The analysis of food for safety, authenticity and quality conventionally relies on samples being sent to a laboratory, with the results typically returned in days or even weeks.
There is a clear advantage if the process could be expedited, by being able to conduct analytical testing at the point of sampling, with a minimal requirement for analyst training, and the test providing easily interpreted results in real-time.
The term Point of Contact (POC) testing relates to a mode of analytical testing that meets these requirements, with a range of POC applications now available.
This e-seminar provides an overview of POC testing, describes the range of analytical techniques that have been adopted, and lists examples of current and emerging devices for use with POC testing.
The e-seminar is intended for individuals working in official control laboratories, the food industry and those involved with the UK official control system.
The production of this e-seminar was co-funded by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland and the Department for Science Innovation and Technology, via the Government Chemist, under the Joint Knowledge Transfer Framework for Food Standards and Food Safety Analysis.
