Masterclasses

The four optional expert-led masterclasses are intended for audience participation and discussion. They are effectively interactive consultancy sessions. They will ensure you get the most from the conference and leave understanding the issues with answers to your questions.

“Challenges and Solutions for Food Identification and Tracing”

Dr Peter Wareing, Senior Training Executive, Leatherhead Food International
Greg Bennet, Iowa State University

January 31 10am to 1pm with buffet lunch

KEY PROBLEMS – CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

Food traceability is an increasingly important issue in today's global food supply chain. Proving the authenticity of food ingredients, including its provenance, and ensuring freedom from harmful adulterants are key concerns for food manufacturers and raw material suppliers. There are legal requirements for food traceability in many countries. How can we use analytical technologies to help determine the purity and safety of key food ingredients and finished products? This session will cover DNA and many other technologies other than RFID.

Dr Peter Wareing has worked in the food sector in a variety of roles over the past 25years.  He delivers training and consultancy solutions at Leatherhead Food International, managing the food safety training portfolio for clients within the food industry.  He spent 21 years in microbiological research and training within the development and university sectors.  He has worked overseas in many countries in South America , Africa and South Asia , in national and export food production.  Peter has had numerous papers published in professional journals and the European food press, as well as book chapters, and presentations at conferences.

Greg Bennet of Iowa State University will share his research by talking on "The weak link - data sharing between farmer and cooperative"

This presentation explains why farmers need to be included in traceability and how it can be profitable for them to participate in identity preservation systems. His research examines how, at the present time, both seed companies and processors have well established traceability or identity preservation programs. However, the weak link in our food system is at the farmer-cooperative level. This presentation helps identify how we can strengthen the farmer link in the system.

“Introduction to RFID”

Dr Peter Harrop Chairman, IDTechEx

January 31 Buffet lunch then 2pm to 5pm

HOW IT WORKS. WHO USES IT AND WHY – FROM TRACKING FOOD AND ANIMALS TO TRACEABILITY FOR FRAUD PREVENTION.

Radio frequency identification is an enabling technology not a product. It is used for security, safety, cost reduction, improving service to customers, reducing the number of empty shelves in supermarkets, recalls and much else. We lead you through the jargon, explaining the limitations and the successes, choices of frequency etc and what comes next. We show where barcodes are already being replaced with RFID in the food supply chain, who gains and by how much. You will handle many samples. You will have a personal copy of the IDTechEx RFID Encyclopedia.

Dr Peter Harrop FIEE was previously a board member of the UK business of Mars, the global food company and chief executive of its $260 million subsidiary Mars Electronics. He has been chairman of 15 high tech companies over the years. He is co-author of the IDTechEx report “Food and Livestock Traceability”.

“Introduction to Smart Packaging”

Dr Peter Harrop Chairman IDTechEx

February 3 10am to 1pm with buffet lunch

NEW FORMS OF PACKAGING GIVING NEW BENEFITS

This session covers packaging with mechanical, chemical, biological, electrical and/ or electronic features. Packages that talk, show moving color images, record behaviour, sense bacteria, control infection and reveal mishandling or criminal actions etc are among the wealth of new technologies covered. We give the reasons why smart packaging is increasingly demanded. This participative class will include seeing a video of the science of the package developed by the US military that creates clean water, handling samples of other forms of smart packaging and hearing of many other startling advances, many of which go beyond food traceability, tracking and identification. It does not cover RFID. Participants receive a free copy of the IDTechEx Encyclopedia of Printed Electronics.

Dr Peter Harrop FIEE was previously a board member of the UK business of Mars, the global food company and chief executive of its $260 million subsidiary Mars Electronics. He has been chairman of 15 high tech companies over the years. He is co-author of the IDTechEx report “Food and Livestock Traceability”.

“Introduction to Legal Issues and Mandates of Food Traceability”

Peter Wareing, Senior Training Executive, Leatherhead Food International

Dr Peter Harrop Chairman IDTechEx

February 3 Buffet lunch then 2pm to 5pm

Across the world, from China to the US, laws concerning food and livestock traceability are being tightened and more closely policed. We explain the situation and actions arising. Wal-Mart has mandated RFID on pallets and cases and some items. McDonald's has mandated total food traceability of supplies. Why, how, what next? We discuss.

Dr Peter Wareing has worked in the food sector in a variety of roles over the past 25years.  He delivers training and consultancy solutions at Leatherhead Food International, managing the food safety training portfolio for clients within the food industry.  He spent 21 years in microbiological research and training within the development and university sectors.  He has worked overseas in many countries in South America , Africa and South Asia , in national and export food production.  Peter has had numerous papers published in professional journals and the European food press, as well as book chapters, and presentations at conferences.