The Kansas Department of Agriculture Laboratory (KDAL) performs analytical chemistryand microbiological testing services for the regulatory programs within the KansasDepartment of Agriculture. KDAL is the primary testing laboratory for the Division of FoodSafety and Lodging and is an integral part of their conformance to Standard 10 of theManufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards. Part of Standard 10 states that foodtesting laboratories must have quality systems consistent with ISO/IEC 17025:2005. TheKansas ISO/IES 17025:2005 Accreditation for Manufactured Food Testing Project Planoutlines a detailed plan for the Kansas Department of Agriculture Laboratory to implementa new quality system that is adheres to the principles and requirements of ISO/IEC17025:2005.The plan includes hiring a Quality Assurance Manager and an administrative assistant,joining FERN, participating in an appropriate food testing proficiency program, andprocuring ISO 17025 and quality assurance training for new and existing staff.Additionally, a temperature monitoring system and document control software will bepurchased, and ISO 17025 accreditation will be applied for and obtained through anappropriate accrediting body.Outcomes will be measured through self-assessment and completion of quarterly andannual reports to FDA. Goals will be annually reviewed and updated as necessary.
Relevance By participating in this cooperative agreement, the Kansas Department of Agriculture Laboratory (KDAL) will create and implement a quality system consistent with the principles and requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and achieve ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation for microbiological food testing. ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation will attest to KDAL's competency and technical capabilities to perform certain tasks and support traceability of data generated. This brings the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Food Safety and Lodging into conformance with Standard 10 of the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards. FDA can be confident using KDAL data for enforcement purposes, which increases FDA's laboratory capabilities. All of these factors contribute to the development of a national integrated food safety system which benefits the people of Kansas and the United States.
