WORKSHOP 5

"Rapid Methods and Automation in Food Microbiology : The Future is Now"


Sponsored by




Organizers/Moderators: Prof. Purnendu C. Vasavada, University of Wisconsin, River Falls, USA; Prof. Olav Rosef, Telemark College, Bø, Norway

Recent incidence of foodborne illness, large recalls of foods found to be contaminated with pathogens such as E. coli 0157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella, globalization of food industry, proliferation of GMO and real or perceived threat of terrorism, has focused interest and attention on methods for microbiological detection, environmental surveillance and monitoring of ingredients, products, process and environment. The promise and prospects of rapid methods and automation in food microbiology is the focus of this workshop. Well known experts will discuss developments and applications of rapid methods in food, water and environmental testing. The workshop program will also include a panel discussion allowing an opportunity for a wider interaction with the audience.


Workshop programme

Opening remarks and introduction - Prof. Olav Rosef, Telemark College, Bø, Norway

1. Developments in rapid methods and practical food industry application - Prof. Purnendu C. Vasavada, UW, River Falls, USA

2. Molecular methods for yeast and mold, promises and problems - Prof. Tibor Deak, St. Istvan University, Budapest, Hungary

3. Application of rapid methods for water and environement - Prof. Olav Rosef, Telemark College, Bø, Norway

4. iQ-Check: a new real-time PCR System for detection of food pathogens - Dr. Caroline Sidi, Bio Rad, Marnes-la-Conquette, France

5. Petrifilm: products and developments - Dir. Joe Heidenreich, Food Diagnostics, Oslo, Norway

6. Food diagnostics: future trends - Prof. Purnendu C. Vasavada, UW, River Falls, USA

Panel Discussion and concluding remarks.