Discipline C - Analytical Track 1 The principal goal of this project is to enhance and maintain the radiological protection of food nationwide and within New York State, including activities related to surveillance, emergency response, and method development. The proposed activities will be performed within the Nuclear Chemistry Laboratory section of Laboratory of Inorganic and Nuclear Chemistry at Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health. Wadsworth Center, a comprehensive state public health laboratory, performs research and mandated testing in biomedical and environmental science. Its Division of Environmental Health Sciences is responsible for the analysis of environmental and food samples for toxic chemicals and radioactivity, as well as for laboratory activities in response to chemical and radiological threat-related incidents. Wadsworth Center develops and validates laboratory methods for measuring chemical and nuclear threat agents and accredits clinical and environmental laboratories throughout New York State. Our participation in the proposed 2020-2025 Laboratory Flexible Funding Model will focus on analysis of food samples for radioactive contamination, including alpha, beta, and gamma screening and quantification. We will work with the US FDA, Winchester Engineering and Analytical Center, and FERN program participants to strengthen surveillance testing activities, and to develop new and improved methods of beta radioactivity detection in foods that will support and expand sample testing and increase sample throughput capacity. Specific goals to Track 1, Food Defense and Maintenance include surveillance of 120 food samples per year for alpha/beta/gamma radioactivity, collected by regulatory collectors in New York State, in addition to samples related to the FERN exercises and assignments. Additional aims include maintenance of qualified and trained personnel for food radiochemistry and emergency, adherence to Quality Management System, as well as acquiring and calibration of equipment appropriate for radiological food defense. Furthermore, we will participate in/organize radiological exercises and Performance Tests for FERN, participate in FERN assignments, as well as attend Face-to-Face meetings and other conferences. Wadsworth Center?s Nuclear Chemistry Laboratory proposes development activities, such as method development and surge capacity development. The proposed methods involve Sr-89 and Sr-90 isotopic determination in food using liquid scintillation counting, determination of gross beta radioactivity in food using gas proportional counting as well as survey screening, in addition to quantitative approaches to beta radioactivity in food. We will also seek certification under ISO 17025 specifically for food analysis, to augment the laboratory certifications we already have.
