Feed Program The New Jersey Department of Agriculture Division of Marketing and Development, Bureau of Inspection and Grading?s objectives in participating in this agreement are to obtain equipment, supplies, personnel, and training to implement the AFRPS concepts in State. In order to comply with these standards, a reevaluation of the program current status is needed. A basic to advanced training program is needed, whereas inspectors and administration can comply with Standards. The unit will develop a computer program (USA Plants) with current up to date feed information and risk assessments. A checklist of inspection procedures and techniques will be developed. The evaluation and performance audit will be implemented. The unit will compile a risk assessment of manufactures, blenders, processors, and distributers of feed products to ensure quality and safety. The Bureau will cooperate with FDA to effectively and efficiently implement AFRPS within in the State. Overall this co operative agreement funding will enable the State to enhance the Agricultural Chemistry Program in sampling, testing, and enforcement ensuring the AFRPS standards in the State. This will provide the public with the assurance of quality, safe, and unadulterated feeds. Project Summary: Laboratory The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) laboratory?s objectives in participating in this project are to obtain laboratory equipment, supplies, personnel, and training in quality assurance as well as standardized testing methodologies. These provisions will enhance the feed analytical capabilities of the NJDA laboratory and help obtain the ISO 17025:2005 accreditation. By participating in the co-operative agreement program, the laboratory will develop analytical methods needed by the N.J. State feed agency (Division of Marketing and Development), undertake proficiency testing provided by external agencies, and implement feed sampling plans. The laboratory will co-operate with FDA to develop data exchange between the laboratory and eLEXNET. The laboratory will develop surge capacity needed to provide analytical services in the event of a large-scale microbiological or chemical event through animal feed. The laboratory will obtain ISO 17025:2005 accreditations under FDA?s guidance by following the predetermined timeline to obtain the accreditation. The laboratory will also participate in the mentoring program in collaboration with FDA and other participating laboratories. Overall, this co-operative funding will enable swift laboratory response to events related to contaminated or adulterated animal feed and provide valid and defensible laboratory data for regulatory action.
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation. Serving a densely populated state with a diverse population of pets and livestock, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) has a responsibility to safeguard the health and well-being of not only the animal population within New Jersey?s borders but also the health of the human population. When animal feed is contaminated or adulterated or does not conform to the product label, it adversely affects animal health. Human health may also become compromised through close association with pets or livestock, consumption of contaminated meat, or by consuming questionable ingredients used in both animal and human food products. This co-operative agreement funding will provide the Bureau of Inspection and Grading with computer programs, equipment, supplies, personnel, and extensive training in the concepts of AFRPS. This provision will enhance the feed inspection program to assure the quality and safety of feed being manufactured, processed, blended, and distributed throughout the State. By participating in this agreement the State will be able to implement the concepts of AFRPS, and ensuring the safety of feeds to the direct consumer. This co-operative agreement funding will provide laboratory equipment, supplies, personnel, and training in quality assurance as well as standardized testing methodologies. These provisions will enhance the feed testing capabilities of the NJDA laboratory, help obtain the ISO 17025:2005 accreditation, and enable swift laboratory response to large scale events related to contaminated or adulterated feed.
