In response to the FDA?s Laboratory Flexible Funding Model program announcement, the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory (MSCL) has submitted a robust proposal titled ?Enhancement of Mississippi?s Capabilities in Integrated Food Safety Partnerships.? This plan encompasses 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 food safety system depends on a mutual reliance between state and federal regulatory agencies. In order for this reliance 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 and communication, and competent staff and continuous improvement training. This funding opportunity and the MSCL?s proposal encompasses these criteria. With this funding, the MSCL will be able to expand the surveillance of food products, begin surveillance testing of animal feed products for chemical and toxin contaminants, and expand the MSCL?s scope of accreditation.
The Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory is a regulatory agency seeking to enhance the integrated food safety system of Mississippi in an effort to better protect the health its constituents. This will be accomplished by strengthening our collaborations with other State and Federal regulatory partners, broadening our surveillance program for human and animal food products, expanding our scope of ISO 17025 accreditation, and improving our means of data transmission to the FDA by using the National Food Safety Data Exchange.
