Play Video

2023 AOAC SEA Section 2nd Annual Conference Topics and Speakers

>> Go to the  conference home page to view 2023 AOAC SEA Conference Agenda

TALK TOPIC

TALK TITLE

SPEAKER

DAY 1 AM & PM, GRAND BALLROM

AOAC Methods Harmonizing and/or Referencing in Vietnam’s National Standards (TCVNs) and Technical Regulations (QCVNs)

The Tendency of Referencing to AOAC Methods in TCVNs, QCVNs and Harmonizing TCVNs in the Food Chain According to the AOAC Methods

Dr. Trieu Viet Phuong

Deputy Director

Vietnam Standards and Quality Institute (VSQI), Vietnam

The Tendency of Referencing to AOAC Methods in TCVNs, QCVNs and Harmonizing TCVNs in the Food Chain According to the AOAC Methods

Trieu Viet Phuong

Vietnam Standards and Quality Institute

Abstract

By the end of 2022, Vietnam’s standard system (TCVN) has 2,026 national standards related to the food chain (food and feed), of which the number of test method standards accounts for nearly 70%. It can be said that the test method plays an extremely important role in the food chain. The harmonization of TCVN on test methods for the food chain according to international standards (ISO standards) is always a priority in the process of developing and perfecting the TCVN system. However, besides that, there are also many TCVNs built on the basis of harmonizing (referencing) methods of the International Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC International).

This review report analyzed a number of cases in which the AOAC method is referenced in the national standards and national technical regulations of Vietnam; the harmonization of national standards according to the AOAC method and the use of the AOAC method in a number of public and non-public laboratories. From the above analysis results, it is possible to make comments about the trend of using AOAC method in testing activities in Vietnam.

Biography

Dr. Trieu Viet Phuong is the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Standards and Quality Institute (VSQI) under the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ), Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST). Dr. Trieu had 20 years of experience working for the Vietnam Metrology Institute, a national body for metrology within STAMEQ, and started working for the Vietnam Institute of Standards and Quality in mid 2021. He is a member of CODEX Vietnam Committee. Since 2022, Dr. Trieu is the chairperson of the National Standards Assessment Councils of Vietnam (TCVN) in the food sector.

Merck’s Rapid Food Pathogen Testing in Probiotic Infant Nutritionals
Ensure Food Safety by Rapid Food Pathogen Testing in Probiotic Infant Nutritionals

Mr. Andrew Lienau

Food Regulatory and Validation Senior Expert

MilliporeSigma, USA

Ensure Food Safety by Rapid Food Pathogen Testing in Probiotic Infant Nutritionals

Andrew Lienau

MilliporeSigma

Abstract

Infant nutritional products are a rapidly growing market in Southeast Asia (SEA). Often probiotic organisms are added to infant products to provide support for the healthy development of infants. The presence of two pathogenic organisms, Salmonella and Cronobacter, have caused recalls in SEA for infant formula. The use of probiotic organisms can create challenges to food safety to allow rapid detection of potential contaminating pathogenic organisms.

This session will highlight the use of probiotics in infant nutritionals. It will discuss the challenges of rapid molecular detection of Salmonella and Cronobacter, as examples for key factors to consider for development of robust methodology to ensure distribution of safe infant foods.

Biography

Andrew Lienau is the Food Regulatory and Validation Senior Expert at MilliporeSigma, site location in Bellevue, Washington (USA) for Merck KGaA.  Andrew has over 30 years’ work experience in the fields of Microbiology, assay development and certification processes for pathogen detection in food. He is a member of the Expert Review Panel for AOAC OMA, Technical Board for MicroVal, and several working groups for ISO.

Status of Adoption of AOAC Methods in ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratories in Vietnam

Applying the AOAC Method to Food Testing at Accredited Laboratories in Vietnam

Ms. Hoang Thanh Duong

Head of Testing Accreditation Division

Bureau of Accreditation (BoA), Vietnam

Applying the AOAC Method to Food Testing at Accredited Laboratories in Vietnam

Hoang Thanh Duong

Bureau of Accreditation (BoA), Vietnam

Abstract

Bureau of Accreditation (BoA) is the Science and Technology Organization set up under the Ministry of Science and Technology established in 1995 by the Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology (The Decision number 1926/QĐ- TCCBKH dated 10 November 1995) to carry out accreditation activities for testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies. 

By the middle of 2023, BoA has accredited more than 1500 laboratories and of which the number of laboratories in the field of Chemical, Biological, and Pharmaceutical accounts for more than 70%. Food, feed, supplement, and pharmaceutical laboratories account for more than 40% of all accredited laboratories. 

The current reality of using test methods for testing criteria in food and feed laboratories is mainly that TCVN, AOAC, ISO standards, and almost of Vietnamese standards are harmonized with ISO and AOAC. However, the use of AOAC test methods by laboratories also depends on many factors such as the scope of application of the method, conditions for method implementation, implementation techniques, information on validation data, technical regulation of Vietnam, and customer requirements. 

Currently, many technical regulations of Vietnam specify test parameters for food and feed products and refer to the AOAC test method, so the harmonization of the application of AOAC standards has been promoted, however, the percentage of test criteria cited by the AOAC method is still not much and sufficient for all kinds of food and animal feed products.

Biography

Ms. Hoang is the Head of the Testing Accreditation Division of the Bureau of Accreditation in Vietnam for Chemical, Biological, and Pharmaceutical testing laboratories, with 25 years of experience in the field. She is the lead assessor for laboratory assessment and conducts training courses on verification and validation methods for testing laboratories. Ms. Hoang has participated in a number of projects on capacity building for food laboratories in Vietnam.

Challenges with Total Sugar Analysis

Challenges with Total Sugar Analysis

Dr. Erik Konings

Expert

Nestlé Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences, Switzerland

Challenges with Total Sugar Analysis.

Sean Austin, Erik J.M. Konings

Nestlé Research, Nestlé Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Abstract

The definition of “sugars“ described in the Codex Standard on Nutrition Labeling (CXS2-1985) and  almost universally applied is “all mono- and disaccharides”. Confusion arises when certain nutritional guidelines talk about “added sugars” and “free sugars”. A single analytical method to tackle more than 100 compounds referring to the definition of all mono- and disaccharides is an impossible task. A pragmatic approach to sugar analysis is to select a method that determines the content of the sugars that are commonly found in food. That list is more manageable and includes glucose, galactose, fructose, sucrose, lactose and maltose.

There are many (Official) methods available for the analysis of sugars in different products. This presentation gives an overview of the available technologies and example (Official) methods. Selection of the method may depend on the specific food product to be analyzed. There are also certain methods which should not be generally applied for total sugar analyses. Finally, results will be shown for the analysis of total sugars in a food product by different Labs in Vietnam.

Biography

Erik Konings is Expert at the Nestlé Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences in Lausanne, Switzerland where he provides leadership to global quality, laboratory and regulatory teams to engage in strategic local activities to drive alignment/harmonization of analytical methods and partners with government and non-government organizations in the development of standards for analytical methods.

He is active within AOAC INTERNATIONAL (Past-President), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (Chair ISO TC 34, Working Group 14 on Vitamins, carotenoids and other nutrients), the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) (Chair CEN TC 275 Working group 9 on Vitamins and carotenoids), and the International Dairy Federation (IDF). He participates in the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS).

He studied higher professional laboratory education with majors in Analytical and Clinical chemistry holds an MSc degree in Epidemiology and a PhD in Health Sciences of Maastricht University, the Netherlands (2001). He is (co)author of more than 40 scientific publications.

AOAC & ISO Harmonization in Microbiological Test Methods Validation

AOAC & ISO Harmonization in Microbiological Test Methods Validation

Ms. DeAnn Benesh

Past-President, AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Board Director, MicroVal

Global Scientific Affairs Manager, Neogen, USA

AOAC & ISO Harmonization in Microbiological Test Methods Validation

DeAnn Benesh

Board Director, MicroVal

Past-President, AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Global Scientific Affairs Manager, Neogen, USA

Abstract

AOAC and ISO have a long history of standards development.  Although their processes to develop standards differ, in the last decade, AOAC and ISO have worked together on harmonization of their approaches to standards development which led to the development of a formal cooperative agreement between AOAC and ISO TC34 to work together on standards development when possible. 

