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) The Food Defense Project will be conducted in Years 1 through 5 of the cooperative agreement. The goal of this project is to enhance the State of Mississippi?s integrated food safety system. In Years 1 through 5, MSDH will collect a minimum of 75 samples annually for major classes of potential contaminants. These products and associated tests include the following: fruits and vegetables for pesticides, jams/jellies for pesticides, bottles water, and seafood pesticides and PAHs. The MSCL is prepared to participate in triage and national security exercises and be ready to respond as requested by the FDA to test food products associated with threats.
