BOOK OF ABSTRACTS - 8th International Symposium on RECENT ADVANCES IN FOOD ANALYSIS (RAFA)

Importance of the Topic

Food analysis underpins consumer health protection by detecting contaminants, verifying food integrity and guiding regulatory decisions. Advances in instrumentation and methodology enable comprehensive monitoring of safety and authenticity.

Objectives and Overview of the Symposium

The 8th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis convened November 7–10 2017 in Prague. Organized by the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague and RIKILT Wageningen, it gathered experts to share vendor seminars, lectures and poster presentations covering state of the art in food analysis.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Multi residue and non-targeted screening using UHPLC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, GC×GC-TOF and Q-Orbitrap
• Sample preparation innovations including automated SPE, QuEChERS, PSPE, SFE, µSPE and enzymatic clean up
• Emerging ionization techniques such as ambient MS (DART, REIMS), ion mobility spectrometry, MALDI and APCI
• Spectroscopic and imaging tools including NMR, Raman hyperspectral, FTIR and fluorescence microscopy
• Genetic and protein-based methods employing PCR, DNA barcoding, HRM and immunoassays
• Advanced data processing with chemometrics, multivariate analysis, machine learning and big data systems

Main Results and Discussion

Key findings highlighted improved detection limits for pesticides, mycotoxins, allergens and emerging contaminants in complex matrices. Non-targeted omics approaches provided deep chemical fingerprinting for authentication of oils, honey, wine and meat. Real-time sensors and portable MS offered on-site testing capabilities. Integration of isotope ratio MS enabled origin verification.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced laboratory productivity through miniaturized systems and automated workflows
• Reliable routine screening for residues to meet regulatory limits and avoid food fraud
• Improved public health by tracking exposure to toxins and allergens
• Strengthened supply chain integrity via DNA and isotope fingerprinting methods
• On-site rapid testing with smartphone and sensor platforms for quality control

Future Trends and Opportunities

The food analysis field will advance toward integrated multi-omics, AI-driven data interpretation and greener sample preparation. Portable and real-time analytical devices will expand field applications. Collaborative databases and standardization of non-targeted methods will support harmonized controls.

Conclusion

The symposium underscored the critical role of analytical innovation in safeguarding food quality, safety and authenticity. Ongoing developments promise more comprehensive, faster and cost-effective solutions for diverse stakeholders.

References

Not applicable