Check out the interview with our General Manager at QTS Analytical — A Tentamus Company, Steve Mann, where he shares his insights and experience at Fruit Attraction 2024!
🟢 How has your experience been so far at Fruit Attraction 2024?
Steve: This was our first-time attending Fruit Attraction in Madrid, in terms of size it is a very large event with a plethora of businesses related to the food/produce sector. Everyone we spoke to was keen to engage in conversation with us covering testing requirements and regulations etc.
🟢 What’s been the most interesting conversation you’ve had?
Steve: The most interesting conversation was about the divergence in regulation between the UK and EU markets, since Brexit there have been some minor updates for MRL levels in the EU which haven’t been matched for the UK market, meaning the acceptable levels are no longer the same – this is something I believe will become more common as time goes by and both parties continue to develop regulations separately.
🟢 What kinds of fruits are queuing up for testing at QTS Analytical — A Tentamus Company these days?
Steve: As with most produce testing laboratories, our samples vary throughout the seasons. At this time of year, we tend to see a lot of apples and pears from the UK market. We also see a lot of exotic fruits throughout the year which are imported to stock supermarket shelves.
🟢 How do you see QTS Analytical — A Tentamus Company's role evolving in the future of food safety after Fruit Attraction?
Steve: I think our evolution is always going to be linked to customer and regulatory requirements. In terms of the near future, there seems to be a focus on Hep A and Norovirus testing for imported berries (something we are currently working on in group – to provide a UK based test solution for our customers).
In the longer term it will likely be about broadening screening and updating technology to be able to improve detection limits.
🟢 Any memorable moments from the event?
Steve: I think the networking with colleagues from our other Tentamus Group laboratories was excellent – it really shows that we have a great amount of support within group across all types of produce testing.
Working within Tentamus Group has enlightened me to benefits of having a small local footprint but a large network of expertise to be able to call upon for help when needed.
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