- ANIMAL FOOD PROJECT FDA LFFM: Discipline-Chemistry; Analytical Track-Animal Food Product Testing at CT AES Project Summary- This proposal is being submitted in response to RFA-PAR-20-105 Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM)(U19). The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CT AES) has a 145-year history of food safety research, including 15 years as a member of the FDA Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) Chemistry Cooperative Agreement Program (cCAP), and 8 years of funding under 4 different FDA ISO food safety CAPs. In addition to being the sole laboratory in Connecticut providing chemical testing for the Animal Feed Regulatory Program Standard (AFRPS), the CT AES participates in a broader surveillance and monitoring program to ensure the safety of animal food in the state. The primary goal of this Animal Food Project is to acquire the necessary funding to improve animal food testing surveillance programs through the chemical analysis of animal food products. CT AES was a co-awardee under the previous CAP award focused on animal food; RFA 15- FD-15-021 was designed to support laboratory conformance with the managerial and technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 as part of the AFRPS. CT AES was awarded ISO 17025 Accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) in December 2016 and engaged in 3 scope expansions in 2017-2019. Our current Scope, which covers methods for the chemical analysis of animal food, is valid until February 2021. The Research Strategy details our plan to meet the 15 Aims detailed in the RFA that cross all projects, as well as the project-specific goals of improving food testing surveillance programs through the chemical analysis of animal food products. The Research Strategy also includes a description of the sample type/number, commodity pairs and analytical methods pursued under this project. We will analyze 500 samples per year to be collected by the state regulatory agency for animal food; the CT Depart. of Agriculture. Samples will be analyzed for mycotoxins, proximate measures (protein, fat, fiber), pesticides, and toxic metals. Also, cannabis/hemp will be analyzed for CBD and THC. The CT AES has demonstrated the expertise, capability, and adaptability to fully meet the objectives of this RFA through our successful participation in a number of FDA CAPs, including one specifically targeting animal food product testing. Receipt of this new award will significantly enhance the ability of the CT AES specifically to meet the program goals laid out in the RFA, and as described by the President?s Food Safety Working Group, the Partnership for Food Protection and the Food Safety Modernization Act. 1
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station 123 HUNTINGTON STREET, P.O. BOX 1106, NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 06504 Putting Science to Work for Society Protecting Agriculture, Public Health, and the Environment Founded 1875 RFA-PAR-20-105 Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM)(U19) Project Narrative: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CT AES) has a 145-year history of food safety research, including 15 years as a member of the FDA Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) Chemistry Cooperative Agreement Program (cCAP), and 8 years of funding under 4 different FDA ISO food safety CAPs. In addition to being the sole laboratory in Connecticut providing chemical testing for the AFRPS program, the CT AES participates a broader surveillance and monitoring program to ensure the safety of animal food in the state. The primary goal of the proposed Animal Food Product Testing Project is to acquire the necessary funding to improve animal food testing surveillance programs through the chemical analysis of animal food products. The test results generated by this project can then be used to remove adulterated animal food from commerce and aide regulatory inspection programs in conducting investigations. Phone: (203) 974-8500 Fax: (203) 974-8502 Toll Free: 1-(877) 855-2237 WWW.CT.GOV/CAES An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
