FDA LFFM: Discipline-Chemistry - Analytical Track- Food Defense at CT AES

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PROJECT SUMMARY- FOOD DEFENSE PROJECT FDA LFFM: Discipline-Chemistry; Analytical Track-Food Defense Testing at CT AES Project Summary- This proposal is being submitted in response to FOA-PAR-20-105 Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM)(U19). The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CT AES) has a 145-year history of food safety research, including 15 years as a member of the FDA Food Emergency Response Network (FERN) Chemistry Cooperative Agreement Program (cCAP), and 8 years of funding under 4 different FDA ISO food safety CAPs. In addition to being the sole laboratory in CT providing chemical testing for the MFRPS and AFRPS, the CT AES participates in a broader surveillance and monitoring to ensure food safety in the state, both as part of FERN cCAP and with other state agencies. The goal of the proposed Food Defense Project is to acquire the necessary funding to provide laboratory surge capacity in the analysis of foods and food products for analyses related to chemical contamination, through intentional means. CT AES has been a funded member of FERN cCAP since program inception in 2005. Our activities in FERN have been extensive, including activation during a number of emergency responses, surveillance assignments, surge response, PTs and challenge exercises, capacity/capability exercises, method development, matrix extension, training course development and teaching, and NPO assistance on a range of matters. The Research Strategy associated with this Project highlights CT AES past activities with regard to Food Defense, which includes both FERN and state-level activities. The Strategy also details our plan to meet the 15 Aims that cross all Projects, as detailed in the FOA, as well as the Food Defense project-specific goals of providing laboratory surge capacity in the analysis of foods and food products for analyses related to chemical contamination, through intentional means. This will involve analyzing at least 75 samples collected by FDA or an appropriate regulatory agency by a range of FERN methods targeting poisons/toxins and toxic heavy metals. The CT AES has demonstrated the expertise, capability, and adaptability to fully meet the objectives of this FOA through our successful participation in a number of FDA CAPs, including FERN cCAP for 15 years. Receipt of this new award from FDA will significantly enhance the ability of the CT AES specifically, and CT in general, to meet the program goals laid out in the FOA, and as described by the President's Food Safety Working Group, the Partnership for Food Protection and the Food Safety Modernization Act. 1