7 June 2011

2 minute read

Over 190 experts gathered at the IDF/ISO Analytical Week (23-27 May) in Lyon, France, to discuss the latest developments and future projects for methods of analysis in the dairy sector, in expert meetings and a mid-week symposium.

Hosted by the IDF French National Committee (FIL France), the joint IDF/ISO event provided a platform for experts to work on topical analysis issues, such as the need for a reference system for somatic cell counting in milk, and initiatives underpinning food safety testing.

The mid-week symposium explored the theme “How can analysis promote sustainability in the dairy chain?”. IDF and ISO experts presented new initiatives and recommendations that showed for the first time that the analysis sector makes significant contributions to the advancement of a sustainable dairy industry.

Speakers demonstrated that within-laboratory initiatives reduce the burden on the environment through the use of the ISO 14001 standard as well as through innovative means of recycling or reducing of laboratory consumables and reagents. Furthermore, specifically-developed new testing methodology was shown to also underpin wider sustainability initiatives by the dairy sector such as improving waste water management practices, and animal feeding practices.

Dr Jaap Evers, Chair of the IDF Methods Standards Steering Group, commented on the significant progress being made in many areas of work:

“The joint IDF/ISO programme of work clearly creates value to all stakeholders in the dairy chain as well as the consumer by developing internationally harmonised and globally accepted testing methods that contribute to the production of nutritious and safe dairy products in a sustainable manner. On the basis of the many advances in analytical technology, I anticipate that developments in analytical testing will create further win-win outcomes in the near future.”

IDF President Richard Doyle congratulated FIL France and the organising committee for planning the 2011 IDF/ISO Analytical Week. He commented: “The IDF/ISO partnership in developing joint testing methods is going from strength to strength. Participating experts accumulated new information and ideas from this event, which they benefit from in their jobs. IDF is certainly committed, as is ISO, to furthering its activities in the field and be at the forefront of the development of analytical methods that are of global relevance, e.g. through adoption by the Codex Alimentarius”.

TheCattleSite News Desk