This session will provide an overview of the two organizations and their similarities and differences in the validation and certification of AOAC and ISO microbiology methods.

Biography

DeAnn Benesh is a Global Scientific Affairs Manager at Neogen, where she provides leadership to global teams to engage in strategic local regulatory activities to drive recognition and acceptance of methods, and partners with government and non-government organizations in development of standards and methods.

She is:

  • – a member of the Microval General Council
  • – active in ISO IC34/SC9 as an expert participating in several Working Groups
  • – Co-chair of ISO 16140-3 (Method Verification) drafting committing
  • – Chair of IAFP International Food Protection Issues Professional Development Group
  • – Recipient of the IAFP President’s Recognition Award
  • – a member the Scientific Affairs Technical Committees of several industry associations
  • – Past President of AOAC INTERNATIONAL
  • – and a Fellow of AOAC INTERNATIONAL

DeAnn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the College of Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; a Mini master’s in International Business from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN; and a Certificate in International Food Law through Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.

Heavy Metal Testing and Regulation in Vietnam

Heavy Metal Testing and Regulation in Vietnam

Ms. Phan Bich Ha

Vice Director

The Southern Regional Testing Center for Food Safety, Institute of Public Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Heavy Metal Testing and Regulation in Vietnam

Phan Bich Ha

The Southern Regional Testing Center for Food Safety, Institute of Public Health, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

Heavy metals are known to be harmful to most forms of life when present in too high quantities. The accumulation of heavy metals over a protracted period may have a variety of negative impacts. In order to limit the quantity of potentially harmful heavy metals that may be found in food, governments in each nation have enacted legislation setting maximum levels. In Vietnam, food safety actors must comply with national standards and technical rules stipulated in the Food Safety Law. Several Vietnamese food safety standards and criteria have been harmonized with international Codex standards. The permissible level of heavy metal contamination in food is specified in the National Technical Regulation QCVN 8-2:2011/BYT. This law sets the maximum allowable levels of contamination in food that may include arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, methylmercury and tin. Metals in food contact materials and packaging are regulated by QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT, QCVN 12-2:2011/BYT, QCVN 12-3:2011/BYT, and QCVN 12-4:2015/BYT. These standards apply to plastic, rubber, metallic, glass and ceramic materials. These laws provide revised procedures for both sampling and detection. Other Vietnamese standards and technical regulations on food safety also require the relevant actors to follow standards of, for example, QCVN 6-1:2010/BYT for bottled/packaged natural mineral waters and drinking waters, quality of clean water used for domestic purposes by QCVN 01-1:2018/BYT.

The leading laboratories in food and environmental testing in Vietnam are required to obtain ISO 17025:2017 certification and the approval of the relevant governmental authorities to guarantee that analytical results are always the most reliable and maintain the capacity of the laboratory. These laboratories can analyze most metals contained in food, feed, and environmental samples to ensure that they comply with national and international regulations because they are equipped with modern equipment such as ICP-OES, ICP-MS, LC-ICP-MS, techniques GF-AAS, F-AAS, CV-AAS, HG-AS for heavy metal testing and a team of experienced technicians who develop methods.

Biography

Ms. Phan Bich Ha is the Vice Director of The Southern Regional Testing Center for Food Safety, Institute of Public Health in Ho Chi Minh City. She got her bachelor’s and master’s degree in organic chemistry from the University of Science, Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City. She has spent 23 years working in laboratories. Her research interests include surveying and validating physicochemical methods for analysing food safety and the environment.

Analysis of Banned Substances in Dietary Supplements

Rapid Detection, Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Banned Chemical Substances Added in Dietary Supplements in Vietnam

Mr. Phan Nguyen Truong Thang

Head of R&D Department

Institute of Drug Quality Control, Ho Chi Minh City (IDQC-HCMC), Vietnam

Rapid Detection, Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Banned Chemical Substances Added in Dietary Supplements in Vietnam

Mr. Phan Nguyen Truong Thang

Head of R&D Department

Institute of Drug Quality Control, Ho Chi Minh City (IDQC-HCMC), Vietnam

Abstract

Since the 2000s, at the beginning of the millennium, a number of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have been discovered in Vietnam (aspirin, acetaminophen, diclofenac, indomethacin…), corticoids (dexamethasol,betamethason, prednisolone…),  anti histamines (cyprohaptadin), or sibutramine… had been illegally added into traditional medicines, including domestic products and products originating from some Southeast Asian countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia… ) and China.

By 2007-2010, in the National Institute of Drug Quality Control (NIDQC), a series of dietary suplements and traditional medicine for men containing PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors were detected, such as: sildenafil, tadanafil, vardenafil and many sildenafil analogues (sildenafil homologues: nor-acetyldenafil, acetyldenafil, sulfosildenafil, sulfoaidenafil, hydroxy- homosildenafil) as well as some functional food products, herbal medicines containing pharmaceutical ingredients diabetes (metformin HCl, gliclazide, glibenclamide). In 2018, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Hopitals received many emergency patients, including some deaths due to the use of dietary supplements to treat diabetes. The Institute Drug Quality Control in Ho Chi Minh city (IDQC HCMC) has discovered that some traditional medicine (TCM) and dietary supplements contain metformin and phenformin, they were major cause of acidosis leading to death. Currently, traditional drugs and dietary supplements derived from medicinal herbs mixed with substances with hypoglycemic effects tend to increase and are not controlled. This greatly affects the health of users and causes unwanted effects. In HCM City, we develop the methods for rapid detection, qualitative and quantitative analysis of a banned chemical substances added in dietary supplements in Vietnam, focusing on the above-mentioned groups. The development of classical to modern procedures for analyzing these groups of banned substances has become a tool to quickly and accurately detect the illegal mixing of modern drugs in health foods and traditional medicines. The methods used today are mainly sample preparation, systems of chromatographic methods TLC, HPLC – PDA and LC MS/MS. Most recently, we used 1H-NMR and 1H-qNMR to analyze, detect, qualitative and quantitative functions of these substances contained in the mentioned products. We hope that the existing system of analytical methods will contribute to helping managers control food safety, not only with the above mentioned health protection foods, but also with other foods, protect consumers and protect people’s health.

Biography

Mr. Phan Nguyen Truong Thang is the Head of the R&D Department at the Institute of Drug Quality Control in Ho Chi Minh City (IDQC-HCMC). He is also the GMP Independent Expertor of the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) and Lecturer at Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University.

Mr. Thang has been with IDQC-HCMC since 2012. He obtained his bachelor in Pharmacy from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City and is finishing his PhD with the university.

Nitrosamines in Processed Food

Nitrosamines – Analytical Methods and Risk Assessment in Vietnamese Food

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Ngoc

Laboratory Manager

National Institute for Food Control (NIFC), Vietnam

Nitrosamines – Analytical Methods and Risk Assessment in Vietnamese Food

Nguyen Thi Hong Ngoc, Tran Cao Son, Bui Cao Tien, Vu Ngoc Tu

National Institute for Food Control (NIFC), Vietnam

Abstract

Nitrosamines are a group of substances formed in foods due to chemical interactions, but mainly through food processing. Many substances in this group are rated 2A and 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for their potential carcinogenicity to humans. They are a cancer factor onsets to many different body areas such as the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, and lungs. Currently, there are only regulations on the maximum content of nitrosamines in drinking water, there are no regulations for food globally. Therefore, risk assessment for nitrosamines is necessary. Risk assessment is the most important component of risk analysis, and is the scientific foundation for risk management and communication. In order to provide analytical data and a basis for making management decisions, the assessment will start with the analysis of the exposure of nitrosamines in food, combined with the investigation of food consumption, thereby calculating dietary exposure to the target foods, then estimating and evaluating risk at exposure levels. In Vietnam, the National Institute for Food Control has been conducting risk assessment studies related to nitrosamines since 2018 to date, including developing analytical methods on common Vietnamese foods: meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dried food, fermented food, and other ready-to-eat food; combined with a food consumption survey starting from Hanoi and surrounding areas; expanded to a larger scale than the whole country, with the goal of having data set to help management agencies inspect and monitor food quality safely and effectively, and have timely risk communication to consumers.

