Laboratory Food Surveillance; Maintenance and Capacity Enhancement - 5 Year

NEVADA STATE PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY OVERALL ABSTRACT SUMMARYThe Nevada State Public Health Laboratory (NSPHL) is the only public food-testinglaboratory in Nevada. Analytical food testing is provided to Nevada?s regulatoryagencies and health authorities assessing foods for regulatory compliance, emergencyresponse and foodborne outbreak investigations.The NSPHL is the primary testing laboratory for Nevada?s Manufactured FoodRegulatory Program (MFRP) testing submitted foods monthly. In addition, the NSPHLhas been a CDC PulseNet Laboratory providing PFGE analyses, and more recentlywhole genome sequencing testing, for foodborne related pathogens statewide.The NSPHL is the designated FERN laboratory in Nevada as well as a Tier ILaboratory Response Network (LRN-B) Biological and LRN-C Level II ChemicalLaboratory performing Select Agent/Hazard testing on a variety of matrices.Over the past few years, the NSPHL has been working toward ISO/IEC 17025:2017Accreditation. The initial onsite A2LA Assessment is scheduled for July 23-24, 2020.The NSPHL is seeking to maintain the existing food testing capacities under theISO/IEC 17025:2017 scope while supporting the MFRP. In addition, enhancement ofthe testing scope to include whole genome sequencing methodologies, radiochemistryanalyses as well as other methods to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act(FSMA) to heighten food safety with a prevention focus.Nevada is unique in that it not only provides public health laboratory services toNevada citizens but also to millions of tourists. As a destination state, there is anabundance of food related establishments and buffet venues that could be a source ofconcern. The 24/7 food service options in Nevada provide a beneficial and conscioussurveillance opportunity to assure protection of visitors and citizens? health in Nevadausing a risk-based model with prevention being the focus.Page 1 of 1