2007, Volume XI, Issue 1Symposia and ConferencesThis year’s International IUPAC Symposium on Mycotoxins and Phytotoxins in Istanbul, Turkey, was the twelfth in a series of interdisciplinary conferences organized by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. IUPAC Initiated the series in 1972 to promote the flow of mycotoxin knowledge across scientific fields and national borders. Each year, the findings shared by participants comprise a comprehensive overview of the most current research on mycotoxicology; mycology; analytical methods; risk assessment; control strategies; and the effects of mycotoxins on plant, animal, and human health. The May 21−25, 2007, program organized by TUBITAK− Ankara Test and Analysis Lab (TUBITAK-ATAL) featured 25 plenary lectures and 77 papers on strategic research areas. Sessions included the following: Topics covered in Mycotoxins and Human Health ranged from human exposure and diseases linked to aflatoxins, zearalenone, ochratoxin A (OTA), citrinin, and deoxynivalenol to mycotoxin-related health problems in developing countries. In two extensive sessions, speakers at Analytical Techniques for Mycotoxins discussed state-of-the art of mycotoxin analysis and recent developments in various advanced techniques for rapid and multitoxin detection, such as LS-MS/MS, isotope labeling, and GC-MS. The Animal and Dairy Products sessions focused on the latest methods for reducing contamination and a variety of animal health studies. Dried Fruits, Spices, Botanicals, and Derived Products; Nuts; Cereals; and Coffee were among the subjects covered in separate sessions on various agricultural commodities. Advances in Toxicology explored mechanisms and susceptibilities, as well as early immunotoxicity and other cytotoxic effects of trichothecene mycotoxins. Speakers at Risk Assessment, Regulations, and International Trade discussed managing the risk of mycotoxin and fungal contamination in the global grain supply chain, and offered insights on EU mycotoxin regulations and their economic impact on world trade and the agricultural industry. The program also featured the Third Turkish National
Mycotoxin Symposium and a variety of satellite meetings,
including the CEN European Standardization Working
Group on Biotoxins (partners of the EU FP 6 projects
BioCop and MYCO-GLOBE) and the International
Mycotoxicology Society. Manufacturers’ exhibits
showcased the latest advances in mycotoxin risk
management; LC/MS detection and analysis; and rapid
testing, including detection methods for M1 and aflatoxins
in corn gluten feed, corn glutenmeal, dry distillers grains,
and figs and raisins. Two FAO-coordinated workshops
complemented the oral presentations. In support of efforts
to improve sampling procedures for mycotoxin detection
in food and feed, the FAO produced a training video on
sampling and sample preparation for an instructional
workshop. A second workshop featured presentations on
worldwide coordination of mycotoxin surveillance data.
For more information and a full program description,
visit the following website: |