Biography

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Ngoc is the Manager of the Food Toxicology and Allergens Laboratory, from the National Institute for Food Control (NIFC), Vietnam. She has eight years of experience working in the field of quality inspection and food safety analysis. Her experience in chemistry quality and safety testing is on the fields of food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic, feedstuffs, water, and others. She conducts 17025 assessments as a technical expert in chemistry and pharmaceutical, GMP-WHO assessments as a laboratory system specialist, and several other assessment delegations as an expert. 

Ms. Nguyen holds a Pharmacist degree and a Master’s degree in Drug and Toxicity Testing from Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Vietnam.

Agilent’s Pesticide Multiresidue Analysis

Determination of Over 500 Pesticides in Spice by EMR–GPD Passthrough Cleanup and a Novel Triple Quadrupole LC/MS system

Ms. Boonraksa Srisawang (Nik)

Business Solution Development Manager for Emerging Countries

Agilent Technologies

Boonraksa Srisawang (Nik) graduated master degree of science from Chiang Mai University, Thailand, in a field of analytical chemistry. She has been worked as research assistant at Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology and Research Center of Ocean Margin (RCOM), Bremen, Germany. She has experience over 15 years for analytical chemistry instrument for method development and chemistry research. She is currently the Business Solution Development Manager for the Emerging countries.

Romer Labs’ Mobile Flow Cytometer
Making the World’s Food Safer

Ms. Mabel Ng

Regional Product Manager

Romer Labs Asia Pacific

Mabel Ng joined Romer Labs in September 2015 and has been deeply involved in method validation and application support in mycotoxin and allergen Romer Labs products. She provides technical advice and product troubleshooting to customers and sales staff and conducts product trainings and workshops in food safety for customers within the Asia Pacific region.

She has participated as a speaker in various food safety conferences, such as the OUR Food Conference on Food Safety in Cebu, Philippines and USSEC-SEA Animal Nutrition, Feed Technology Workshop (ANFTW) in Bangkok and Food Control Conference in Hanoi organized by NIFC Vietnam.

She holds a Master’s degree in life science specializing in chemistry from Nanyang Technological University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the National University of Singapore.

Overview of MicroVal Method Validation Organization

Overview of MicroVal Method Validation Organization

Ms. DeAnn Benesh

Board Director, MicroVal

Past-President, AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Global Scientific Affairs Manager, Neogen, USA

Overview of MicroVal Method Certification

DeAnn Benesh

Board Director, MicroVal

Past-President, AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Global Scientific Affairs Manager, Neogen, USA

Abstract

MicroVal Certification is one of 3 Internationally recognized Certification organizations for the validation of microbiology methods. MicroVal is based in the Netherlands and run by the National Standards body (NEN).

This presentation will provide you with an overview of the MicroVal organization. Today, MicroVal and the expert labs used for method validation studies are based in Europe and the US. MicroVal would like to be recognized more globally and include experts from international regions. 

This overview will highlight MicroVal method certification process, from method validation protocol, comparison study, inter-laboratory study, review, to approval. It will also provide some specifics on the general requirements of joining as MicroVal expert laboratories and their responsibilities in the method validation process.

Biography

DeAnn Benesh is a Global Scientific Affairs Manager at Neogen, where she provides leadership to global teams to engage in strategic local regulatory activities to drive recognition and acceptance of methods, and partners with government and non-government organizations in development of standards and methods.

She is:

  • – a member of the Microval General Council
  • – active in ISO IC34/SC9 as an expert participating in several Working Groups
  • – Co-chair of ISO 16140-3 (Method Verification) drafting committing
  • – Chair of IAFP International Food Protection Issues Professional Development Group
  • – Recipient of the IAFP President’s Recognition Award
  • – a member the Scientific Affairs Technical Committees of several industry associations
  • – Past President of AOAC INTERNATIONAL
  • – and a Fellow of AOAC INTERNATIONAL

DeAnn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from the College of Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; a Mini master’s in International Business from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN; and a Certificate in International Food Law through Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.

Nutrition Labeling

Tolerance Limits for Nutrient Declaration and Claims

Dr. E Siong Tee

Nutrition Consultant

TES NutriHealth Strategic Consultancy, Malaysia

Tolerance Limits for Nutrient Declaration and Claims

E-Siong Tee

TES NutriHealth Strategic Consultancy, Malaysia

Abstract

Regulatory authorities conduct regular surveillance programmes to check on compliance of values of nutrients declared for nutrition labelling and nutrition claims. Enforcement actions may be taken on values that do not comply with the labelling and claims regulations. It should be acceptable that such enforcement cannot be exactly at the values obtained upon analysis of the food product. Certain amount of tolerance should be permitted between the analysed and declared values. However, the content of nutrients should not deviate substantially from labelled values to the extent that could lead to consumers being misled. There must be a limit to the permitted tolerances. This presentation discusses what are tolerance limits, why such tolerances are needed and how the regulatory authorities in some countries in Southeast Asian countries set these limits.

Tolerances limit refers to the acceptable differences between the nutrient values declared on a label and those prescribed in the regulation. The ratio between the nutrient level derived by analytical testing and the label value is calculated to determine % tolerance: laboratory value / label value x 100 = % tolerance. This % tolerance is then compared with the permitted limit of tolerance set by the relevant regulation. Most often, different tolerance limit is set depending on the purpose of the regulation, ie for nutrient labelling or claims purposes.

In setting tolerance limits, several factors that are known to affect the nutrient analysis results must be taken into consideration. These factors include variations in the analytical methods; variations in ingredients /raw materials used in a product, especially natural ingredients; and stability or changes in nutrient levels in ingredients and products over time. The approaches used by United States of America, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand in regulating permitted limits of tolerances are summarised in the presentation. Different criteria for compliance was also set up for different type of regulations, ie whether the nutrient content label is for declaration or claims purposes. There are some general similarities but significant differences exist.

Reviewing the approach in the countries, it can be seen that there is no uniform approach towards regulating permitted tolerances limits. Different terminologies are also used by countries. Efforts to harmonise approaches in tolerance limits in Southeast Asia is encouraged to facilitate international trade. Several challenges in enforcement have been identified in countries in the region. For example, laboratory capabilities vary greatly among in the region, inter laboratory variations are large; there is a lack of inter-laboratory studies. Countries also lack experiences in enforcement of compliance with nutrient declaration and claims. It is more important to give emphasis to enforcement of health claims which can mislead consumers. It is also suggested to give emphasis to compliance with NIP formats rather than the actual values as nutrition labelling is still a relatively new regulation in the region. There should be more opportunities for discussions and exchange of experiences in use of tolerance limits in SEA, including analytical methods for nutrients and programmes to improve laboratory precisions.

Biography

Dr. E Siong Tee is Nutrition Consultant for TES NutriHealth Strategic Consultanc, Malaysia. He is also Adjunct Professor for International Medical University and a Member of the Board of Directors of ILSI SEA Region and Scientific Coordinator of ILSI Malaysia Country Committee. Dr. Tee was Head of the Cardiovascular, Diabetes and Nutrition Research Centre of the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, until his retirement in February 2002, after serving for 30 years. Dr. Tee is also President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM). He represents NSM in several Technical Working Groups in the Ministry of Health Malaysia, including the National Coordinating Committee for Food and Nutrition (NCCFN) and committees related to Malaysian Food Regulations and Codex Alimentarius. He initiated the formation of the Southeast Asia Public Health Nutrition (SEA-PHN) Network in 2014 and is the current Chairman of the Network.

NGS-based Microbial Testing for Probiotics

Sequencing the Future of Probiotics: Next Generation Testing for Safety and Quality

Professor Chai Lay Ching

Pro Vice Chancellor (Education)

Sunway University, Malaysia

Sequencing the Future of Probiotics- The Next Generation Testing for Safety And Quality

Chai Lay Ching

Pro Vice Chancellor (Education)

Sunway University, Malaysia

Abstract

The rising global demand for probiotic products has led to an increased need for robust testing methods to verify their composition, strain identity, viability, and contaminants. The conventional testing methods are inadequate to meet the growing demand for testing in global trade. In response to these challenges, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a promising tool for probiotics testing. Recognizing the importance of addressing these issues, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and University of Malaya, Malaysia are supporting the guidelines development and laboratory capacity building for probiotics testing. An expert committee comprising representatives from field experts in the APEC economies, has been established to foster discussions, capacity building, and networking, enabling communication to enhance cross-border collaboration on probiotics management. This presentation will discuss the concerns in probiotics testing for quality and safety, challenges in implementing NGS for probiotics testing, method standardization, as well as the ways forward.

