PDG HIGHLIGHT
Applied Laboratory Methods PDG
The Applied Laboratory Methods Professional Development Group has the following mission:
To provide a forum for the exchange and sharing of information related to the development and use of laboratory methods for the analysis of food and
related commodities.
The Applied laboratories Method pdg has over 200 members that work in a range of industries including test kit companies, government,
academia, food manufacturers, private consulting and private testing laboratories. The pdg has been an active group since its inception in 1988
or 1989. Through the years, the Applied laboratory Methods pdg has held several webinars and teleconference meetings to inform the members on
a variety of topics from predictive modeling to information on and testing methods for a variety of pathogenic microorganisms and food allergens.
The webinars can be accessed for future review in the Applied laboratory Methods section on the iAfp Web site. The members of the group have
submitted and had accepted many symposia, roundtables and workshops at the annual meetings that help to provide the general membership an
opportunity to be further informed on a variety of topics from test methods for detection of emerging pathogens to building global laboratory capacity
to help improve food safety worldwide. The opportunities for the members of the pdg to develop and present symposia and roundtable discussions
and participate in webinars can be an integral component of their continuous education.
The group was also able to work together in a subgroup to develop a review article for the Journal of Food Protection on the sometimes forgotten
but extremely important topic of preparation of samples prior to testing. The group is not all work either. for the last few years, the group has gotten
together for a meal the night before the annual meeting of the pdg for food and conversation before everyone becomes busy at the meeting.
One active member of the pdg commented that his involvement with the pdg provides an opportunity to interact with and learn from other food
safety professionals who share a common interest. The group has enabled him to establish many invaluable contacts both professionally and as
friends. The true benefit of this pdg is derived not simply from its existence, but from the active involvement of its members in discussing pertinent
issues related to applied microbiological methods.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2013 FOOD PROTECTION TRENDS 339
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Food Protection Trends - September/October 2013