QuEChERS Workshop for Chemists - August 13-17, 2007  completed

Objectives

In August 2007, the West Africa IPM CRSP (Integrated Pest Management Collaborative Research Support Program) sponsored a professional training workshop for pesticide residue chemists in Bamako, Mali.  Chemists from government, private, and university laboratories gathered for:

• Hands-on training using the QuEChERS method for pesticide residue analysis of fruits and vegetables;
• Networking and discussions with other pesticide chemists in the West Africa region, and;
• Preliminary planning for interlaboratory validation of the QuEChERS method.

What is QuEChERS?

QuEChERS is a new multiresidue method for pesticide residue analysis of fruits, vegetables, and other foods; and is increasingly used by regulatory, industrial, and contract laboratories for testing food commodities intended for domestic and international consumption. The acronym QuEChERS (pronounced, "Catchers") stands for Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe which also explains the method's versatility in a wide range of laboratory situations including those in developing countries.

Hands-on Practical Training

Dr. Steven J. Lehotay, Lead Scientist at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Wyndmoor, PA, provided lectures on the QuEChERS method and a demonstration/training session with teams of scientists from various countries working together. The QuEChERS method was developed in Dr. Lehotay’s laboratory and he has conducted similar training sessions in other countries.

The USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) sponsored Dr. Lehotay’s travel to the workshop in addition to one chemist each from Niger, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso.  The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) sponsored three chemists from Senegal.  The regional scope of this workshop was possible thanks to the sponsorship of chemists by the USDA-FAS and the FAO. 

Impacts

Feedback from participants was positive. 100% (23/23) of the chemists who completed a program evaluation reported that the one or more parts of the hands-on practical training was the most helpful aspect of the workshop for them. All of them said that they would be more effective residue chemists as a result of attending the workshop. 61% (14/23) of the chemists indicated that they plan to test/validate/adopt the Quechers method for use in their laboratory. 87% of those who completed a program evaluation (20/23) rated the workshop excellent to very good and 100% (23/23) noted that they were able to ask questions and participate in discussions.

Other Highlights

Chemists valued the opportunity to network with each other and discuss concerns common to laboratories in the region. Some of the issues/concerns discussed were accreditation agencies, proficiency testing, instrument maintenance, cost of supplies, and opportunities to network and exchange practical information about residue chemistry.

List of Chemists

Presentations By Chemists

List of Individuals Who Attended Opening Ceremony (August 13, 2007)

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