January Webinar: Novel Foods: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities

Jay Alappat

Regional Technical Director - Chemistry (North America)

Jay Alappat, Ph. D is the Regional Technical Director of Chemistry (North America) for Merieux Nutrisciences. Jay Alappat received his Ph. D in analytical chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and has postdoctoral experience in food chemistry, food safety, natural products, enzyme chemistry and molecular biology. Prior to joining Merieux, Jay worked as a Senior Analytical Scientist at Natures Fynd in both Quality; and Research and Development groups, to develop fungal fermented meat/protein alternatives. Jay brings an experienced perspective to the safety, quality and acceptability of novel food ingredients; and their impact on sustainable food production. Jay has more than 20 years of experience in analytical method development, validation, verification and implementation. He is passionate about developing methods for the detection
and quantitation of volatile and non-volatile marker molecules responsible for sensory attributes in food and food ingredients. Jay’s expertise is in the extraction, isolation, purification, and identification of natural products and has years of hands-on experience in chromatographic and spectroscopic method development. His proficiency in food supplement research, product development and quality control make him a strategic manager with the ability to convert data into insights and impacts.

Kaylei Perry

Technical Sales Manager

Kaylei Perry is the technical sales manager for new business development for the Pacific Northwest and the East Coast at Merieux NutriSciences. Kaylei also oversees Novel Foods, Produce and Nut Industries at Merieux NutriSciences as the segment manager. She has over 10 years of experience in food safety, quality and regulatory compliance in produce and manufacturing. Prior to her role at Merieux, Kaylei was with Dole Fresh Vegetables where she managed food safety & quality programs, including ERP applications, traceability and crisis
recall management, regulatory compliance and process efficiency programs from farm to consumer globally. Her business background provides her with a comprehensive view of the financial, logistics and food safety challenges facing the produce and novel food industries. Kaylei received her BS in Food Science Nutrition & Chemistry from Fresno State University. She has served on various industry committees and technical working groups and has given several presentations and served as a panellist at industry gatherings.