The Rhode Island State Health Laboratory (RI SHL) is a member of theFERN and as such, is committed to preparedness for detection and responseto foodborne disease outbreaks. The laboratory seeks to augment thiscapability through participation in the FDA / FERN MicrobiologyCooperative Agreement (FDA/FERN Micro CAP). With the support of thisaward the RI SHL will augment and train staff on a variety of equipmentplatforms and protocols specified by the FDA and FERN, will participate inmethods development and proficiency testing, will provide surge capacity forFDA food testing, and will agree to share all testing results with FDA /FERN through eLEXNET.
Assuring safety of the public food supply requires a robust capability for detecting foodborne disease pathogens during routine food sample testing and as part of foodborne disease outbreak investigations. The purpose of the proposed project is to Augment the food testing capability and capacity of the Rhode Island State Health Lab and to provide food testing surge capacity for the FDA.
