FDA FERN Microbiological Cooperative Agreement Program RFA-FD-12-018 Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 93.448AbstractTexas performs analysis of foods both for regulatory purposes and to insure safe foodfor public consumption. In addition, analysis of foods and environmental samples areperformed in response to foodborne outbreaks. This grant would serve to strengthen ourstate's commitment to a safe food supply and improve the ability of DSHS to respond toa biological threat to the nation's food supply. As a grant recipient, Texas would use theFDA funding to leverage the groundwork already done and increase food testingcapacity. This groundwork includes the DSHS membership in the FDA Rapid ResponseTeams and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Laboratory Response Network(LRN). Texas is in a unique position to develop large-scale food emergency event surgecapacity using the existing network of ten public health laboratories, which arestrategically placed in the state's public health regions. The laboratory uses standardizedmethods developed for food testing, has access to standardized equipment platformsand has the capacity for electronic laboratory reporting. The DSHS laboratory currentlyparticipates in FDA and FERN proficiency testing. We have extensive qualitymanagement systems in place, and are exploring obtaining ISO 17025 accreditation.The laboratory has experience in method development and validation of food testingprotocols. As methods are developed and validated, the DSHS laboratory could alsoexpand the state's capacity for food testing training our LRN partners in performance ofthose methods. The laboratory currently has staff with extensive expertise in real timePCR, analysis of pathogens, immunomagnetic separation, ELFA and ELISA techniquesfor food and environmental samples. In conclusion, the goal of this grant application is toimprove DSHS collaborations with the FDA and FERN. If awarded this grant, Texaswould welcome the opportunity to have substantive involvement by the FDA and FERNin the implementation of this cooperative agreement. The grant would promote reliablecapability and capacity for the laboratory analysis of food and food products by the rapiddetection and identification of pathogenic microorganisms or bacterial toxins. Thistesting would support enhancement of the FERN in surge situations and surveillance offood samples.
FDA FERN Microbiological Cooperative Agreement Program RFA-FD-12-018 Catalog of Federal Assistance Number: 93.448 Short Project Narrative The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Laboratory performs analysis of foods both for regulatory purposes and to insure safe food for public consumption. In addition, analysis of foods and environmental samples is performed in response to foodborne outbreaks. This grant would serve to strengthen our states commitment to a safe food supply and improve the ability of DSHS to respond to a large scale threat to the nation's food supply.
