Choosing the appropriate microbiological method is a critical component of a robust Food Safety plan. Ensuring the method is suitable for the matrix, sample size, and product specifications is just as important as making certain the method fits the operational and business needs of the organization.

Join bioMérieux, Inc. as global experts in method evaluation, validation, and verification share their insights and best practices when selecting new methodology in the food safety laboratory environment.

Dates, Locations & Agenda

There are no admission fees and complimentary parking will be offered at each event. 

October 1, 2018 | Chicagoland
Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare
6155 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018

October 2, 2018 | Northern California
DoubleTree by Hilton Modesto
1150 9th Street, Modesto, CA 95354

October 3, 2018 | Southern California
Courtyard by Marriott Cypress
2865 Katella Ave., Cypress, CA 90630

4:30 - 5:30 Registration & Networking (Hors D'oeuvres & Cocktails Provided)

5:30 - 7:00 Speaker Presentations

7:00 - 7:30 Interactive Q&A

This program qualifies for Certified Food Scientist (CFS) renewal contact hours (CH). CFS Certificants may claim a maximum of 2.5 CH for their participation in this program.

Presentations

Best Practices for Method Evaluation & Implementation

Dr. Roger Collin, Lead Microbiologist at Fonterra

Dr. Collin will discuss the intricacies of microbiological methods evaluation, validation, and implementation of new technologies from a leading global dairy perspective.

Validation & Verification: Diagnostic Partnerships and Best Practices for Internal Activities

Ron Johnson, AOAC Past-President, Associate Director of Validation Services at bioMérieux, Inc.

Mr. Johnson will discuss the importance of robust validations from a diagnostic partner and best practices for internal laboratories performing method verification activities.

About the Speakers

Dr. Roger Collin

Dr. Roger Collin is the Lead Laboratory Microbiologist at Fonterra in New Zealand. With more than 20 years of experience in dairy microbiology with Fonterra and AgResearch New Zealand, his professional experience spans dairy microbiology technologies for detection of pathogens, monitoring of dairy production environments, spoilage, and dairy laboratory operations.

Dr. Collin has enduring interests in diagnostic tests and technologies, and their evaluation and validation for dairy microbiology applications. He has presented at national and international food microbiology conferences, and he holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Biochemistry from the University of Waikato, New Zealand.

Ronald L. Johnson

Ronald L. Johnson is the Immediate Past President of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. He has been a member of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Board of Directors since 2005, and he is also past Chairman of the Board of Directors of the AOAC Research Institute, a subsidiary of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. His contributions to AOAC include serving in volunteer roles for the AOAC method programs, service on governance and advisory boards, and, as a member of AOAC’s International Stakeholder Panel on Alternative Methods, continuous work on the ongoing development of harmonized, internationally accepted standard validation schemes for microbiological analytical methods for food and environmental testing. He is also the recipient of several AOAC awards and has authored or coauthored numerous papers and methods.

Mr. Johnson is also Associate Director of Validation Services for Scientific Affairs in the Industry division of bioMérieux, Inc. Mr. Johnson has over 39 years of combined experience in industrial and clinical diagnostics. He is a graduate of Lindenwood University in Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Business Administration.

Event Sponsors

Fonterra is a New Zealand multinational dairy co-operative owned by approximately 10,500 New Zealand farmers. The company is responsible for approximately 30% of the world's dairy exports and with revenue exceeding NZ$17.2 billion. It is New Zealand's largest company and the world’s second-largest dairy processor (IFCN). Its core business consists of exporting dairy products under the NZMP brand. It also operates a fast-moving consumer goods business for dairy products, Fonterra Brands. Fonterra has a number of subsidiaries and joint-venture companies operating in markets around the world.

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for over 50 years, bioMérieux is present in more than 150 countries through 43 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (systems, reagents, software) which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety.