Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship LFFM - Expanding Capabilities and Capacities

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) propose to partner with the FDA withthe Laboratory Flex Funding Model (LFFM) to enhance the capacity and capabilities of state human andanimal food testing laboratories in support of an integrated food safety system. ISO/IEC 17025:2005laboratory accreditation within the scope must be maintained at full implementation to strengthenquality results. IDALS compliance of the FDA?s requirements will benefit the FDA by enabling IDALS todevelop and implement standards, develop and maintain best practices, enhance food safety, andreduce illnesses attributed to various food safety hazards. By maintaining ISO/IEC 17025:2005accreditation, the data will come from a quality system that delivers results that are recognized as high-quality, and will be immediately enforceable, thus increasing food security through an integrated foodsafety system that is effective and efficient.IDALS overall strategy to meet the goals of the LFFM is to expand IDALS testing capabilities and capacityhiring new employees, purchasing additional equipment, validating new methods, and testing humanand animal food samples.