Biography

Dr Chai Lay Ching is Professor at the Sunway University. Dr Chai’s research focuses on infectious microorganisms, food safety and microbiological risk assessment. She served as the Vice Chair of the Technical Working Group of Microbiology under the Food Analysis Committee (JKAM) chaired by the Department of Chemistry Malaysia from 2016-2020; and is listed as the Malaysian expert on microbial risk assessment in the ASEAN Risk Assessor Directory. Also, she leads numerous academia-industry projects, such as serving as key opinion leaders of 3M Asia Pacific, food safety research with Kikkoman Japan and other local food manufacturers. Her active contribution and involvement in microbiological safety research has won her the Malaspina International Award by the International Life Science Institute (ILSI) in 2017; and she is currently serving as the scientific advisor of ILSI South East Asia Region providing guidance and advice on food safety risk assessment.

Eurofins’ Pathogen Identification

Microbiology: Identification of Pathogen

Mr. Daniel Tan

Business Unit Manager

Gold Standard Diagnostics Singapore

Daniel is the Business Unit Manager for Gold Standard Diagnostics Singapore. A food technologist in academic studies, and a technical sales by training, Daniel has been holding a commercial role in the Food & Feed Safety industry since 2015. He specialises in screening technologies for various applications in food, feed, environmental and veterinary diagnostics

He graduated with a first class honours from University of Queensland, Australia and Executive Masters in Business Administration from National University of Singapore

Bruker’s MALDI Biotyper for Microorganisms

Application of MALDI Biotyper for Microorganism Identification in Food Testing Laboratories and Food Industries.

Ms. Tran Thi Anh Nguyet

Head of Microbiology – GMO testing Laboratory – AFRL (ASEAN Food Reference Laboratory) for Food Microbiology

Quality Assurance and Testing center 3 (QUATEST 3), Directorate of Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ), Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)

2004: Bachelor of Biotechnology, University of Science, Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City

From 2004 up to now: has working for Microbiology – GMO testing Laboratory, she has over 18 years of food microbiology testing experience.

+ Good understanding of laboratory sciences, technologies, processes, and methods related to Microbiology testing (basic techniques in biochemistry microbiology, molecular biology, ELISA, and MALDI TOS MS…)

+ implementation and maintainance the technical requirements of microbiology testing lab following the quality system of the laboratory in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025

+Technical training for internal laboratory staffs as well as other domestic and international laboratory for Microbiology aspect.

+ Being a Lead Auditor for Quality system according to ISO/ IEC17025 and ISO/IEC 17043, external Auditor for technical requirements according to ISO/ IEC17025 in Biology field

+ Management and organization of activities of ASEAN Food Reference Laboratory laboratories (AFRL) for microbiology

– To coordinate the proficiency testing in food microbiology for ASEAN Member countries (AMCs)

– Provide training and technical advice and services to AMCs 

– Collect and disseminate information related to the methods of analysis and sampling, as well as on procedures for quality assurance and quality management, strains, reference cultures in food Microbiology analysis

DAY 2 AM, GRAND BALLROM

AOAC Food Safety Initiatives

Food Safety Initiatives: Current and Future Standard Development Activities at AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Dr. Katerina (Kate) Mastovska

Deputy Executive Director

Chief Science Officer

AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Food Safety Initiatives: Current and Future Standard Development Activities at AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Katerina Mastovska, Ph.D.

Deputy Executive Director, Chief Science Officer

AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Rockville, MD, USA; [email protected]

Abstract

AOAC INTERNATIONAL is currently working on several initiatives related to food safety. In addition to programs focused on foodborne pathogens and other microbial food safety issues, there are several interesting activities related to chemical food safety either in progress or under development. AOAC working groups have developed validation guidance documents for methods testing gluten and food allergens.  In the case of chemical contaminants, collaborative (interlaboratory validation) studies on recently approved First Action methods for acrylamide, furan and alkyl furans, chlorate and perchlorate, and MCPD and glycidyl esters are expected to start this or next year. Furthermore, new AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs) have been developed for the determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and heavy metals in various food matrices. These SMPRs should be approved within a couple of months and used as a basis for related calls for methods that are expected later this year. AOAC is also planning to re-open a call for methods for glyphosate and its metabolites. When it comes to new initiatives, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is currently initiating a new project for the development of a voluntary consensus standard for the determination of ethylene oxide residues (ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol) in selected food ingredients and products, which is a highly relevant topic for the SEA region. Another future AOAC initiative involves novel foods from alternative protein sources (cell-, fermentation-, insect- or plant-based alternatives), which will cover both food quality and safety analytical aspects, including considerations related to food chemical residues and contaminants.

Biography

As Deputy Executive Director and Chief Science Officer, Kate is responsible for leadership of all science programs and projects at AOAC INTERNATIONAL. She joined the AOAC staff in January 2023 but has been a very active member of AOAC INTERNATIONAL since 2004. Kate is a Fellow of AOAC INTERNATIONAL and received the Association’s highest scientific honor, the Harvey W. Wiley Award, in 2021. An expert in the analysis of chemical residues and contaminants in food, she has worked for the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, the US Department of Agriculture, and founded her own independent consulting business, Excellcon International. In 2009, she began her work at Covance Laboratories where her responsibilities grew rapidly. After the acquisition of Covance Food Solutions by Eurofins Scientific, she has most recently served as Chief Scientific Officer, Eurofins US Food Division. Kate holds a Ph.D. in Food Chemistry and Analysis from the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague.

PFAS Development in Regulations and Analytical Challenges

PFAS: Development in Global Regulations, Analytical Challenges and AOAC Activities

Dr. Susan Genualdi

Research Chemist

Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Regulatory Science, USA

PFAS: Development in Global Regulations, Analytical Challenges and AOAC Activities

Susan Genualdi

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Abstract

The development of analytical methods for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food is essential for monitoring the global food supply and for assessments of dietary exposure. In March 2022, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Halogenated Persistent Organic Pollutants in Feed and Food (EURL POPs) released a guidance document covering priority PFAS of interest, including analytical method parameters and limits of quantification (LOQs).  In December 2022, the European Union published Commission Regulation 2022/2388, establishing maximum levels for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in certain foodstuffs, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, meat, poultry and eggs. The AOAC PFAS working group was established in 2023 to develop a standard method performance requirement (SMPR) for analytical methods for PFAS in food and feed. The objectives of this working group were to identify required analytes and foods for PFAS analysis, establish required limits of quantification, and define analytical method parameters. The SMPR is currently undergoing final revisions by the working group and the results will be presented. Additional system suitability requirements will be discussed which are included in the SMPR to identify analytical challenges with the analysis of PFAS in food and feed. 

Biography

Susan Genualdi is currently a Research Chemist in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition at the Food and Drug Administration. Her research over the last 12 years has focused on developing methods for the analysis of direct and indirect food additives in food and food packaging and for the last 6 years has focused on PFAS analysis in foods. Prior to her work at the FDA, she received her PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Oregon State University and was a postdoctoral fellow at Environment Canada.

Heavy Metals Trend Towards Zero

Updates From the AOAC Heavy Metals Working Group

Dr. Kevin Kubachka

Analytical Chemist.

Food and Drug Administration, Forensic Chemistry Center, USA

Updates From the AOAC Heavy Metals Working Group

Kevin Kubachka, Forensic Chemistry Center, Office of Regulatory Affairs, US FDA

Christopher Smith, The Coca-Cola Company

Stephane Dubascoux, Nestlé Research

Abstract

With the recent movement in world-wide regulations for metals in foods, spurred somewhat by the proposed legislation known as the Baby Food Safety Act of 2021 in the United States, AOAC has convened a working group to explore this area.  Coupled with the AOAC Metals Community and the Expert Review Panel, the AOAC Heavy Metals Working Group is drafting Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR). The SMPR will serve as guidance to assist in the development and/or evaluation of a potential methods to analyze trace elemental contaminants in various food related matrices. This presentation will provide an update on the group’s progress, information on how to participate, expected outcomes, and general information regarding elemental analysis within AOAC. Additionally, an update regarding the FDA’s Closer to Zero action plan will be provided.

