2025-MARCH F2F ASQ O E (Section-701) Monthly Meeting

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals widely recognized for their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects. These "forever chemicals" are increasingly found in promotional consumer products, such as branded clothing, drinkware, cookware, cosmetics, and packaging materials. This presentation explores the understanding of PFAS and its health and environmental impacts, prevalence in promotional consumer products and regulatory and legal landscape. It will also discuss alternatives and best practices along with consumer and corporate responsibilities including strategies to minimize PFAS exposure and promoting sustainable alternatives. The findings underscore the collaboration among industry stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers are essential to mitigate the risks associated with PFAS ensuring safer consumer products and a healthier environment for all.

Sanjay Kotia is an experienced and seasoned quality assurance, compliance and regulatory affairs professional, A current committee member of Promotional Products Association International’s (PPAI) Government relations advisory Council and Product Responsibility Action Group. Currently, Mr. Kotia is working as a Senior Manager of product compliance and quality assurance at SnugZ USA, 7th largest company in promotional products. His professional experience includes more than 24 years of product safety compliance in aerospace, manufacturing, defense commodities and promotional products. Mr. Kotia is a certified Consumer Product Safety Professional CPSPTM from Virginia Tech University; Certified in Supply Chain Management CSCM® from California State University, Fullerton and have earned MAS® designation from PPAI and MASI® from Advertising Specialty Institute. He also holds an MBA in supply chain management, MA in psychology and BS in biological sciences. He has been a member leader at American Society for Quality (ASQ) and a current member of Institute for Supply Management(ISM).

The cancer treatments have rapidly changed in the past decade. What was once thought as the impossibility of curing cancer has been achieved using CAR-T Therapy for blood cancers. The presentation aims to provide background information on the CAR-T and other types of cell and gene therapies. Also, it will explore the industry’s effort to solve the manufacturing challenges in scaling up, manufacturing costs and ensuring quality.

Jamie Tom is a seasoned Quality Professional with over 30 years of experience in Quality in Biotechnology and Cell and Gene Therapy sectors. She brings a broad perspective from supporting proof of concept, toxicology, first in human to late phase clinical trials and commercial products at Amgen, GenMark, Neumedicines, PTSI Consulting and Theragent. She is well versed in GxP and is passionate about the career and personal development of next generation Quality professionals.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Tandoor Cuisine of India, 1132 E Katella Ave, Orange, United States