Adaptability and ongoing learning are key to career success, advises Colm Walsh, laboratory technician in the Public Analyst Laboratory in Cork
With a Bachelor of Science in Analytical Chemistry with a focus on Quality Assurance, Colm Walsh’s career began in the private sector, where he developed a strong foundation in analytical techniques and quality control processes. “I love the challenges that science presents, its ever-changing nature keeps me interested and passionate about my work, as no problem is ever truly the same.”
In his current role as a laboratory technician in the public sector, his primary focus is on the analysis of food samples to detect the presence of heavy metals. “This position allows me to contribute directly to public health by ensuring that the food products people consume are safe and compliant with regulatory standards,” he says.
As a laboratory technician, Colm’s core responsibilities include preparing and analysing food samples that are sent to the laboratory by various government agencies. He explains: “These samples are analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), a highly sensitive technique that allows for the precise detection of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium and lead. Through this process, we can determine whether food products meet the safety limits set by EU legislation. Our work is critical in ensuring that foods entering the market are safe for consumption, and we play an essential role in protecting public health by identifying non-compliant products before they reach consumers.”
Ongoing evolution
One of the most challenging aspects of his role, he says, is navigating the ever-evolving landscape of food safety legislation. “As new research and studies emerge, we gain a deeper understanding of potential sources of heavy metal contamination in the food supply chain. This often leads to the introduction of new regulatory limits and sampling matrices, which means our laboratory must adapt quickly. New matrices and updated limits require us to validate our existing analytical methods continuously to ensure their accuracy and compliance.” This dynamic environment keeps his work challenging, he says, as it demands both adaptability and a commitment to maintaining high standards of precision and accuracy in analyses.
For anyone interested in pursuing a career in food safety and laboratory work, Colm’s advice is to strive to improve and remain open to learning. “The world of science is constantly evolving and it’s crucial to keep pace with new developments. Staying current with scientific literature and advances in analytical instrumentation can prove incredibly useful, as these tools and techniques can help address unexpected challenges in the lab. Adaptability and a commitment to professional growth are key attributes for success in this field. Embrace the mindset of continuous learning, and you’ll find opportunities to make meaningful contributions to food safety.”
Peer learning
Workshops are an excellent way to learn about the latest developments in food safety, he believes, and a recent workshop at the Technical University of Denmark afforded training and facilitated knowledge-sharing among food safety professionals from across the EU. “The European Union Reference Laboratory for Metals and Nitrogenous Compounds in Feed and Food (EURL-MN) hosted a workshop titled, Training in the determination of inorganic arsenic in feed and food by HPLC-ICPMS. This experience allowed me to bring back new insights and methodologies to our laboratory, helping us to stay at the forefront of food safety testing. These workshops not only offer practical training but also serve as platforms for exchanging information, discussing emerging trends, and building networks that help to improve our understanding of food safety standards across the EU.”
Colm’s participation in this workshop was supported by the Safefood Knowledge Network Food Safety Skills Fund. “The primary aim of my visit was to gain comprehensive training on the inorganic arsenic HPLC-ICP-MS method. This trip was intended to equip me with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement this method effectively within our laboratory, thereby enhancing our ability to detect inorganic arsenic. The training I received was comprehensive and has since become integral to my daily work. It has significantly enhanced the food safety activities in our laboratory, allowing us to improve our methodologies for detecting inorganic arsenic in food products. The detection of inorganic arsenic is crucial for ensuring food safety, given its toxic nature and potential health risks. This training was relevant to our laboratory’s goals of maintaining high safety standards and complying with EU regulations.
“Beyond the technical training, the workshop also provided a platform for connecting with experts and peers from various countries. This network has become a valuable resource, enabling us to share insights, best practices and new research findings. The connections established during this event continue to support our lab’s efforts in maintaining high standards of food safety through improved detection methods,” Colm explains.
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