E-seminars on DNA analysis techniques

This is the first in a series of e-seminars which have been designed to disseminate best measurement practice guidance on the application of DNA-based methods for food authenticity testing, has been uploaded to the Food Authenticity Website.

The e-seminar was produced by LGC with funding from Defra, as a direct result of a series of successful Defra Knowledge Transfer events held at LGC in previous years. The purpose of these e-seminars is to provide access to the information first presented at Defra/LGC Knowledge Transfer events for stakeholders who could not attend the original event, and to provide the opportunity to those that did attend to refresh their knowledge and expertise in the area.

This first e-seminar, entitled “The application of real-time PCR for food authenticity testing inclusive of the quantitation of Equine DNA”, summarises information provided by a Knowledge Transfer event originally developed and delivered at LGC in September 2015 with Defra funding. The e-seminar describes the scope, purpose and application of the Defra/LGC Standard Operating Procedure for a real-time PCR approach for the quantitation of horse DNA (See the project report here), as well as providing guidance and advice on the application of real-time PCR in food authenticity testing in general, with a focus on availability of methods and reference materials.

The lead scientist responsible for the e-seminar, Malcolm Burns (LGC), states that “The e-seminar should be of interest to anyone involved in the application of molecular biology approaches for quality, authenticity and adulteration testing of food and feed materials. In particular, the e-seminar will be of relevance to those involved in the using real-time PCR for the trace detection of food ingredients.

This e-seminar can be be viewed on LGC's YouTube channel at  https://youtu.be/grf4tZQOArM