Laboratory Flexible Funding Model - Chemistry and Microbiology Disaplines

Project Summary - Overall Component
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) outlines a new approach to food safety that is risk-informed
and preventive in focus. Recognizing that sample testing can play a greater role in helping the Agency
and our regulatory partners prevent contaminated product from reaching consumers, understand risks,
and assess the value of strategies to control those risks, Food and Drug Administration has begun the
process of rethinking how the agency deploys its resources.
This will require collection and testing of a great many different kinds of matrices. The LFFM grant will be
utilized to support the above-mentioned initiative by producing a large quantity of sample outputs that will
drive a risk-based and prevention focused food safety system that both the FDA and our State partners
can utilize for tracking and trending, early identification of emerging issues, and evaluation for future
sampling initiatives and areas of focus. Further, laboratories will be offered the opportunity to expand their
testing scope to build and increase sample throughput capacity and capability within their state
WI BLS (Bureau of Laboratory Services) has been a member of the FERN Cooperative grant since 2009.
As member of FERN WI BLS has contributed through many testing, PT, and challenge exercises, as well
as presentations at all the conferences over the past 12 years. WI BLS is eager to take on new
challenges, expand our testing scope, and help FDA with this nationwide initiative. As such, we have
applied for both animal and human food tracks, as well as both developmental tracks, in addition to the
Food Defense and all Discipline D tracks.
In addition to WI BLS being well suited with its highly experienced staff, we also have a robust and
extensive instrument inventory aligned with the goals of this funding opportunity. WI BLS has over 30
staff member and 20 Chemist and Microbiologist who average over 25+ years in the laboratory testing
industry, as well as averaging 20+ years at WI BLS. Additionally, we have our 20.88 agreement in place
with FDA, have been an ISO accredited laboratory since 2008, have mentored other state labs through
the FDA ISO grant, and have been a grantee of the FDA ISO grant since 2012.