In this edition of our 'Meet the Team' series, we are thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Naresh Patel, a leading expert with over 20 years of experience in food pesticide testing. Naresh was one of the original founders of the Cambridge laboratory, Scientific Analysis Laboratories Ltd (SAL) and has now returned but this time for SGS. Dr. Patel's contributions will be significant in the next phase of the labs journey. In this Q&A, he shares insights on advancements in pesticide testing, new equipment investment, and the future of mycotoxin testing. Join us as we explore his impactful work here at SGS.
Dr. Naresh Patel, could you please share your background and experience in the field of food pesticide testing, and how it can benefit our clients?
I bring over 20 years of experience in food pesticide testing to the table. Throughout my career, I've worked closely with Technical Managers and Retailers, aiding them in understanding pesticide testing and data interpretation. My experience extends to running extensive training courses, sharing industry knowledge, and managing numerous incidents. My active collaboration with technical bodies like FPC and PRiFF allows me to represent and tackle emerging issues effectively.
What motivated you to join us here at SGS and work with the scientists and commercial team in Cambridge?
My deep-rooted connection with the Cambridge laboratory, SAL, which I helped set up in the early 2000s, was a significant factor in my decision to join SGS. SGS demonstrated commitment to invest in people, equipment, new services, and international collaboration, with the vision to make the Cambridge Lab a Centre of Excellence for Contaminant Testing, presented an amazing opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the lab and the produce industry.
Can you provide an overview of the newly accredited pesticide screen we launched in August 2023? How does it address the testing needs of our clients in terms of fresh produce, cereals, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds?
We have recently launched a newly accredited pesticide screen that covers 700 pesticide residues. This screen considered to be the largest pesticide screen in the UK was developed our team led by Steven Williams, represents actives commonly used in modern agronomy, as well as those monitored by UK and EU surveillance programs. This provides our clients with maximum coverage of potential risks. We have validated a wide range of food types to ensure precision and accurate data, catering to the increasing demand within the produce and allied industries.
We have developed a NEW comprehensive pesticide “Superscreen" with over 750 actives. How does this additional screen for acid pesticides and associated metabolites enhance our testing capabilities for the benefit of our clients?
Our Research & Development team has developed a unique new screen with over 60 actives that are commonly required by many clients but cannot be included in the standard pesticide screen due to their chemical properties and in some cases individually charged. This new screen will allow the correct residue definition to be reported for several key pesticides commonly used. When added to the standard pesticide screen this ‘Superscreen’ will be the first of its kind in the UK providing a much-reduced testing cost for a complete residue definition screen, a major bonus to the produce industry.
How has the investment in new ICP equipment with MS and OES detection systems expanded our scope of heavy metals testing? Which food and related products can our clients have tested for established heavy metals?
To accommodate the increasing demand for other support services such as heavy metals, mycotoxins, and microbiology testing, we have invested in new ICP equipment. This allows us to provide timely data on key areas of food safety, reducing overhead expenses and streamlining processes for our clients.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Naresh Patel
Technical Account Director
Health & Nutrition
+44 (0) 151 350 6666
About SGS
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