PENANG, 29 January 2013 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was selected as the institutional organizer for the International Atomic Energy Agency / Regional Co-operative Agreement (IAEA / RCA) First Regional Training Course, an important platform that allows participating countries to collaborate in research to enhance food safety.

The course, conducted by experts and scientists in the field of food chemistry, Prof Dr Russell Frew and Dr Kiri McComb, from the University of Otago, New Zealand, was attended by 28 participants from 13 Asia-Pacific countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, and Thailand.

Russell Frew said that this training provides an opportunity for participating countries to conduct research together with scientists and share their experiences from practical aspects.

He said it includes a collection of quality data, identifying and mapping sampling strategy and interpretation of data through the application of stable isotopes and trace elements for food traceability.

“It aims to spread the use of nuclear analytical techniques as compared to ‘paper’ tracking system that has long been applied to members of The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and to improve the food safety study.

“As we all know, food is not only important to our daily lives but also provide nutrients to humans,” said Russell.

This is the first time such training was organized and funded by the IAEA. The opening ceremony was officiated by Prof. Adnan Hussein, Student Affairs Deputy Vice-Chancellor who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato’ Omar Osman.

Adnan, in his speech, said that the course is very significant for the development of other fields of knowledge and moreover being a joint host of this prestigious programme proves that the university is appreciated and recognised by international agencies.

“This program will strengthen food safety and can prevent the occurrence of food poisoning as happened in the United States stemming from tainted tomatoes and chillies from Mexico in 2008, "said Adnan.

In the meantime, participants will have the opportunity to visit and collect samples at a paddy field in Alor Star on Saturday. Also present were the Dean of the School of Industrial Technology, Professor Rozman Hj Din, and Centre for Doping Control Director, Prof. Saad Bahruddin. Text: Rafizah Nor Md Zain / Photo: Mohamad Danial Shahri/Translation: Yong Check Yoon