MoniQA conference presentations now available

The 2nd MoniQA International Conference was held in Krakow from June 8-10, 2010. Food allergens were addressed in one of the nine technical sessions of the conference. Presentations from the conference can now be freely downloaded from http://krakow.moniqa.org/presentations.

Conference delegates included approximately 180 food quality and safety scientists and trainers, food safety managers from industry, academia and regulatory bodies as well as representatives from food manufacturers, retailers and providers of rapid and high throughput analytical methods and instruments. Organisers estimate 35 countries from 5 continents were represented at the conference.

Of the presentations from the allergen session that are available, a comprehensive review of allergen management from a corporate perspective by Dr Jayne Hipkiss, Regulatory Affairs at MARS Chocolate Europe, may provide valuable guidance for many in the food industry around the world.

A presentation discussing reference materials and proficiency trials for food allergen testing can also be downloaded from the website. Along with the other information presented in this powerpoint file, the tables providing comparisons between the available test kits are likely to be useful for those looking for information in this area.

The 3rd MoniQA International Conference entitled ‘Food Safety and Consumer Protection’ is scheduled for 27-29 September 2011, in Varna, Bulgaria. Details will be made available in due course on the MoniQA conference website.