On March 18th, we had the pleasure of hosting industry professionals, researchers, and academics at our Food & Research Seminar, a day dedicated to advancing analytical excellence in food safety, beverage testing, and research. The seminar brought together specialists in chromatography and elemental analysis to discuss innovative solutions that are shaping the future of quality assurance and compliance.
The day began with attendee registration and networking, where participants from diverse sectors—academic institutions, research laboratories, and the food & beverage industry—gathered to exchange ideas. The energy in the room was vibrant, reflecting the shared commitment to improving analytical testing standards.
Our Marketing Executive, Mitchelle Gacheri, kicked off the seminar with a warm welcome, expressing gratitude to all attendees for being part of this pivotal event. Tom Ouma, our Business Development Manager, highlighted the critical role of accurate testing in upholding food safety, research integrity, and regulatory compliance. Their opening remarks set the stage for a dynamic and insightful session, leading into expert-led discussions that enriched the seminar.
Mitchelle 
Tom
GC-MS/MS: Detecting Residues & Contaminants with Precision
Led by Sailesh Dhamale, Shimadzu Middle East & Africa (SMEA) Training Manager & Application Specialist, the session on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) highlighted its importance in identifying volatile and semi-volatile compounds in food and beverages. With increasing regulatory demands, GC-MS/MS has become indispensable for detecting toxins, preservatives, and industrial pollutants, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.
Sailesh Dhamale, Training Manager, SMEA
LC-MS/MS: Enhancing Sensitivity in Food & Research Testing
This session focused on Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and its role in food and research testing. Anant Lohar, SMEA Application Specialist (Chromatography), explored how LC-MS/MS provides precise detection of contaminants, pesticides, and chemical residues—critical for food safety regulations and pharmaceutical research. Real-world applications showcased how the technology improves testing accuracy while maintaining efficiency.
Anant, LC Specialist, SMEA
ICP-MS & ICP-OES: Advancing Elemental Analysis in Food & Research
Sampath Pullekikurthi, SMEA Regional Application & Technical Support Engineer, explored the power of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) in detecting heavy metals and analyzing mineral composition in food, water, and environmental samples. With food safety regulations tightening worldwide, these techniques are vital in ensuring that food products remain safe for consumption.
Sampath, Spectroscopy Specialist, SMEA
A Fun Interlude: Engaging Games & Activities
To keep the momentum going, we introduced interactive game sessions, giving attendees a chance to relax, engage, and have fun. The room was filled with laughter and friendly competition—reminding us that networking and knowledge-sharing can also be enjoyable!
Lunch & Networking: Building Meaningful Connections
The networking lunch provided the perfect opportunity for attendees to deepen discussions, ask questions, and build lasting professional relationships. Conversations ranged from technology trends to real-world testing challenges, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration within the industry.
A Day of Learning, Innovation, and Collaboration
As we closed the event, the enthusiasm and engagement from our attendees reaffirmed the importance of such knowledge-sharing platforms. The insights shared throughout the day will undoubtedly drive advancements in food safety, research, and analytical testing.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our expert speakers, partners, and attendees who made this seminar a resounding success. At ESTEC, we remain committed to empowering industries with world-class analytical solutions—and this is only the beginning!
See you at our next event!
