Enhancement of Mississippi?s Capabilities in Integrated Food Safety Partnerships

AbstractIn response to the FDA?s Laboratory Flexible Funding Model program announcement, theMississippi State Chemical Laboratory (MSCL) has submitted a robust proposal titled?Enhancement of Mississippi?s Capabilities in Integrated Food Safety Partnerships.? This planencompasses six projects:? Discipline B: Chemistry, Analytical Track 1. Food Defense (Years 1-5)? Discipline B: Chemistry, Analytical Track 2. Human Food Product Testing (Years 1-5)? Discipline B: Chemistry, Analytical Track 3. Animal Food Product Testing (Years 1-5)? Discipline D: Special Projects 1. Sample Collection (Years 1-5)? Discipline D: Special Projects 2. NFSDX and ORAPP Integration (Year 1 only)? Discipline D: Special Projects 3. Method Development/Validation (Year 2 only)Overall Objective: Strengthen Mississippi?s Integrated Food Safety System. A truly integrated foodsafety system depends on a mutual reliance between state and federal regulatory agencies. In order for thisreliance and integration to prevent and effectively respond to foodborne or food contaminant incidents,there needs to be certifications and universal standards, food safety program collaboration andcommunication, and competent staff and continuous improvement training. This funding opportunity andthe MSCL?s proposal encompasses these criteria. With this funding, the MSCL will be able to expand thesurveillance of food products, begin surveillance testing of animal feed products for chemical and toxincontaminants, and expand the MSCL?s scope of accreditation.