On June 7, 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations led the promotion of World Food Safety Day. This year’s campaign was focused on the theme, “From burden to solutions – safe food everywhere.”
To mark the occasion, International Flight Services Association (IFSA) Government Affairs Director Allison Cooke shared an update on IFSA’s World Food Safety Guidelines (WFSG), the most current version of which will be released at the IFSA Global EXPO in Dallas, Texas from September 9-10, 2026.
What are IFSA’s World Food Safety Guidelines?
IFSA’s World Food Safety Guidelines were developed by the airline catering industry in collaboration with federal regulatory agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), whose oversight of the airline catering industry is by means of two key regulations on Control of Communicable Diseases (21 CFR Part 1240) and Interstate Conveyance Sanitation (21 CFR Part 1250).
Also involved in the evolution of the Guidelines was the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The purpose of the WFSG, is “to ensure that the inflight catering sector is protecting consumer health and safety,” explained Cooke. “The Guidelines provide practical and achievable guidance to food safety management.”
How has the WFSG Changed in the Last Four Years?
The version being announced at this year’s IFSA Global EXPO will provide the first update since 2022, and it will become the sixth edition of the Guidelines. In terms of the development process, Cooke noted, “Development and updates to the WFSG followed substantive input and dedication from over 20 members during the past two years, utilizing knowledge of international guidelines and standards on food safety management plans.”
So, what changes will members see? Firstly, the content has been refreshed: “The 2022 WFSG incorporated elements from global food safety schemes, including the Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI) scheme Food Safety System Certification (FSSC), specifically the International Standardization Organization (ISO) 22000 Standard.
“International standards have been updated over the last four years, which are reflected in the updated WFSG. Additionally, FDA has updated guidance and regulations on food safety that are captured in the revised Guidelines,” stated Cooke.
Secondly, the format has been revised. “For the 2022 version, there was the WFSG as well as an implementation guide which provided more detail, as well as an audit checklist. For ease of use, and as there was duplicative information across the resources, these were combined into a single resource for 2026.
Additionally, several sections have been amended or added to inform and educate those utilizing the Guidelines.
“With the revised format that is intended to make it easier to review the WFSG, our hope is that the Guidelines will serve as a critical resource around the world, even in the smallest catering kitchens serving the inflight catering industry,” she continued.
How can Members Find out More About the Guidelines?
Ahead of the IFSA Global EXPO in Dallas, IFSA is planning to hold a preview webinar that highlights the most important elements of the new Guidelines.
Then, members attending the event will have plenty of opportunity to acquaint themselves with the new edition, as IFSA will host a Thought Leadership session on the topic at the event. Signage will be placed throughout the show encouraging people to access and download the Guidelines, which will be published on the IFSA website.
In addition, Cooke confirmed the association is planning to offer training webinars that will take place after IFSA Global EXPO, lasting through to 2027.
What is the IFSA GAEC Working on Now?
“The IFSA Government Affairs and Education Committee (GAEC) has several key priorities and activities outside of the WFSG,” Cooke highlighted. “Starting in 2025, the Committee restructured to better align with primary issues of the industry, and established a new Working Group on sustainability, as this is a growing area of focus for IFSA.
“The sustainability work has included direct engagement with the European Commission on policy areas critical to the flight services industry related to catering waste and recycling.
“In the US, we have been focused on forthcoming compliance with the FDA’s traceability rule which goes into effect in 2028. IFSA has met with FDA on several occasions to discuss how our sector is distinct from the traditional food manufacturing industry and illustrate how our members plan to comply with the regulation while maintaining customer safety,” Cooke concluded.
To register for the IFSA Global EXPO in Dallas, Texas from September 9-10, 2026, click here.
