Sindh Food Authority (SFA) and Nutrition International successfully conducted a two-days training focused on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, ICheck, and CDR Food Lab techniques for the SFA lab staff. The event, held at the National Center of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry (NCEAC), University of Sindh-Jamshoro, also featured the inauguration of the new Regional Food Testing Lab.

Professor (Meritorious) Dr. Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro, Vice Chancellor/Chairman BoG of NCEAC, University of Sindh-Jamshoro, Agha Fakhur Hussain, Director General of Sindh Food Authority and Professor Dr. Syed Tufail Hussain Shah, Director of NCEAC, University of Sindh-Jamshoro officiated the inauguration ceremony. This new facility aims to foster long-term collaboration and development between the SFA and NCEAC, enhancing the testing of food products and supporting research studies.

The training focused on advanced methods for detecting and quantifying Vitamins A and D and industrial trans fats in food products using FT-IR, HPLC, and the CDR Food Lab system. This hands-on training is crucial for ensuring food safety and compliance with regulations on food fortification, addressing health risks associated with trans fats.

The event commenced on 17-5-2024 with the recitation of Holy Quran, followed by the welcome address with the introduction of NCEAC by Professor Dr. Syed Tufail Hussain Shah, Director of NCEAC, University of Sindh-Jamshoro. Then insightful sessions were led by renowned experts having vast experience in the field of food chemistry, agricultural products and analytical chemistry including Mueen Qureshi Provincial Manager, Nutrition International (NI); Prof. Dr. Asad Saeed, former Chairman, Food Department, University of Karachi; Ms. Yasmeen Khanum, In charge, Halal Standardization Division, SDC-PSQCA; Dr. Seema Ashraf, In charge of SFA Standardization and QMS and Professor Dr. Najma Memon, NCEAC, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. These sessions highlighted the health hazards posed by industrially produced trans fats in ghee, emphasizing the importance of stringent food safety measures.

On 2nd Day (18-5-2024) practical demonstration/training on FTIR and HPLC training was conducted by Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmed Mahesar and Dr. Ayaz Ali Memon, Associate Professors, NCEAC, University of Sindh, Jamshoro. Demonstration on ICheck and CDR Food lab was presented by Hans Mukhi and Ms. Sayeda Muqadasa.

The participation/appreciation certificates were distributed to the participants by Dr. Seema Ashraf, Ms. Yasmeen Khanum, Mr. Mueen Qureshi and Prof. Dr. Najma Memon. The training was ended with a vote of thanks by Prof. Dr. Najma Memon.

This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing food safety standards and research capabilities, ultimately benefiting public health and the food industry.