Biography

Dr. Kevin Kubachka is a chemist at the FDA’s Forensic Chemistry Center (FCC) where he has focused his efforts on elemental speciation and isotope ratio mass spectrometry. His primary area of expertise is elemental analysis, with emphasis on elemental speciation of arsenic using LC-ICP-MS. He has published several peer-reviewed journal articles and has given numerous invited presentations on these topics. Additionally, Dr. Kubachka has been an instructor and course organizer for several FDA elemental analysis training courses. 

Shimadzu’s Microplastics and Mineral Oil

Microplastics and Mineral Oil Contaminants in Food

Dr. Jackie

Assistant Product Manager (GC & GCMS)

Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd

Microplastics and Mineral Oil Contaminants in Food

Jackie

Assistant Product Manager (GC & GCMS)

Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd

Summary

This talk provides valuable insights to food regulators regarding the detection and analysis of microplastics and mineral oil contaminants in food, with a focus on Shimadzu’s role as an instrumentation vendor supporting food safety initiatives.

Microplastics, small plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, have become a significant global environmental concern, posing potential risks to human health. Reliable monitoring systems are essential, and Jackie will discuss the challenges associated with microplastic analysis, including sampling techniques, sample preparation, and instrumental analysis. Shimadzu’s advanced instruments, such as GCMS and FTIR, offer powerful capabilities for accurately detecting and characterizing microplastics in food.

Similarly, mineral oil contaminants in food are a health concern, entering the food chain through various sources. This talk emphasizes the importance of reliable analytical methods, including automation tools, for identifying and quantifying mineral oil contaminants. Shimadzu’s cutting-edge instruments, such as HPLC coupled with GC-FID, provide sensitive and precise analysis, enabling regulators to establish effective control measures.

Overall, Shimadzu stands ready to provide instrumental solutions and support food regulators in their efforts to safeguard public health and maintain consumer confidence. Shimadzu’s expertise and advanced instrumentation can enhance regulators’ capabilities to detect, quantify, and assess contaminants, ensuring food product safety.

Biography

Jackie obtained his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the National University of Singapore, He has garnered over 9 years of research, training, and facilitation experience. Jackie meets scientists from various industries to share technical knowledge and collect feedback, understanding their problems and helping them find well-suited solutions in GC-related analyses.

Ethylene Oxide

Risk Assessment and Development of Ethylene Oxide Risk Mitigation Guidelines for Food

Dr. Didik Joko Pursito

Head of Commercial Processed Food Production Control

Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (FDA)

Risk Assessment and Development of Ethylene Oxide Risk Mitigation Guidelines for Food

Didik Joko Pursito

Head of Commercial Processed Food Production Control, The Indonesian FDA

Abstract

This presentation outlines a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation strategy for Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and 2-Chloroethanol (2-CE) in food. Ethylene Oxide, a genotoxic carcinogenic compound, and its derivative 2-CE are of emerging concern in food safety. Risk assessment was conducted by mapping international regulations on EtO, performing processing factor analysis, and evaluating potential sources of contamination and exposure levels. As per the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) approach, we proposed uniform maximum residue limits of 0.01 and 85 mg/kg for EtO and 2-CE, respectively.

Mitigation strategies were developed to manage the risk of EtO and 2-CE presence in food. These encompassed the application of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), such as the use of alternative pesticides and sterilization methods, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), including the minimization of food additives and raw materials that might contain EtO residues. Furthermore, stringent testing for EtO and 2-CE residues in exported and imported food products was recommended.

Furthermore, the paper addresses the lack of a uniform limit for EtO and 2-CE, highlighting the importance of establishing a uniform limit to prevent product recalls and ensure consistent food safety standards.

This study presents critical guidelines, informed by current regulations and scientific literature, for stakeholders in the food industry to minimize health risks associated with EtO and 2-CE. Future revisions can incorporate more up-to-date data to continuously improve the guidelines. This approach exemplifies proactive risk management, helping to prevent potential health crises in the food industry.

Overall, this talk provides valuable insights into the risk assessment and mitigation strategies for ethylene oxide in the Indonesian food industry. It emphasizes the importance of adopting the ALARA approach and implementing appropriate risk management actions to safeguard consumer health and ensure food safety.

Biography

Dr. Didik Joko Pursito is a professional in food processing, engineering, food safety, and quality management. He holds a prominent position at the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority and has made significant contributions to the industry. Didik is a Food Inspector and Head of Commercial Processed Food Production Control at The Indonesian FDA, actively engaging in regulatory processes and upholding industry standards.

He is a proud member of The Indonesian Association of Food Technologists and promotes advancements in food science and technology. Didik’s research focuses on optimizing steam consumption in canning processes and actively engages with industry professionals and stakeholders to advance food safety and quality management practices.

For inquiries or potential collaboration opportunities, Dr. Didik Joko Pursito may be reached at [email protected]. His unwavering commitment to excellence, along with his profound contributions to the field, have cemented his status as a highly respected figure within the food science community.

Pesticide Analysis

Pesticides Residues in Food and Food Products: Analysis and Codex Standards for Maximum Residue Limits
Ms. Edna Callejas-Mijares, RCh, MSc.
Chief Executive Officer
Jefcor Laboratories, Inc., Philippines

Pesticides Residues in Food and Food Products: Analysis and Codex Standards for Maximum Residue Limits

Edna Callejas – Mijares, RCh., MSc.

President and CEO

JEFCOR LABORATORIES, INC., PHILIPPINES

Abstract

With globalization and increasing world population, much effort is needed to improve the global food safety supply chain and to sustainably increase agricultural production. This is in line with the second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of the World Health Organization (WHO) of creating a world free of hunger by 2030. Part of its targets include food security, improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Because of this, the cautious use of pesticides plays a huge role in agricultural productivity and crop protection to achieve food security. Pesticide residues in primary food commodities and processed food products are among the contaminants being monitored globally. High concentrations of pesticide residues pose a serious threat not only to food safety but also to consumer confidence and national reputation. This presentation will discuss briefly the importance of Codex standards and Codex guidelines in pesticide residue analysis. Establishment of Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for pesticides is one of the requirements for authorization of a plant protection product. MRLs are very important trading standards and usually set much lower than the levels that would pose a risk to consumers. This presentation will also illustrate how Codex establish MRLs for pesticides through the rigorous process of risk assessment considering several factors, with emphasis on the residue data obtained. The analysis of pesticide residues in food and food products is very rigorous and complex task. Codex provides guidelines on Good Laboratory Practice in pesticide residue analysis (CAC/GL 40-1993) and guidelines on the Performance Criteria for Methods of Analysis for the determination of pesticide residues in food and feed (CXG 90-2017), and provide recommendations on the method of sampling as well as the portion of commodities analyzed for pesticide residue. In the Philippines, the strict implementation of the Food Safety Act of 2013 has strengthened the need for and importance of MRL establishment in food and food products. The National Codex Organization (NCO) was established through a joint executive order by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health to respond to the recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) of which the Philippines is a member. NCO is tasked with establishing appropriate national positions on international food safety standards in Codex, including establishing MRLs and guidelines. The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) of the Department of Agriculture with the guidance of the Technical Working Group (TWG) established the Philippine National Standards (PNS) for MRL for various crops, food and food products based on Codex MRLs.

Biography

Edna C. Mijares is a Registered Chemist and a Master’s Degree holder in Entomology Major in Insecticide Toxicology. She is a Chromatographer and has undergone thorough training for Waters and Agilent LC and GC basic and tandem products, respectively. She is a Pesticide Expert. She was a QA Supervisor for Asia-Pacific of FMC International S.A., a multi-national company in agro-chemicals based in the U.S. She is at present the President and CEO of JEFCOR LABORATORIES, INC., a Chemical Testing Laboratory that specializes in pesticides analyses and an ISO/IEC 17025 :2017 accredited Chemical Laboratory in all types of pesticides in various matrices in the Philippines. 

She is a member of the Codex Sub-Committee on Sampling and Analysis as well as the Sub-Committee for Pesticide Residues under the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority. Both Committees are under the jurisdiction of the Philippines National Codex Organization (NCO). She has been a regular member of the Philippine Delegation to the Codex-FAO-WHO Codex Commission on Pesticide Residues (CCPR) Annual Conferences.

The Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) mandated to establish the Philippine National Standards in Agriculture on Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) of Pesticides in Agriculture has appointed her member of the Technical Working Group (TWG) through the Integrated Chemists of the Philippines (ICP) where she is an ex-Officio Officer.

Ms. Mijares has taught Advanced Analytical Techniques in the Graduate School, Chemistry Department of De La Salle University in Manila. She is a Trainer on Good Laboratory Practices and an ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 Assessor. She is the recipient of the 2021 Achievement Award for Service to the Chemistry Profession granted by the Federation of Chemistry Societies and Distinction Awardee for Chemistry by the Federation of Professionals Association in 2022.

Pesticide Analysis

Current Approaches of Pesticide Multiresidue Analysis in Food for Regulatory Compliance

Dr. Kaushik Banerjee

Director

ICAR National Research Center for Grapes, India

Current Approaches of Pesticide Multiresidue Analysis in Food for Regulatory Compliance

Kaushik Banerjee 

ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, India 

Abstract

Consumer acceptance of agricultural products is largely determined by their food safety credentials. The safety of food is chiefly governed by testing for a variety of pesticide residues that are controlled at their analytical LOQs or MRLs. Globally, innovative technologies for applications in promoting food safety are constantly being developed to ensure consumer safety and facilitate trade of fresh and processed commodities.

The selective and sensitive analysis of pesticide residues involves applications of advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques, e.g., GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS. Here, major emphasis is given to ensure the analytical method performance (accuracy, precision, sensitivity) in compliance with the national and international regulations and guidelines. In addition to large-scale multiresidue analysis based on acetonitrile or ethyl acetate extraction, it is also important to implement single residue methods for estimation of plant growth regulators, polar/ionic pesticides, etc., which require selective sample preparation workflows and specific instrumental conditions to minimize lab-to-lab variations in test results and prevent MRL non-compliances. 

The objectives of this talk are to present (a) evolution of residue analytical methods in the past few decades, (b) analytical quality control guidelines to assure performance of these methods for regulatory compliance, (c) expand the scope of analysis to cover typically problematic single residue pesticides and their metabolites, and finally, (d) how implementation of good laboratory practices helps in minimizing the detection of pesticide residues in export consignments, and enhance the overall quality of fresh and processed agricultural commodities.

Biography

Dr Kaushik Banerjee is the Director of ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune. His area of research focuses on the development of efficient analytical methods for the sensitive and confirmatory estimation of pesticide residues and mycotoxins in agricultural and food matrices, and risk assessment studies for fixation of crop specific MRLs. Being a member of the Scientific Panels of FSSAI, he regularly contributes to the development and implementation of food safety standards in India. He is also the Chairman of the India Section of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. Dr Banerjee’s extensive contributions to analytical science and community have earned him numerous national and international laurels, including AOAC’s Harvey W. Wiley Award, and fellowships from the Royal Society of Chemistry, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

DAY 2 PM, BALLROOM 2, TECHNICAL WORKSHOPS

AOAC Official Methods and Method Validation

AOAC INTERNATIONAL Process for the Development and Use of SMPR‘s in Standards Development

Mr. Darryl Sullivan

Past President, AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Chair, AOAC SPIFAN

Chief Scientific Officer, Eurofins Scientific, USA

AOAC INTERNATIONAL Process for the Development and Use of SMPR‘s in Standards Development

Darryl Sullivan

Past President – AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Chief Science Officer, Eurofins Scientific, Madison, WI USA

Abstract

AOAC is active in some very exciting standards development programs. One of the most exciting programs is AOAC’s Stakeholder Panel Process and the development of Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR). This process is being used to develop standards for infant formula (SPIFAN), and other important food and dietary supplement matrices. Infant formula is one of the most highly regulated products in the world, and it is critical that there are good validated test methods for analysis of these products.

Details will be provided on the new AOAC standards development process and how it is being used to develop Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR’s). Each step in the SMPR process will be explained and the overall outcomes in serval areas will be described. A critical component of the SMPR understands the global implications of the test methods that are being developed. It is important to AOAC that we have Stakeholders from all of the geographies where these important standards are needed. The final SMPR is codified as an official AOAC standard, and is used as the definition of requirements in all of the future validation programs.

Several examples SMPR’s will be shared during the presentation and each of the components of these standards will be described in detail for the audience. The importance of the SMPR will be highlighted in each of the examples that are discussed.

References

[1]     Gill ET AL: Journal of AOAC INTERNAIONAL. Vol. 98, No.1, 2015

[2]     Sullivan: Journal of AOAC INTERNAIONAL. Vol. 95, No.2, 2012

[3]     Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, http://eoma.aoac.org 

[4]     AOAC Guidelines for Method Validation: AOAC Guidelines for Single Laboratory  AOAC International Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbiological and Chemical Analyses of Food, Dietary Supplements, and Pharmaceuticals – An Aid to Interpretation of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. ALACC. August 2018

Biography

Darryl Sullivan is the Chief Scientific Officer for Eurofins Scientific.  Mr. Sullivan acts as a consultant for companies who need help meeting scientific and regulatory requirements. In this role he is often called upon as an expert witness for litigation and dispute resolution. He is considered an international expert in the analysis of infant formula and dietary supplements and represents Eurofins in many areas of the scientific community.  Mr. Sullivan is a delegate to Codex Alimentarius and actively participates in the Codex Nutrition Committee (CCNFSDU) and the Methods Committee (CCMAS).

Mr. Sullivan has more than 40 years of experience in testing of infant formula, dietary supplements and food. He is considered to be an expert in the field of validation of analytical methods, having served for three years as Chair of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Official Methods Board.  He is the Past President and Secretary of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Board of Directors, and was the Chair of the AOAC Stakeholder Panels on Infant Formula, Adult Nutritionals, and Dietary Supplements.  Mr. Sullivan is member of the IFT Board of Directors. He is a past member of the USP Expert Committee for Dietary Supplements.  Mr. Sullivan has developed and validated hundreds of analytical methods in the areas of nutrient and residue testing, and is the author of more than 75 publications and 100’s of scientific presentations.

AOAC Official Methods and Method Validation

Measurement Uncertainty in Chemical Analysis

Dr. Erik Konings

Expert

Nestlé Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences, Switzerland

Measurement Uncertainty in Chemical Analysis

Erik J.M. Konings, PhD

Past President, AOAC INTERNATIONAL

R&D Expert, Nestlé Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences, Lausanne, Switzerland

Abstract

Physical and analytical measurement results in food control are used to assess whether food products meet relevant specifications. The accuracy of measurement results is affected by various error components. It is important to ensure these errors are properly considered. Measurement uncertainty is of utmost importance in physical and analytical testing and subsequent decision-making. Codex Alimentarius Commission recommend laboratories involved in Import and Export control should provide measurement uncertainty.
This presentation will focus on types of measurement errors, procedures for estimating measurement uncertainty, how to report measurement uncertainty and how measurement uncertainty can affect decisions.

Biography

Erik Konings is Expert at the Nestlé Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Sciences in Lausanne, Switzerland where he provides leadership to global quality, laboratory and regulatory teams to engage in strategic local activities to drive alignment/harmonization of analytical methods and partners with government and non-government organizations in the development of standards for analytical methods.

He is active within AOAC INTERNATIONAL (Past-President), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (Chair ISO TC 34, Working Group 14 on Vitamins, carotenoids and other nutrients), the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) (Chair CEN TC 275 Working group 9 on Vitamins and carotenoids), and the International Dairy Federation (IDF). He participates in the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS).

He studied higher professional laboratory education with majors in Analytical and Clinical chemistry holds an MSc degree in Epidemiology and a PhD in Health Sciences of Maastricht University, the Netherlands (2001). He is (co)author of more than 40 scientific publications.

