The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the way many companies operate, including FSNS. This unprecedented time has offered new challenges in maintaining social distancing, employee wellbeing, and logistics. That being said, FSNS has worked diligently to expand their scope of service while implementing numerous new safety procedures. 2020 has been an eventful year, including tremendous growth within the chemistry business unit and we are excited to highlight a few of these updates below.
In January FSNS opened a new ICP testing lab with state-of-the-art instrumentation for the analysis of both heavy metals by ICP-MS and quantitative metals by ICP-OES. This lab was specifically designed to further expand FSNS’ ability to meet low level (Prop 65) detection limits of heavy metals and allow for rapid turnaround of results to support immediate client needs.
Recently FSNS completed their validation of an LCMS/MS method for low level detection of the Beta Agonist Ractopamine. This new method aligns with the USDA CLG-AGON1.10 method and allows for detection of Ractopamine well below the action level of 1.0 ppb. FSNS is currently in the AMS approval process and looks forward to supporting testing needs for both the beef and pork industry.
FSNS successfully completed their A2LA ISO 1705:2005 audit for the San Antonio chemistry lab in June. As part of this audit, FSNS extended their accreditation scope to include multiple new methods. Vitamin D, Protein by Combustion, Beta Carotene, Heavy Metal Analysis and Water Activity are a few of the added methods.
We are also pleased to announce the appointment of John Szpylka to the role of Chemistry R&D Manager at the FSNS San Antonio site. With over 30 years of industry experience working at General Mills and Merieux NutriSciences, John offers a wealth of knowledge in method development, troubleshooting, and technical consulting. He also serves on the board of the AOAC and is active in both the AACC and AAFCO.
FSNS continues to put food safety, quality, and customer needs at the forefront of all their growth decisions as we work to demonstrate our ability to be your trusted partner in food safety. The chemistry department is eager to support your nutritional, allergen, and contaminant needs for a variety of products including raw ingredients, meats, vegetables, nutraceuticals, and finished products.
