Key for successes and major outcomes on the method performances through the AOAC Official Method of Analysis recognition

Almost two years of pandemic, almost two years of virtual meeting, almost two years without debate...Please join us for a live round table discussion on the key for successes and major outcomes of running AOAC-OMA collaborative studies! Representatives of all the stakeholders involved in this method validation process will have 5 minutes to describe the 3 keys for successes and major outcomes of such studies:

• Maria Nelson, Technical consultant at AOAC international
• Ben Bastin, Associate director at Q-Laboratories, an AOAC expert laboratory
• François Le Nestour, Head of the Microbiology Department of Microsept, a routine testing laboratory
• Matt Hahs, Global Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a rapid method provider

Daniele Sohier, Global Scientific Affairs Sr Manager, at Thermo Scientific and Director of the AOAC Board, will moderate the panel discussion.

After a short introduction to set the scene, we look forward to be learning about the opinions, experiences and thoughts of the panelists and also to interacting with you for a fruitful, open debate!

During this webinar you will learn:

• How validated methods can impact food safety
• Key considerations when selecting a method

Who should attend?

• Food analysis
• Laboratory method development
• Microbiology Quality Control
• Plant/Equipment
• Production/Processing

Presenter: Maria Nelson (Technical Consultant, AOAC International)

Maria Nelson has worked with the AOAC Research Institute and AOAC INTERNATIONAL since 2003 as a technical consultant coordinating microbiology and chemistry method validation studies for the Performance Tested Methods (PTM) and AOAC Official Methods of Analysis (OMA) programs. Nelson also participates in AOAC integrated programs, including the Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP), Gluten & Food Allergens Program (GFA) and the Analytical International Methods & Standards Program (AIMS). She has worked in the biotechnology industry developing test methods using a variety of techniques and spent six years specifically developing and validating microbiological test kits through the AOAC process. Nelson earned her bachelor’s degree in bacteriology and her master’s degree in microbiology from the University of California, Davis.

Presenter: Ben Bastin (Associate Director, Microbiology Operations, Q-Laboratories)

Ben is entering his 10th year at Q Laboratories where he serves as the Associate Director of Microbiology Operations. Ben oversees the Microbiology R&D Laboratory that conducts method validations and verifications and the routine Food Microbiology Laboratory. These validations include independent laboratory evaluations for the AOAC OMA Program, AOAC Research Institute PTM Program, Microval, AFNOR NF, and Health Canada Certification Programs. Ben has authored and co-authored numerous poster presentations and has presented OMA, Microval, and AFNOR validations. In 2014 and 2018, he managed the Multi-Laboratory Study of the Year for Microbiology. Ben holds a BSc in Microbiology from Urbana University.

Presenter: Matthew Hahs (Global Brand Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)

Matthew Hahs is the global brand manager for validated PCR molecular products in food protection at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Matthew has nine years’ experience serving operational and marketing functions at Thermo Fisher. His areas of focus have been in culture media and most recently PCR solutions for pathogen detection in food protection workflows.

Moderator: Dr. Daniele Sohier (Senior Manager, Global Scientific Affairs - Food Protection, Thermo Fisher Scientific)

Daniele joined ThermoFisher (UK) in 2019 to coordinate the scientific interaction with research scientists, laboratory and food safety managers, as well as the relationship with food safety authorities and certification bodies. She is responsible for developing the global food certification strategies and ensuring the recognition of Thermofisher solutions in food protection.

Daniele is a member of the Board of Director of AOAC International. She is strongly involved in international standardization with ISO and AOAC. Daniele has certainly coordinated more than 100 validation studies of alternative methods according to the ISO 16140 standard and AOAC Guidelines. She was the President of IAFP Europe in 2018 and has organized several international symposia and conferences. She has published more than 35 publications and run more than 70 international communications. Thanks to these various professional experiences and roles, Daniele has developed cross-geographical and functional leadership, as well as communication skills, ensuring successful program coordination.

Moderator: Dr. Matthew McArdle (Editor, SelectScience)

Matthew McArdle is a member of the editorial team at SelectScience and plays a key role in content production, specializing in molecular biology and biochemistry fields. He has a Ph.D. from Leeds University, where he researched the effects of promoter-driven gene expression on vascular smooth muscle cell growth.

Presenter: François Le Nestour (Head of the Microbiology Department, Microsept)

François has been the Head of the Microbiology Department of Microsept since 2018, an ISO 17025 accredited contract laboratory located in France. The microbiology team of approximately 30 staff offers food and water microbiology analyses together with ISO 16140-:2016 method validation studies and R&D working programs. In that respect, MicroSept is a recognized expert laboratory at both AFNOR Certification and MicroVal. François has worked for 16 years in the food and water microbiology framework, with extensive experience as an instrument provider, R&D manager and laboratory manager. As an expert of the bacterial stress and bacterial behavior in food products, he worked with method manufacturers and industries to improve the detection of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in food products. François has carried out more than 50 method validation studies and has been a member of the AFNOR Certification Technical Board since 2009 and a member of the MicroVal Technical Committee since 2018. François holds a Master’s degree from the University of Lyon.