AOAC Official Methods and Method Validation
AOAC INTERNATIONAL Method Validation Process

Mr. Darryl Sullivan

Past President, AOAC INTERNATIONAL

Chair, AOAC SPIFAN

Chief Scientific Officer, Eurofins Scientific, USA

AOAC INTERNATIONAL Method Validation Process

Darryl Sullivan

Past President – AOAC INTERNATIONAL Chief Science Officer, Eurofins Scientific, Madison, WI USA

Abstract

AOAC is active in some very exciting standards development programs. One of the most exciting programs is AOAC’s Stakeholder Panel Process and the development of Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR). Infant formula is one of the most highly regulated products in the world, and it is critical that there are good validated test methods for analysis of these products. SPIFAN has already validated over 50 new AOAC Official First Action Methods and over 20 AOAC Official Final Action Methods using the SMPR process. Twenty of these new AOAC methods have also been approved by ISO, IDF, and Codex Alimentarius. This makes them the most recognized international test methods for infant formula. 

The presentation will outline each of the steps in the AOAC method validation Process. Details will be provided on AOAC procedure for Single Laboratory Validation (SLV) to determine method repeatability, often published as RSRr. Multi-Lab validation (MLT) will also be explained and how these studies provide reproducibility (RSDR). The validated methods are codified as an official AOAC standard, and published in the AOAC Official Methods of Analysis (OMA).

Several examples of validation studies will be shared during the presentation and each of the steps will be described in detail for the audience.  

References

[1]     Gill ET AL: Journal of AOAC INTERNAIONAL. Vol. 98, No.1, 2015

[2]     Sullivan: Journal of AOAC INTERNAIONAL. Vol. 95, No.2, 2012

[3]     Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, Appendix L http://eoma.aoac.org 

[4]     AOAC Guidelines for Method Validation: AOAC Guidelines for Single Laboratory  AOAC International Guidelines for Laboratories Performing Microbiological and Chemical Analyses of Food, Dietary Supplements, and Pharmaceuticals – An Aid to Interpretation of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. ALACC. August 2018

Biography

Darryl Sullivan is the Chief Scientific Officer for Eurofins Scientific.  Mr. Sullivan acts as a consultant for companies who need help meeting scientific and regulatory requirements. In this role he is often called upon as an expert witness for litigation and dispute resolution. He is considered an international expert in the analysis of infant formula and dietary supplements and represents Eurofins in many areas of the scientific community.  Mr. Sullivan is a delegate to Codex Alimentarius and actively participates in the Codex Nutrition Committee (CCNFSDU) and the Methods Committee (CCMAS).

Mr. Sullivan has more than 40 years of experience in testing of infant formula, dietary supplements and food. He is considered to be an expert in the field of validation of analytical methods, having served for three years as Chair of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Official Methods Board.  He is the Past President and Secretary of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Board of Directors, and was the Chair of the AOAC Stakeholder Panels on Infant Formula, Adult Nutritionals, and Dietary Supplements.  Mr. Sullivan is member of the IFT Board of Directors. He is a past member of the USP Expert Committee for Dietary Supplements.  Mr. Sullivan has developed and validated hundreds of analytical methods in the areas of nutrient and residue testing, and is the author of more than 75 publications and 100’s of scientific presentations.

Assuring Microbiological Quality of Food

AOAC Microbiology Method Validation

Mr. Andrew Lienau

Food Regulatory and Validation Senior Expert

MilliporeSigma, USA

AOAC Microbiology Method Validation

Andrew Lienau

MilliporeSigma, USA

Abstract

AOAC is one of 3 Internationally recognized Certification organizations for the validation of Microbiology methods. AOAC has two programs for certification and validation: Research Institute (RI) and Official Method of Analysis (OMA).

This session will provide an overview of the processes, data requirements, and timelines for validation of microbiology methods by both the RI and OMA programs of AOAC. The presentation will highlight areas of overlap between both programs and requirements specific for each program. It will also provide resources and links to more information on AOAC certification for microbiology methods.

Biography

Andrew Lienau is currently Food Regulatory and Validation Senior Expert at MilliporeSigma. He has been with the company since 1992, starting as Research Scientist II at BioControl Systems, and then Supervisor in the Food Microbiology Department at BioControl Systems/ MilliporeSigma. Andrew has a bachelor degree in Biology from Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham and a master’s degree in Microbiology from University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. He is (co)author of about 30 scientific publications.

Andrew also serves as Expert Reviewer in MicroVal Technical Board and Expert Review Panel Member in AOAC Official Method of Analysis.

Assuring microbiological quality of food

Environmental Monitoring of Pathogens

Kumud Ashish Singh

Senior Regulatory Expert – Food (South Asia)

Merck Life Science Pvt Ltd, India

Environmental Monitoring of Pathogens

Kumud Ashish Singh

Merck Life Science Pet Ltd, India

Abstract

As per WHO study, unsafe food leads to foodborne illness in 600 million people worldwide. Access to safe and nutritious food is important to support life leading to good health. Implementing a food safety management system plays a key role in limiting food safety incidents in food production facilities. Environmental monitoring of pathogens (EMP) is one of the important pre-requisites of HACCP program because it ensures the microbiological safety of the environment where food is manufactured. EMP is an effective tool in monitoring the effectiveness of cleaning and sanitation procedures and can act as a predictive tool by providing early indications of biological food safety incidents. Typically, EMP program has four tier approach where in different areas of manufacturing facility is divided in four zones and monitored at a set frequency. We would be discussing on the best practices followed in EMP programs across food industries along with case studies where EMP has been used to reduce food safety challenges.

Biography

Kumud Ashish Singh is currently leading regulatory management for F&B & Environment Testing at Merck Life Science supporting advocacy & surveillance for APAC countries. Over 17.5 years of experience involving manufacturing & corporate roles in various FMCG companies. Prior to working with Merck, she was responsible for set up of greenfield lab project (1.4 MM USD) involving designing to operation (QMS) followed by Operational Excellence in laboratory for Mars International. Also worked as Microbiologist Subject Matter Expert with Coca-Cola India & Pepsi Foods, where she was responsible for conducting capability enhancement programs for microbiologists like global microbiology training, troubleshooting along with microbiology risk assessment programs to curb microbial spoilage & low-cost proficiency testing programs for India & Southwest Asia region.  She started her career as microbiologist at Colgate Palmolive and Johnson & Johnson. Member of FSSAI Method Review Group since 2018 to 2020, member of AOAC India Chapter (since 2017), Secretary AOAC SEA from 2020, Chair of Microbiology Working Group of AOAC SEA and current member of scientific council of CHIFSS which is a joint association between CII & Unilever. One of her notable advocacy projects was development of C-MAT lab as part of CSR project between Merck & FSSAI.

Assuring Microbiological Quality of Food

How to Participate and Use PT Results Effectively?

Ms. Ho Tran Ngoc Quyen

Head of Proficiency Testing Department

Quality Assurance & Testing Centre 3 (QUATEST 3), MOST, Vietnam

AFRL for Food Microbiology 

How to Participate and Use PT Results Effectively?

Ho Tran Ngoc Quyen

QUATEST 3, Vietnam

Abstract

Proficiency testing (PT) is an objective tool to assess the laboratory’s performance. Participation in PT helps laboratories monitor and evaluate the reliability of their results. Nowadays, together with the development of laboratories, the demand for participating in PT schemes is increasing, and there are a variety of PT providers and PT schemes correspondingly. Hence, without appropriate criteria for the selection of PT schemes and the purposes of participating in PT, time, money, and effort could be excessively consumed, especially for laboratories that perform many different tests. This presentation will provide some principles for choosing appropriate PT schemes, using the PT results effectively, and troubleshooting approaches in the case of PT failures in laboratories, particularly microbiological testing laboratories.

Biography

Ms. Quyen has been working for Quality Assurance and Testing Center 3 (QUATEST 3) since 2012, in charge of organizing Proficiency Testing (PT) programs in chemical and physical-mechanical areas. She was the statistics officer of the Proficiency Testing Department from 2013 to 2015. Ms. Quyen is presently the Head of Proficiency Testing Department of QUATEST 3 – Vietnam.

Before QUATEST 3, Ms. Quyen worked in the Petroleum and Food Testing Laboratories in international companies for 4 years. She got her Bachelor of Engineering – Chemical Technology from University of Technology – Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 2 PM, VIP ROOM 2

Merck on choosing optimal fit-for-purpose F&B Reference Standards

The World of Food & Beverage Reference Standards

Ms. Anh Thai

Solution Scientist on Chemistry

Merck Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The World of Food & Beverage Reference Standards

Anh Thai

Merck Vietnam

Abstract

Reference standards are important tools for quality assurance in analytical chemistry and many fields, especially Food & Beverage segment. However, the world of reference standard has many kinds of quality grade and contains various terms and definitions which make it so difficult for customer to understand and choose optimal fit- for- purpose products. This session will highlight the importance and how to choose the right quality grade of standards, the diversity of the F&B reference standards world and hot topics in F&B such as: pesticides, biotoxin, PFAS.  

