In March 2025, the training program on pesticide residue analysis was successfully conducted in Thailand, specifically designed for participants from Lao PDR. This marks the second round of AJFVC Country-focused SPS training, following Cambodia’s session led by the Philippines. The primary goal of the program is to enhance the capabilities of local laboratories in conducting pesticide residue analysis, ensuring food safety and compliance with international standards.
This training involved two participants from two key institutions in Lao PDR, The plant Protection Center and one from the National Center of Food and Drug Analysis. This initiative was facilitated by Thailand’s Agricultural Toxic Substances Research Group under the Agricultural Production Sciences Research and Development Division of the Department of Agriculture. The matching of trainees and trainers was carefully done, taking into account the geographical location and language similarity between Lao PDR and Thailand.
The program spanned two weeks and combined lectures and hands-on laboratory training. The training curriculum was developed based on the needs of laboratories in Lao PDR. The lectures covered key topics such as the basics of pesticides, good laboratory practices, and CODEX guidelines on sampling and sample preparation.
Participants engaged in hands-on exercises where they applied their learning through performing multi-pesticide residue analysis on rice, tomatoes, oranges, and basil. They utilized the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) extraction method and employed advanced chromatography techniques, including gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The training culminated with data interpretation and analytical result evaluation, equipping participants with enhanced skills and knowledge for applications in Lao PDR’s laboratories.
