Contributing a comprehensive and integrated food protection laboratory hub from Maryland

OVERALL PROJECT SUMMARY:Serious foodborne illness resulting from contaminated food is a persistent and largely preventable publichealth problem that receives national attention every year. Dramatic advances in technology have placedlarge-scale systematic food surveillance testing on the verge of transforming national strategy fromoutbreak management to informed prevention. Realizing this revolutionary milestone depends onimplementing and integrating sensitive, precise, and high-throughput scientific methods, sophisticatedinstrumentation, and unprecedented information connectivity. The overarching aim of this proposal is tocontribute a comprehensive and integrated food protection laboratory hub from the state ofMaryland that is capable of analyzing food across many diverse threat priorities to the national FoodEmergency Response Network. Extensive food testing capabilities across microbiology, chemistry, andradiochemistry disciplines are all housed within a single and unified Division of Environmental Sciencesof the MDH Laboratories Administration. The current 14-track multifaceted proposal seeks to integrateand strengthen the Laboratory?s ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited methods, cutting-edge instrumentation,and expanded food surveillance testing activities across all disciplines with the goal of protecting thenation?s food supply. Moreover, with a steadfast commitment to constant improvement, the Laboratoryfurther strives to implement the newest testing methods, expand capacity of key capabilities, andparticipate in developmental activities with state and national partners. Finally, the proposal places a highpriority on offering young scientists opportunities to join public health service. The outcome of thisextensive and integrated plan should provide meaningful large-scale surveillance data to regulatorypartners, and define underlying food safety vulnerabilities to inform national protective strategies of thefuture.