Fda Fern Cooperative Agreement Continuation Program (u18)

Project SummaryFrom 1999-2014, the Food Safety Laboratory (FSL), Center for Animal Health, and Food Safety (TheCenter) at New Mexico State University (NMSU) has worked closely with the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) Office of Field Science on a variety of food safety and defense assignments.We were tasked by the FDA to evaluate, analyze and validate rapid test methods. We have improvedmany Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) methods and provided validation data for rapid methodsthat have been implemented by FDA Regional Laboratories. FDA has also distributed improvements inanalytical methods to Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) member laboratories.We are directly involved in many of the FERN mission objectives. We provide laboratory outreach withNew Mexico State University agricultural programs to growers and food processors. We havedemonstrated experience in method development and validation. Through the New Mexico CooperativeExtension Service Programs, we provide training to growers and food processors in food safety anddefense. We perform regular proficiency testing and validation with BAM and new rapid test methods.When requested, we participate in surveillance activities. We are a member of the Electronic LaboratoryExchange Network (eLEXNET) Program for electronic communications. We were selected to participatein the FDA Whole Genome Project and have obtained an illumina MiSqe benchtop sequencer and willreceive 3 years of supplies to support our sequencing efforts.When we were selected as a FERN MCAP lab, we increased our capabilities and hope to continue toserve the FERN program in detecting and identifying threat agents in food at the local, state, andfederal levels and be a service to the nation.As a FERN MCAP lab, we intend to continue to:1) Develop proficiency in the equipment received from the MCAP2) Obtain appropriate training for laboratory staff 33) Participate in all FDA/FERN activities as requested by the FERN National Program Office(NPO)