<OL> <LI> To develop laboratory-based multiclass, multiresidue
analytical methods for veterinary drugs in animal-derived foods, feeds, and marker
matrices (e.g., tissues, blood, urine); <LI> To develop field-based instruments and
methods for analytical screening of chemicals of food safety/security concern (or
nutritional interest) in foods; <LI> To develop field-portable and laboratory-based
analytical methods for the screening and reliable identification of biotoxins and
phytochemicals in foods;<LI> Devise a scientifically defensible and practical system
to evaluate qualitative identification of chemical residues in complex matrices; and
<LI> Employ and adapt progressive analytical concepts previously developed for
pesticides (QuEChERS and related approaches) to meet other food safety and security
applications (e.g. dioxins).
Approach: The project involves the application and evaluation of rapid and sensitive lab-based
approaches to dependably detect mutliple veterinary drug classes in animal-derived
foods predominantly using atmospheric pressure ionization/tandem mass spectrometry.
Similarly, for multiple chemical residues and toxins in meats, poultry, eggs, fruits,
vegetables, and grains, the approach involves the development and evaluation of rapid
lab-based quantitative and confirmatory analytical approaches predominatly using as
chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, field-based screening
techniques for chemical contaminants in foods at tolerance levels will be developed.
The results obtained by these novel methods will be compared to those obtained by
traditional techniques currently in use.