Two open access, E-learning resources from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been added to the E-Seminars section of our Training section:
In order to access these free courses, you need to register for an IAEA Nucleus account first here.
The Government Chemist plays a crucial role in the UK’s food and feed system in both its statutory and advisory capacities.
The data we get is vital for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to demonstrate the social, economic and industrial impact of the Government Chemist.
So if you have used the services of the Government Chemist (anything from Referee Analysis (food safety, food authenticity,advice etc.), Advice, Training materials, Publications, Events, Attendance at meetings etc.), please complete a short (10 mins max) impact evaluation survey: https://tinyurl.com/4737nv42
Thank you to all those people who have already completed the survey and thanks in advance to anyone that will complete the survey now. We really appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback.
Following the previous LGC e-seminars on quantitative PCR assay design and PCR assay optimisation, this e-seminar, entitled “An introduction to quantitative PCR assay validation”, will introduce the viewer to the topic of qPCR assay validation and provide best practice guidance on how to undertake the process. The information presented will equip viewers with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure that methods are validated and fit for purpose. Key stages in the validation process are indicated, routinely employed evaluation parameters described and critical performance criteria highlighted. Links to useful resources, additional guidance and references are also provided.
Those who should consider viewing this e-seminar include individuals currently working within the foods molecular testing area, particularly representatives from UK Official Control Laboratories, industry and members of organisations associated with the UK official control network.
The production of this e-seminar was funded by Defra, FSA, FSS and BEIS under the Joint Knowledge Transfer Framework for Food Standards and Food Safety Analysis.
This e-seminar can be be viewed on LGC's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/grf4tZQOArM
This e-seminar, entitled “Fish speciation for food authenticity”, will introduce the viewer to the analytical needs associated with fish speciation for food authenticity, the prevalent methods used in testing laboratories within the UK and European Union, as well as provide a summary of the scope and limitations of these methodologies.
For further information and to watch the e-seminar go to the e-Semimars tab of the Training page.
An introduction to DNA melting curve analysis
This e-seminar, entitled “An introduction to DNA melting curve analysis”, describes the principles behind, as well as best practice guidelines for the application of the post-PCR analytical method of DNA melting curve analysis. The information presented will provide the viewer with a general introduction to PCR-based DNA melting analysis as a method for food authenticity testing, and provide guidance on how to design, implement and analyse PCR DNA melting assay data. Topics covered will include the principles underpinning DNA melting analysis, designing PCR DNA melting assays, examples of PCR instruments compatible with DNA melting analysis, and guidance on troubleshooting. Those who should consider viewing this e-seminar include individuals currently working within the foods molecular testing area, particularly representatives from UK Official Control Laboratories, industry and members of organisations associated with the UK official control network.
View e-seminar here.
The production of this e-seminar was funded by Defra, FSA, FSS and BEIS under the Joint Knowledge Transfer Framework for Food Standards and Food Safety Analysis.
Food Fraud News, 2018 February: This is an update of our MSU Food Fraud Initiative Activities.
Mission: MSU’s Food Fraud Initiative, an interdisciplinary activity focused on detecting and deterring this public health and economic threat.
Summary for February 2018: Our “MOOC” programs expanded to include a new MSU Food DEFENSE Audit Guide MOOC. Also, we’re excited that for 2018 we have 12 presentations scheduled so far including international locations in Japan, Australia, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Next Month – Education &Training: http://foodfraud.msu.edu/mooc/
1. FOOD DEFENSE AUDIT GUIDE MOOC (MOOCD) <<NEW>>
a. 2018, March 15 & 22 – 10am ET
2. FOOD FRAUD AUDIT GUIDE MOOC (MOOCA)
a. 2018, March 6 & 13 – 1pm ET
3. FOOD FRAUD OVERVIEW MOOC 2018 (MOOC1)
a. On-demand lectures starting March 30
4. Graduate Courses, Online, Registration open for Summer Semester: http://foodfraud.msu.edu/resources/programs-courses/
a. “Packaging for Food Safety” VM/PKG 841
b. “Product Protection & Anti-Counterfeit Strategy” VM/PKG/CJ 840
Next Month – Outreach & Presentations: http://foodfraud.msu.edu/resources/events/
1. 2018/04/15- Presentation, Food Fraud Prevention for Spices, Annual Meeting, American Spice Trade Association ASTA, Naples, Florida
2. 2018/03/26- Presentation, Food Fraud Terminology Survey, GMA Science Forum, Grocery Manufacturers Association, DC
3. 2018/03/12- Presentation, Food Fraud Audit Guide, FSSC Webinar Series, AM for Europe and Eastern USA, Webinar
4. 2018/03/06 – Moderator, Food Fraud Prevention, GFSI Annual Conference, Tokyo, Japan
5. 2018/03/06 – Presenter, Food Fraud Prevention Strategy Update, GFSI Annual Conference, Tokyo, Japan
Publications – Recent Annual: http://foodfraud.msu.edu/resources/publications/