Biography

Thai Phuong Anh is Solution Scientist at Merck Vietnam. She has over 15 years’ work experience in the fields of Science & Lab Solutions. She joined Merck in 2012 and works as Specialist in advanced analytical products. She is responsible for promoting Chemistry products to the Vietnam market with solutions in Chromatography, titration, photometer technics and reference material. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Food Chemical) in HCM University of Technology and a MBA in HCM Economic University.

SCIEX’s PFAS in Food and Food Contact Materials

What Am I Eating? An Exploration of PFAS in Food and Food Contact Materials

Mr. Yip See Chung

Field Application and Market Development Manager, ASEAN

SCIEX

What Am I Eating? An Exploration of PFAS in Food and Food Contact Materials

Yip See Chung

Field Application and Market Development Manager, ASEAN

SCIEX

Summary

Unleash the truth about PFAS: Beyond the environment, they’re hiding in our daily bites! Join us for an eye-opening discussion on detecting PFAS in your favorite foods. Is there a secret link between price and PFAS levels? Let’s uncover the shocking reality with the world-leading liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer, together!

Biography

Mr Yip is the Field Application Manager specializing in applied markets clinical research and small molecules application at SCIEX (Singapore and Southeast Asia). He has a rich experience in the Mass Spectrometry and is still actively involved in new method developments, consultation services and collaboration with customers in applied markets especially Food Safety and Environmental Application. He is routinely involved in training and developing MS technologies in regulated laboratories. Prior to SCIEX, Mr Yip has worked in Shimadzu and Waters as application chemist with a total of 20 years of experience in the analytical field. Academically, Mr Yip holds a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Chemistry and Master of Science in Chemistry majoring in Analytical Chemistry from National University of Singapore. He has also made some publication to international journal papers and SCIEX’s technotes.

Fujifilm’s Standard Setting Activities
Standard Setting Activities for Food Safety and Quality in International Trade

Mr. Toru Miura

Principle Scientist

FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation

Standard Setting Activities for Food Safety and Quality in International Trade

Toru Miura

Principle Scientist

FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation

Summary

For many decades, FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical has been contributing to the development of documentary standards in the environmental, food and pharmaceutical fields. This presentation will provide an overview of our standardization activities.

Biography

Toru Miura is a Principle Scientist of Functional Materials Research Laboratories within FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation. He has been with FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation since 2011. Prior to joining FUJIFILM Wako, he worked as a researcher of the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), mainly focusing on development of Certified Reference Materials using mass balance, freezing point depression method and quantitative NMR (qNMR). He is a WG member of the Japanese Pharmacopeia herbal medicine and chemical pharmaceutical related to qNMR methodology, a Japanese expert of ISO/TC34 (Food products) and ISO/TC334 (Reference Materials). Since 2020, he serves as a member of the United States Pharmacopeia Expert Panel for qNMR to develop revisions of USP NMR General Chapters <761> and <1761>.

Waters’ PFAS Analysis: Lab Setup & Best Practices

A Global Eye on PFAS: The Forever Chemical in Food, Non-Stick Pans and Takeout Boxes

Dr. Zhang Wenlin

Food & Environment Market Development Manager

Waters Pacific Pte Ltd

A Global Eye on PFAS: The Forever Chemical in Food, Non-Stick Pans and Takeout Boxes

Zhang Wenlin 

Food & Environment Market Development Manager

Waters Pacific Pte Ltd

Summary

Waters PFAS Tour focuses on emerging contaminants Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also commonly referred as “Forever Chemicals” that have increasingly become of concern for health reasons, leading to calls for more stringent regulations and monitoring. In this stop, our expert will share the latest regulation and testing method on PFAS in food and water, as well as food contact packaging. Learn how to set up PFAS analysis in your laboratory and hear more about the best practices you can take to address challenges in PFAS analysis such as sample handling and contamination reduction.

Biography

Wenlin has over 10 years’ experience in Analytical Instrument business. In her current role, Wenlin helps food and environmental organizations understand current F&E regulations, trends, and introduce Waters latest F&E solutions. She held various technical roles as LC-MS Applications Specialist and Sales Applications Team Leader prior to joining the Marketing team. She earns Ph.D in Chemistry from National University of Singapore.

Abbott’s Multiple Human Oligosaccharides Determination

Determination of Multiple Human Oligosaccharides (HMOs) in Milk Formula by HPAEC-PAD (AOAC First Action Method 2022.04)

Dr. Yi Ding

Senior Analytical Scientist

Abbott Nutrition

Determination of Multiple Human Oligosaccharides (HMOs) in Milk Formula by HPAEC-PAD (AOAC First Action Method 2022.04)

Yi Ding

Abbott Nutrition

Abstract

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a complex category of glycans present in high abundance in human milk, with its concentration and composition closely associated with infant health. This presentation will give an overview of test method determining HMOs in Abbott nutritional products fortified with HMOs ingredients. In this method, 6 HMOs (3-FL, 2’-FL, LNnT, LNT, 6’-SL, 3’-SL) were analyzed by Ion Exchange Chromatography via high performance anion- exchange coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC/PAD).

The HPAEC/PAD Dionex ICS5000 system was equipped with a triple pulsed electrochemical cell (ED) with a pH reference electrode (Ag/AgCl) and a gold working electrode. Chromatographic separation is achieved using a gradient of 500 mM sodium hydroxide and 300 mM sodium acetate with a PA-1 analytical column and corresponding guard column..

Ready-to-Feed products are analyzed “as-is” and powders are reconstituted to ready to feed basis prior to sampling an aliquot. An aliquot of the sample is then analyzed for the HMOs using HPAEC/PAD and quantitation was accomplished using a five level quadratic curve. As fructans (FOS, oligofructose, and inulin), sucrose, maltodextrins, and starch may interfere in the analysis of the HMOs of interest, the incorporation of fructanase and amyloglucosidase hydrolyses were inlcuded to remove these interferences.

Biography

Dr Yi Ding joined the Abbott Nutrition Research and Development as a senior analytical scientist in 2017. Prior to joining Abbott Nutrition, he worked as a scientist in the Chemical Metrology Laboratory of the Health Sciences Authority Singapore and as an application & training consultant with Agilent Technologies. He has inorganic and organic chemsitry educational background from his Ph.D and Masters study.

Yi is currently involved in the R&D activities such as test method development and validation, test method transfer and in-house research testing. He also work extensively on the technical qualification of Third Party Manufacturer’s laboratory.

Abbott’s Multiple Human Oligosaccharides Determination

Determination of Multiple HMOs in Vietnamese Human Milk by LC-MS/MS

Dr. Wong Lingkai

Senior Analytical Scientist

Abbott Nutrition

Determination of Multiple HMOs in Vietnamese Human Milk by LC-MS/MS

Wong Lingkai

Abbott Nutrition

Abstract

Human milk oligosaccharides are key compounds present in maternal milk with their concentrations and compositions reported to be closely related to multiple aspects of infant health. The incorporation of selected HMOs in infant formulas are increasing popular due to its health benefits. Quantitative analysis of HMOs is often found to be challenging due to their highly diverse composition and structural similarity. We have developed a sensitive, selective, robust, and yet fast analytical method to simultaneously separate and quantify both neutral and acidic key HMOs pairs. The HMOs studied include neutral HMO pairs (2′-FL & 3-FL and LNT & LNnT) HMO acidic pair of HMOs (3′-SL & 6′-SL). The method is then applied to understand the HMO profiles of human milk samples from Vietnam.

Biography

Dr Wong Lingkai obtained his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry from National University of Singapore, He has garnered over 19 years of research experience in the field of organic synthesis, medicinal and analytical chemistry. He also has experience working with production of reference materials and reference methods development.

Lingkai is a Senior Analytical Scientist in the Analytical Research Team of Abbott Nutrition R&D, Pacific Asia. He work on analytical method for ingredients and nutrients.