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Quantify the occurrence of foodborne pathogens in select foods: a.) Screen foods for the presence/absence of target pathogens. b.) Determine levels of target pathogens in selected foods. c.) Subtype multiple isolates from each positive sample. d.) Conduct proximate composition analyses on selected foods.
Approach: <BR/>
Work with FDA, USDA/ARS, and USDA/FSIS and associated industry partners to collect/purchase targeted food samples from retail establishments. Test samples for presence/absence of target pathogens, determine the levels of the pathogen(s) in each positive sample by direct plating or enrichment. Retain multiple isolates from each positive sample for subsequent molecular subtyping and perform chemical analyses on food samples as appropriate.