CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC) Food Safety Laboratories provide analytical services to the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) through analyzing various samples DPR staff take from the field.
To observe firsthand the sampling techniques utilized by DPR, Food Safety Laboratory team members recently rode along with the DPR Enforcement Branch while they collected samples for DPR’s Food Residue Monitoring program. Together, they visited various sites including distribution centers, terminal markets and grocery stores.
These ride-along events provide a great opportunity for CAC chemists to connect field sampling to the analysis performed in the laboratory and further strengthen the collaborative relationship between CAC and DPR.
“My ride-along experience was a perfect complement to the laboratory training that I’ve received since starting at CAC,” said new Environmental Scientist Sam Hartanto. “I walked away with a new understanding of how samples arrive at the lab and a strong appreciation for the work that the DPR samplers do.”