How safe is our food? This is a volatile issue for many consumers and a major challenge for the food-analysis sector. The only way to perform quality and origin analyses is with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques. That is why the topic of food analysis is an interdisciplinary focal point at analytica 2014 in Munich from April 1–4.
The comprehensive range of exhibits at analytica makes it easy for trade visitors to get the right answers to their specific questions. More than 1,100 international exhibitors will present their latest analysis devices there—including those for food analysis. In addition, the latest techniques and methods will be presented at the analytica Conference. "Food is required to meet stringent safety and quality standards. Raw materials and final products must be strictly and carefully monitored," explains Exhibition Director Susanne Grödl. "analytica gives trade visitors an overview of the latest developments and methods in quality control in the industry and for the consumer."
New developments for classic food analysis
In the field of classic food analysis, for example, Axel Semrau will present a new chromatography system that simplifies the identification of sterines, which play an important role in olive oils. Bruker will present an NMR spectrometer for rapid and time-resolved analyses to detect solid fats in chocolate or determine the total fat, oil and moisture content of foods.
Trend toward molecular biology methods
Modern molecular biology methods continue to increase in significance in food analysis. For example, DNA analyses can now be used to detect allergens, unwanted animal or vegetable ingredients and genetically modified organisms. For example, the foodproof RoboPrep HT robot system from BIOTECON can conduct automated quick tests on pathogens, genetically modified organisms, allergens or animal species. The system combines fully automated processing of food samples and the subsequent PCR in a single device.
New microbiological systems
In the sector for microbiological analysis, BioLumix will be at the stand of IUL Systems to present a system that simplifies microbiological analyses in food and cosmetics production. The results are ready within hours and are automatically forwarded to product approval. Analysis techniques for testing the quality of drinking water are becoming faster and more precise. The PAMAS WaterViewer, an automatic particle counter, can detect the size and number of all particles in water. The system quickly recognizes certain bacteria, which makes it more meaningful than measuring turbidity.
analytica Conference with food analysis highlights
Food analysts can use increasingly specific methods and techniques in their work. Internationally renowned scientists will present their latest research findings in this field at the analytica Conference. New methods for analyzing water will be the focus of a symposium titled "The New Challenge in Water Analysis: Metabolites, Transformation Products and Non-Target Analysis" under the direction of Professor Thorsten C. Schmidt from Duisburg-Essen University on April 1 (11:00–3:30 in Room 3). Visitors should also be sure not to miss the symposium on "Modern Analytical Tools to Ensure Safety and Authenticity of Food" on April 3 (13:30–16:30 in Room 3). It features five lectures that explain how to detect hidden mycotoxins in food and what problems still exist, for example.
The entire conference program is available at www.analytica.de/en/conference The analytica Conference takes place at the ICM – Internationales Congress Center München and is free of charge for visitors attending the fair.
Experience trace analysis up close in the Food Analysis Live Lab Those who participate in the Live Lab for Food Analysis in Hall B2 will get a concrete look at trace analysis. It features 30-minute presentations at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 on Tuesday and Thursday and at 11:00 and 13:00 on Friday. They focus on techniques for identifying pathogenic germs or analyzing hazardous residues such as pesticides or heavy metals. Experts will demonstrate methods for analyzing the origin of raw materials and detecting antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. Visitors will also learn how to identify endocrine disrupters and discover new approaches in PCR analysis, mycotoxin analysis and quality control.
About analytic
analytica is the international trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis and biotechnology. analytica has been held in Munich every two years since 1968. The trade fair is the central marketplace for the global analysis, laboratory-technology and biotechnology industry and users in research and actual practice. The trade fair is accompanied by the analytica Conference, the leading international conference where the scientific elite meet to discuss the latest topics that pertain to chemistry, biochemistry and laboratory medicine. 30,481 visitors and 1,026 exhibitors participated in analytica in 2012.
analytica is part of an international network of trade fairs: It includes the trade fairs analytica, analytica China (Shanghai, Sept. 24 – 26, 2014), analytica Anacon India (Mumbai, November 12-14, 2013) and analytica Vietnam (Spring 2015).
Additional information about the fair(s) and the program of events is available on the Internet at www.analytica.de/en as well as in our media database at http://www.analytica.de/en/Home/Journalists/photos-logosMesse München International Messe München International is one of the world´s leading trade show companies. In Munich alone it organizes around 40 trade shows for capital and consumer goods, and key high tech industries. Each year more than 30,000 exhibitors and around two million visitors take part in the events held at the Messe München exhibition center, the ICM – International Congress Center München, and in the MOC Veranstaltungscenter München. The leading international trade fairs of Messe München International are all independently audited.
In addition, Messe München International organizes trade shows in Asia, Russia, the Middle East and South Africa. With nine affiliates abroad – in Europe, Asia and in Africa – and over 60 foreign representatives actively serving over 90 countries, Messe München International has a worldwide business network. The Group also takes a pioneering role as regards sustainability: It is the first trade-fair company to be awarded energy-efficiency certification from the technical inspection authorities TÜV SÜD.