Microbiology Discipline Human Food Product Testing

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SC-DHEC PHL-Human Food Product Testing The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC), Public Health Laboratory (PHL), serves as the state public health laboratory working towards improving the quality of life for South Carolinians by protecting and promoting the health of the public and environment. The PHL Food Microbiology Laboratory has maintained the ability to test for foodborne pathogens and food quality indicator organisms for over 40 years and in 2016 achieved ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and has remained accredited since that time. During this cooperative agreement, the Food Microbiology Laboratory will maintain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation by remaining compliant with requirements set forth by our accrediting body and by maintaining a quality management system that addresses and conforms to all elements of ISO/IEC 17025 standards by performing internal audits, management reviews, proficiency testing, and quality system improvements. Through a partnership with the state Manufactured Food Retail Program Standards (MFRPS) programs, the Food Microbiology Laboratory will participate in a sample collection and analysis project. At least 250 human food product samples will be collected and tested; 200 will be leafy greens and tested for shiga toxin producing E. coli and 50 will be frozen dairy products that will be screened for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This partnership between state agencies strengthens the food safety network locally by encouraging communication and the development of effective processes for food collection and testing. The electronic sharing of data generated through routine surveillance activities will allow the Food and Drug Administration access to our data for enforcement activities. The fact that this data will be generated in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory will streamline analytical review and allow the FDA to rapidly respond and enforce regulatory compliance. The overall goal of this project is the support and development at the national level of an integrated food safety system.