PAR-20-105: Discipline D ? Special Project ? Track 1: Sample Collection Project Summary The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Food Safety and Consumer Services (FS&CS) Laboratory is the State?s Primary Regulatory Human Food and Animal Feed Safety Laboratory. The Laboratory seeks five years of funding through the FDA Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) Cooperative Agreement Program?s Discipline D Special Projects Track 1. This funding will be used to support our goals described in LFFM Discipline A Microbiology Tracks 2 and 3, thereby promoting the preventative food safety approach championed under FSMA. ? The Laboratory and WSDA Food Safety and Animal Feed Regulatory Programs have benefitted greatly through our long-standing collaboration. The samplers within the regulatory programs have demonstrated competence in aseptic sampling techniques, chain of custody documentation, and adherence to the strict sampling guidelines of FDA. ? Our eligibility for Discipline D Special Projects Track 1 is contingent upon receiving funding under Discipline A Microbiology Tracks 2/3. We are strong contenders for the latter since we have received funding under FDA FERN MCAP, and have used this funding judiciously and well. ? Our Laboratory also has a renowned history of capacity for regulatory sample collection spanning decades. o Our sample collection history dates back to 2001 as a member of the USDA AMS Microbiological Data Program (MDP). For over 11 years, the commodities were routinely collected by members of our Laboratory from the midpoint of distribution, including warehouses and distribution centers. Training provided by USDA instilled the importance of following aseptic sampling technique, preserving sample integrity during transit, and maintaining complete chain of custody documentation. o Our sampling experience has only grown stronger as an FDA FERN MCAP participant. Currently, 8 Laboratory members have received sampling training by our state and/or FDA. In conclusion, if our proposal is accepted, we are willing and able to participate in sample collection activities that support the goals set forth in other analytical tracks. Given our decades of sampling experience, sampling breadth that encompasses both fresh produce and RTE commodities, and a history of collaboration with our regulatory partners, our Program has the skills necessary to support LFFM?s goals. Washington State Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Consumer Services Laboratory
