I am a biochemist with expertise in protein analyses and mass spectrometry. My goal is to improve food quality and safety, notably through a better and more accurate identification, characterization, and quantitation of proteins in food. In 2015, I joined IDF/ISO to participate to nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor discussions. Since then, I have had numerous activities in different protein-related action teams, either as a participant or a team leader.

Standardization of analytical methods is key to ensure consistent and comparable results across laboratories. Promoting robust analytical method standards is one of my tasks, and I have been fortunate to join expert committees in organizations such as IDF/ISO, AOAC, AACCI, CEN, and USP to develop those activities. Working with IDF/ISO helped me understanding the needs of the dairy sector and, together with AOAC, the power of consensus. Through those organizations, I have been able to build a valuable network of analytical experts, participate to interlaboratory studies, provide feedback on standards, set up cross-category interlaboratory studies, and have method endorsed by IDF/ISO.

I would definitely recommend new experts to take a role in IDF/ISO. As said earlier, this community helps generating trusted analytical method standards and is a voice that counts in the dairy sector. My favorite experience so far has been in the standardization of the amino acid method, which started as an activity in AOAC and was extended to dairy matrices through IDF/ISO and cereals through AACCI. The feedback collected from those three organizations led to a strong standard that was eventually endorsed by CODEX.

Christophe Fuerer, Action Leader in IDF Standing Committee of Analytical Methods of Composition

Senior Specialist in Protein Analysis at Société des Produits Nestlé S.A. / Nestlé Research (Switzerland)