Discipline C - Radiochemistry - Analytical Track Food Defense

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Abstract PROJECT SEVEN: Texas State Chemist Food Defense for Radiological Hazards Plans for the OTSC-AAS radiochemistry food defense project include: 1) expansion of radiochemistry methodology to detect radionuclides, 2) expand the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 scope to include alpha, beta, and gamma testing, 3) participation in FDA requested annual surveillance activities to support and maintain readiness, 4) participation in national security event exercises 5) maintenance of preparedness to rapidly respond to the suspected or confirmed intentional contamination event involving human or animal food including ensuring analysts are trained and have passed competency exercise, equipment is in working order and reagents and supplies are available, and 6) participation in testing associated with suspected or credible threats to the food and animal food supply where a radiological agent is suspected at the request of FDA. In 2019, OTSC conducted extensive preparations and allocated necessary budgets for the design and development of a new radiological lab to participate in the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN). The agency applied and received a radioactive material (RAM) permit as part of the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) radiological license in September 2019. The agency currently has a Canberra Series 5 XLB gas proportional alpha/beta counter and two Canberra HPGe gamma spectrophotometers, two Ortec HPGe gamma spectrophotometers, and a Princeton gamma tech spectrophotometer. Secondary instrumentation includes a Ludlum 14C survey meter with a 44-2 gamma scintillator and a 44-9 Pancake GM detector. The agency developed and implemented operating and safety procedures to meet all regulatory requirements imposed by TAMU Environmental Health and Safety, through their licenses with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Bureau of Radiation Control and US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. As an outcome of this project, Texas animal food defense for radiological hazards will be strengthened and scope of ISO accreditation expanded resulting in capacity and capability increased and provide surge capacity for food regulatory agencies in the event of a radiological disaster.