Manager, Kewpie Corporation
Manager, Kewpie Corporation
16:50
Initiatives for "Minimum Necessary Allergen Avoidance" and "Early Allergen Introduction" at Home: The Case of House Foods Group
Chiaki MEGUMI,
Group Manager, House Foods Group Inc.
Group Manager, House Foods Group Inc.
16:55
Risk Management System for Food Allergens in Meiji
Hikari ITO,
Research Division, Meiji Co., Ltd.
Research Division, Meiji Co., Ltd.
17:00
Q&A / Moderated Discussion
LIVE ALLERGEN CRISIS SIMULATION WORKSHOP
17:20
Workshop Leader:
Benjamin REMINGTON, Managing Director, Remington Consulting Group B.V.
Contributors:
Jasmine LACIS-LEE , Director Food Science Centre, Merieux NutriSciences AQ; President and Board Chair, Allergen Bureau
Joseph BAUMERT, Professor, University of Nebraska - Food Allergy Research & Resource Program
Benjamin REMINGTON, Managing Director, Remington Consulting Group B.V.
Contributors:
Jasmine LACIS-LEE , Director Food Science Centre, Merieux NutriSciences AQ; President and Board Chair, Allergen Bureau
Joseph BAUMERT, Professor, University of Nebraska - Food Allergy Research & Resource Program
18:20
Closing Speech
18:30
CONCLUSION