Molecular Methods in Food Microbiology Workshop to be held in Thailand

BANGKOK, Thailand — Colorado State University, Cornell University, the Silliker Food Science Center and Mahidol University will sponsor the first international “Molecular Methods in Food Microbiology” workshop at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand.

The March 30-April 3, 2009, workshop will exclusively cover nucleic acid-based approaches. Instructors and speakers will include: Martin Wiedmann (Cornell University), Kathryn Boor (Cornell University), Kendra Nightingale (Colorado State University), Soraya Chaturongakul (Mahidol University) along with Mark Carter and Sarita Raengpradub of the Silliker Food Science Center. 

The workshop’s overall goal is to provide in-depth training on nucleic acid-based detection and characterization methods for foodborne pathogens and spoilage organisms, including PCR, multiplex PCR assays, real-time PCR, and quantitative reverse transcriptase-based PCR assays along with DNA sequencing of PCR products. Attendees will become familiar with commercial DNA-based detection methods (including troubleshooting and interpretation of results) as well as approaches to design custom PCR-based assays and protocols for foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms. 

The workshop will consist of a two-day symposium (March 30 and 31) followed by a three-day hands-on laboratory session (April 1-3) with limited registration. This workshop is targeted for food safety professionals in industry and government, as well as graduate students and faculty members that would like to improve their understanding of molecular detection methods. 

A workshop advisory committee, consisting of representatives from private industry, academia, and professional groups, was assembled to help identify subject matter and ensure the workshop meets food industry needs. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), Kraft Foods, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the New South Wales Food Authority were among the global representatives on the committee.

For more information, including a complete listing of the advisory committee, a detailed workshop schedule and registration instructions, go to http://ansci.colostate.edu/content/view/701/105/.

The first “Molecular Methods in Food Microbiology” workshop was held at Colorado State University (Fort Collins) this past June and will be offered annually at the learning institution with rotating topics. 

In 2009, the Aug. 3-7 offering will focus on nucleic acid-based subtyping and characterization of food-associated microorganisms. To obtain more information on the meeting, please contact Kendra Nightingale (kendra.nightingale@colostate.edu) or Sarita Raengpradub (sarita.raengpradub@silliker.com).