PROGRAM - 7th International Symposium on RECENT ADVANCES IN FOOD ANALYSIS (RAFA)

Significance

The 7th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA 2015) highlighted the critical role of cutting-edge analytical chemistry in ensuring food safety, authenticity and quality. By convening experts worldwide, the event addressed emerging challenges such as fraud, contaminants and the impact of climate change on food integrity.

Objectives and Overview

RAFA 2015, held November 3–6 in Prague, offered a multifaceted program designed to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration:

• Plenary lectures on novel technologies including ambient MS, ion mobility and omics
• Themed sessions covering food authenticity, environmental contaminants, residues (pesticides, veterinary drugs), natural toxins and biologically active compounds
• Hands-on workshops on spectroscopy, chemometrics, reference laboratory harmonization, food safety in developing countries and Horizon 2020 funding
• Vendor seminars, poster presentations and networking platforms
• FoodIntegrity Open Day and symposium dinner for extended discussion and community building

Methodology and Instrumentation

Key analytical tools and approaches featured at RAFA 2015:

• Chromatography: comprehensive GC×GC, LC×LC, SFC, HILIC and microfluidic separations
• Mass Spectrometry: high-resolution QTOF, Orbitrap, triple quadrupole, DART, REIMS and ion mobility platforms
• Spectroscopy: NIR, MIR, Raman, FT-IR, NMR for rapid fingerprinting and quantitation
• Sample Preparation: QuEChERS, ASE, SPE, dispersive SPE and advanced extraction strategies
• Bioanalytical Methods: ELISA, aptasensors, biosensors, microarrays, LAMP and next-generation sequencing for microbial and allergen detection
• Emerging Systems: field-flow fractionation, single particle ICP-MS, nano-/micro-systems for on-site testing

Key Highlights

Major scientific and practical insights included:

• Innovative strategies to detect and prevent food fraud and mislabeling
• Broad-scope screening methods for pesticide, veterinary drug and environmental residues
• Advances in mycotoxin and natural toxin profiling, including modified and masked toxins
• Integration of food omics (metabolomics, proteomics, flavoromics) for holistic quality control
• Challenges and solutions for lab harmonization by EU Reference Laboratories

Benefits and Practical Applications

RAFA 2015 enabled participants to:

• Acquire hands-on training in state-of-the-art analytical workflows
• Align laboratory practices with regulatory requirements and proficiency testing
• Engage with FoodIntegrity experts on authenticity and traceability tools
• Network with academia, industry and policymakers to catalyze collaborative projects

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions identified at the symposium:

• Expansion of non-targeted screening coupled with advanced data analytics and machine learning
• Development of portable, miniaturized platforms for rapid on-site testing
• Further integration of chemometric and omics approaches for food fingerprinting
• Standardization of bioanalytical and nanomaterial testing methods for regulatory acceptance
• Enhanced public–private partnerships to translate research into market solutions

Conclusion

RAFA 2015 successfully brought together scientific innovation and practical expertise to advance the field of food analysis. The symposium outcomes will guide future research, method harmonization and cross-sector collaboration, reinforcing the integrity and safety of the global food chain.